Miki Kaneko reels back her work on “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” her first US film production and details her experiences collaborating with artists on a foreign film production.
“I was born and raised in Japan. I did theater and short films. While building my acting career, I dreamed of living in another country. ‘Why don’t you go somewhere you enjoy living and building your acting career?’, one of my friends told me”, says Miki.
Even though her English was not good enough, Miki moved to LA in back 2019 and studied at Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory for one (1) year. And after graduating from school, Miki started her professional acting career in LA the City of Angels.
indieactivity: Hey Miki! Tell us what acting technique you use?
Miki Kaneko (MK): Hey back! It is nice to be here! I learned the Meisner technique, the Lee Strasberg technique and the Chekhov technique, and more. In my case, I use them depending on the scene. For example, when I want to get angry (which is really hard for me), I really focus on a partner using the Meisner technique. Be in the moment and listen, then I get energy from the person.
Let’s take this project you did; how did you prepare for such a role: the cast, the physicality the terrain, the climate, weather, and the demands of the project?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I read the script many times and recalled similar experiences as her. And analyze what I’m needed as a character in a play.
How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Miki Kaneko (MK): I was wondering who she was. Then the director gave her the Japanese traditional clothes even though she was not written as Japanese. Everything became clear. I could make her backbone fluidly and get into her easier. Just one thing will be a great hint.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
MK: It was a British story. So it was so hard for me to understand their expressions at first. But I knew it was a great story during a table read even though I don’t understand the story with details. And I was excited how my dear friend played the main character and was proud of being a part of it.
What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
MK: I enjoy meeting a lot of fascinating people. Every actor and director have different approaches. I like to know what they think and feel and work with them to improve myself.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
MK: “Use your personality.” This is what the director said and I strongly remember. I have tended to lose myself since I moved to LA because I met a lot of people with different and great personalities. But when I got the advice, I gained confidence again.
What do you like most about the director and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
MK: She is down-to-earth. She judges calmly and honestly and is open to suggestions. Everyone works for her with respect.
What is next for you?
MK: I will play the heroine in the science fiction film and Godzilla fan film “Godzilla vs Baragon”. The filming day is scheduled in July in 2021. We have been rehearsing online since January. It would be a great film!
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
MK: To help each other when someone is having a hard time.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Miki Kaneko in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”. 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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