Catherine Kustra has worked with Mad Shelley Films for more than four years and known the company’s founder and Under The Flowers director, Richard Wilson for over 10 years (Catherine was still in high school). “We’ve worked together on many projects and I consider him a true mentor and one of the most valuable people I have met in this industry”, says Catherine. While she didn’t have to audition for this role, considering the style of the show, and the awesome chemistry she had with the rest of the cast, Catherine would have stood a good chance at the audition. But then again, one can imagine that only Richard would know for sure!
As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Catherine Kustra (CK): This last season of Under The Flowers saw a lot more of Charlotte, and the audience gets the opportunity to really examine her personality, as well as her personal growth since season one. It was a little intimidating during filming because it was just me and a recorded voice going back and forth against a green screen, but it allowed me to discover more vulnerable sides of myself as an actress and introduce more depth to a character I’ve had the pleasure of growing into over the years.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
CK: I think I knew that those last few scenes between Charlotte and Rose would be challenging, both in theory and in execution. By then Charlotte’s really sacrificed a lot and taken a major leap of faith for this other woman, so I knew we’d have to some pretty convincing chemistry with not a lot of rehearsal time or shared scenes to get to know each other as actors. I felt inspired, as always, by the professionalism and dedication of the whole cast, and by my admiration for this company and the story Richard planted as a small seed four years ago only to watch it branch out in so many different and great directions.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
CK: I don’t think I’m the first to share this sentiment, but indie films are always great experiences because everyone who’s involved wants to be there. The work is fresh, the passion is real, and the excitement is always palpable. Personally, I always feel like I’m on the cusp of something new and amazing.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
CK: In filming the scenes with The Darkness, Charlotte was supposed to appear somewhat shaken, but not too visibly, making sure she kept a tough demeanor. Up to that point I had always struggled with being vulnerable on stage or on camera, always having directors pull it out of me. I can confidently say that this shoot was the first time a director ever said, “I love what you’re giving me. You look like you’re ready to cry, and we’ve got great stuff, but could you be a bit harsher?”
How did you create your character from the ground up?
CK: I first played Charlotte in The Halloween Girl back in 2014, and she’s grown with me in the years since. Her first appearances were loaded with anger and resentment, and so was I, because that whole year was extremely difficult for me. I used to joke with Richard that I already felt like a ghost who was tethered to the earth by all my unresolved anger, so I vibed more with this undead character than I expected to. As Charlotte progressed through Under The Flowers Seasons 1 and 2, I grew up with her, gained some new perspectives, learned how to forgive and be grateful, and as a result, the woman we see in Circle of Hell is such a contrast from who we started out with. If you look carefully it’s even symbolized by aesthetic changes like my makeup and hair color.
As the main cast of the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Where you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
CK: I always feel energized when there’s a lot for me to do during production. I love what I do, and I have a very strong memory, so memorizing a lot of lines isn’t a problem, and I welcome the responsibility of leadership. I had the added benefit of doing special fx make-up for this show as well, which was a ton of fun and still gave me some downtime between scenes to soak up the experience.
Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
CK: It seems like a small choice, but the way I did my make-up, and the other characters’ make-up for this season really made a difference in how we present it on camera. Everything about this season has been very whimsical to me; costumes and cosmetics played a very big role in that.
What did you take away from the film production?
CK: I took a brief hiatus from acting before this because of some health complications, so Under The Flowers was my first step back into the business. Having had such a great experience with the filming process, and having received such fabulous reception from the final product, I can truly say this series has re-energized me about my acting career in a way I didn’t think possible before.
What do you like most about the director and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
CK: I, and other actors, have always said that if every company operated the way Richard operates Mad Shelley Films, we would never need an actors’ union, and the entire industry would be much easier to navigate. Every experience is extremely professional, the crew is so considerate, and you leave feeling accomplished, and as if you’ve gained a large new family.
What is next for you?
CK: In addition to auditioning, I’m focusing on some self-produced works, among them, a comedic web-series and a two-act play based on my parents’ experiences as political prisoners/refugees of the former Soviet Union. Writing has always been my second love, and I’m excited to be back at it.
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
CK: Be observant, listen to feedback, never stop growing or learning, and be grateful for the abundance of small happy moments that come with doing what you love.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Catherine Kustra. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
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