Interview: Rose McIver

We caught up with kiwi actress Rose McIver! Rose has graced our screens in shows such as Power Rangers and Super City and has featured in films like The Lovely Bones and Predicament.

You’ll also see Rose in the latest season of Once Upon A Time and the new Showtime series Masters of Sex.

This November you can see Rose in the New Zealand short film Dangerous Ride directed by Linda Niccol as part of the Show Me Shorts Film Festival.

Dangerous Ride is a high stakes drama about a sex offender in rehabilitation and a young girl, that turns all expectations upside down.

Rose spoke to us about her experiences working on Dangerous Ride and what’s next for her:

DANGEROUS RIDE IS QUITE A GRIPPING SHORT FILM – CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE ROLE?

I first learned about this role through my dear friend, Miranda Harcourt. She introduced me to Linda and I immediately thought- this is a woman with vision and who is sharing a unique story. I like explorations of characters who have committed crimes and are portrayed with empathy and understanding – not just demonized. I felt like this film would do that.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S PURPOSE IN THE FILM?

I understood that my role was playing a well intentioned character who unwittingly is testing and compromising the man she meets. She has needs and is craving validation.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE TAKES AWAY FROM THE FILM?

I hope that the audience takes away a three dimensional perspective of ‘perpetrators’ and second chances.

HOW LONG DID DANGEROUS RIDE TAKE TO FILM?

We filmed dangerous ride over the course of a week on the beautiful Kapiti Coast.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES WORKING WITH DIRECTOR LINDA NICCOL?

Linda is fantastic to work with in her capacity to build relationships an create a sense of family in the work environment. For starters – we filmed this project in her family beach house. Immediately it felt easier to occupy the space when she was so familiar with it and trusted us so much. She gives you creative license which I feel gives me confidence and the ability to bring my best work and imagination to a project.

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT ACTING IN SHORT FILM PROJECTS?

The most valuable thing about working on short films, for me, is the burst of intensity that the cast and crew summon for something they truly believe in. Because there is a short duration and a distinct arc for the story, everyone dedicates themselves 100% and keeps enthusiastic and motivated. I find it is harder to achieve that shared energy on a project of longer duration.

YOU HAVE HAD A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN YOUR CAREER – CAN YOU TELL US A HIGHLIGHT, A LOWLIGHT AND A TRIBUTE FOR YOUR 2013 YEAR SO FAR?

HIGHLIGHT: 2013 highlight so far: after filming my first week on Once Upon A Time, I was traveling through an airport and spotted two girls with tinker bell backpacks . Knowing that I was playing such a beloved character and seeing that in an organic sense was really rewarding.

LOWLIGHT: 2013 lowlight: missing out on a dear friend’s wedding because of a work commitment. I really struggle with that stuff.

TRIBUTE (A SPECIAL MENTION OF OR DEDICATION TO SOMEBODY): My special mention would have to be Olivia Tennet. She and I have spent so much time together in the states and i am so proud of her achievements in the film Blood Punch which is coming out in the Austin film festival next week. It’s such a great, entertaining film and was a collaboration between her, Milo Cawthorne, Fleur Saville, Cohen Holloway, Ari Boyland and our dear friends out here in LA- Eddie and Maddy.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

At the moment I’m airing on a show called Masters Of Sex and another one called Once Upon A Time. I also have a film coming out called Light Years, and am currently waiting to see what comes through next. It has been a very lucky year!

ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR KIWI FANS?

Even though I’ve been working in the states the past couple of years I still call New Zealand home and I am so grateful for support from any kiwi fans! Thanks so much guys.

 

Show Me Shorts is New Zealand’s annual national film festival showcasing the best new short films from New Zealand and around the world. Head along to their website for viewing information for Dangerous Ride and other fantastic short film in the programme this year.

 

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KimberleyCrossman.com team

Hazel is always immersed in the entertainment world - from tour managing boybands to contributing on KCDC to working on massive events and interviewing international talent.