* About Christina
How strange is it to be in a starring on a series that is gaining popularity in the US but not airing in Canada where the show is filmed? Can you still walk in the streets without second glances or do you get recognized for your other work?
I almost never get recognized, occasionally I get the "do I know you from somewhere?" to which I usually say “I get that a lot!" (which is true)
On Blood Ties, Vicki is often seen eating Chinese food, what are your comfort foods?
Hmmm, pizza. Definitely pizza-followed by dark chocolate. Tanya Huff has become my chocolate dealer; every time I see her, she comes bearing dark chocolate which let me tell you, it doesn't last long.
Fans might be interested in knowing that Christina Cox guest starred on Andromeda in Season 4 episode 10 and now Andromeda's Gordon Michael Woolvett (Episode 4) and Steve Bacic (Episode 13) have guest starred on Blood Ties. How does it feel to be the series regular and not the guest star anymore?
Well, actually, I was a series lead on FX: The Series very shortly after leaving theatre school. I've been a recurring lead on The Crow, Earth Final Conflict and others. I've been the series lead on several network pilots and let me tell you, those are not easy jobs to get. You jump through more hoops than a lion at Barnum & Bailey. This business is cyclical, sometimes you're in the hot seat, sometimes you're chilling on the back burner.
You have built a strong career before you got the job of Vicki on Blood Ties. Do you treat guest stars differently because you were once in their shoes?
I think whether you are a guest or a regular, the lead of movie or a day player, if you show up prepared and ready to play you will get and give respect. I respect actors who come at the work with the same attitude.
In episode 6, Vicki says that she hates to train new bartenders, what is your favorite drink?
Red wine is my sole vice.
You gave many fans a pleasant shock seeing you in the Bloodlines chat room. How did you hear about the chat room and did you have a good experience?
I absolutely did. I will pop in whenever I can. It's just a matter of opportunity.
* About Vicki
Vicki is based on a beloved character in Tanya Huff's Blood Series. Do you feel confined to portray her exactly like the book version or how have you made "Vicki" your own?
The books were the instruction manual to set up the character; Vicki evolves with every episode written and so she cannot be exactly as she is in the books.
Vicki's "Achilles' Heel" is her diminishing eyesight. How many pairs of glasses did you try on to find the right pair for Vicki?
Hundreds. Also, and this is important, Vicki's glasses DON'T help her rp. She is merely nearsighted and can't wear contact lenses. We had many discussions about the glasses, when they were on and when they weren't. One purely technical issue is that no matter what type of lens or coating the glasses have, they sometimes reflect too much light to have on in the shot. I would simply have looked like little orphan Annie with big white circles where my eyes should be. So logic aside, sometimes they are just not practical for TV. No type of lens will help rp, which Vicki has in the very, (I repeat very) early stages, so her night vision is going along with some peripheral vision-so driving and carrying a gun full time is a bad idea. This is why she leaves the force. Tanya references this issue in her Lifetime blog and I wanted to follow up on this because I know there are questions about why Vicki can take her glasses off and on. Here it is: in familiar locations-her office, Henry's apt., the precinct she can get by without them. I had pretty bad vision myself and after two eye surgeries I no longer wear glasses (and I could not wear contacts either) but I can tell you, at times, no matter how bad my vision was, sometimes the headache and eyestrain I got from the glasses wasn't worth it and I'd take them off, even though I couldn't see as well. So does Vicki. Also, and here's a little insider scoop, when Vicki is in the presence of pentagram magic, (when her marks flare up etc.) interestingly enough, she gets a little extra juice...gets a little stronger, doesn't need her glasses momentarily....we'll see where this goes in season two. Awfully tempting possibility...
Vicki's sense of style is consistent on the show but has there been a favorite outfit? Would you wear Vicki's clothes personally? Or do you have a different style?
What I like about Vicki's wardrobe is that it makes sense for what she does and for her income level and life experience. I am personally a clothes horse but it wouldn't have made sense for her to be a fashionista, no matter how much fun I would have cavorting around in fancy clothes!
* About Blood Ties
What was the benefit of filming Episode 6 first, which is a highly sexually charged episode for actors just getting to know each other and their characters, rather than starting with the pilot?
Well, when you start a show with the episode where you're in bed in your undies in front of the entire crew, really, there's nothing that's going to shock you after that.
We know that Episode 6 was the first episode filmed but what can be immortalized as your first scene filmed?
My first scene was the one where I was walking into the house to see my client at the crime scene and Mike and I discuss dinner. I don't know what scene really epitomizes the show for me. The last episode had some really heavy and wonderful elements and I just finished that one, so right now it is standing out in my mind.
There is a lot of humor on the show but what's the funniest thing that has happened on the set?
Hmm, we get the giggles A LOT and usually late at night when we are tired and having a hard time remembering our names, let alone our lines. I had a particular night where I was eating noodles and talking, which is difficult at the best of times. I tried to ad lib something and Dylan cracked up and then I cracked up and then he cracked up and then we were in hysterics, tears running down our faces and all the while about a foot of noodles were dangling out of my mouth. We had to take 5 and calm down. Not to mention I had mascara all over my face.
Who would you like to see guest star on Season 2 of Blood Ties?
All my friends!!!
So far, BT has dealt with vampires, incubus demons, telekinetic kids and voodoo. What supernatural element do you want to see as a storyline on the show?
I'd like to see more of the evil that walks among us in our real day to day unbeknownst to all of us. The wolves in sheep's clothing. I think we as humans are scarier than anything from a myth. And then to find out what the big bad things are that these evil deeds are tied to, so that the supernatural is really the light or dark in all of us.
There is a rumor that you adlibbed some of your scenes. If this is true, can you give us an example?
"Clearly I need more beer." "Someone get that girl a donut." I can't remember all of them. I can't help myself, I do it a lot.
Without giving away spoilers, can you tell us what is your favorite episode in Season 1 and why?
5:55. That's all I'm saying. And 12 is a lot of fun. Nudge nudge wink wink.
* Message Board Questions
From Light474: What is your martial arts background?
Tae kwon Do, fencing and Muay Thai.
From InRibbons: How close is Vicki to your nature? You seem like a very strong woman as well so are there things you have in common with her character? Are there any aspects of her character that you'd like to keep for yourself?
We're very similar. Although I'd like to think I may be in better shape when it comes to my "baggage" although I'm sure some people will argue I'm not. ;)
From freg: Were you a fan of the vampire genre before the show?
Not really a love it or hate it either way. I like good movies and good TV. The only thing I'd say I was never a fan of is straight slasher movies. They just bore the crap out of me. Don't go in the basement moron!
From xfilervamp: Why doesn't Vicki own a car on Blood Ties? The cost of taking a taxi everywhere must be outrageous! Also, if Vicki did own a car, what would it be?
Vicki can't drive-her peripheral vision is diminishing. Driving bad idea. She used to own a '67 Camaro.
From SanLynn: Do you have a dream role you've always wanted to play as an actor and if so, what is it?
I'd love to do a movie musical. Like Chicago.
From freg: I'm thinking that some things aside from love scenes would be awkward. What is the strangest thing you ever had to do on camera?
Actually, it's in an upcoming episode but I can't tell you without spoilers. But really, nothing is weirder than doing love scenes.
From Jessie: If you could play any other character on Blood Ties, which one would it be and why?
Vicki is the one for me. Plus, the guys would kick me out of the locker room and charge me with sexual harassment if I tried to be Mike.
From LH-C: How great is it to be back on a weekly series, and how does this compare to your time on F/X?
I have much more perspective on pacing myself, getting enough rest, enjoying myself more and worrying less.
From Anne: What are you going to do during hiatus?
Sleep, eat, rest, yoga, beach, play with cat, repeat.
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