1) Were you familiar with Tanya Huff's books prior to appearing on the show?
Yes, I have Blood Price from the Vicki Nelson blood series books. I plan on reading the whole Blood book series right before the TV series airs in Canada.
2) How would you describe your character? Why did you want this role?
Kristen is a temptress who knows what she wants and knows exactly how to get it. She's mysterious, spontaneous, enjoys challenges and playful banter. Being a night owl you would find her at the hottest club. She is fascinated by Vampires and loves being one of Henry’s selected few for his regular source of "sensual nutrition" as long as she's the favorite (or feels like it). In the end, Kristen is sorely disappointed when business takes Henry away from their passionate feeding sessions.
I wanted this role because I could have a lot of fun developing Kristen. She goes from one emotion to another. When I booked Blood Ties, I was thrilled! I found this experience fascinating. There is something very sexy, mysterious and heartbreaking about the creatures of the night.
3) Had you worked with any of the cast or crew prior to Blood Ties?
There were some familiar faces among the crew including Director James Head, whom I met at the BT audition. I couldn't wait to work with him. It was my first time working with Kyle.
4) What was the interviewing process like for Blood Ties?
The audition process for any show is pretty much the same. You're given a scene or two to prepare by a given date. There was a slight surprise when I walked in the auditioning room as I didn't expect my reader to be a woman! She was awesome, and although there was no physical contact the connection was still intense.
5) Since the series doesn't air in Canada, have you been able to see your episode yet? What did you think of the episode?
No I haven't seen it yet. We shot a couple of different takes, so I wonder which one was picked for the episode. In my favorite take, Kirsten gets even rather than angry after she learns Henry is cutting their time short. As an actor I love the chance to explore more than one choice in a scene.
6) Blood Ties is filmed in Vancouver but the show is based in Toronto. Your scene appears to be in a club. Do you remember the location? Was it an actual club or a Blood Ties designed set?
Yes, it was an actual club. I believe it was located on Granville St.
7) Who is the first person you told that you got the role on Blood Ties?
I told My Mom. She said "I knew you had it!"....but she says that every time I score a role. I love her for that!
8) How did you celebrate getting this role?
I went to my favorite restaurant with my family.
9) Is Blood Ties the kind of show that you would watch, beyond the episode that you guest starred in? Are you a fan of the supernatural genre?
I find the supernatural fascinating and Vampires are extraordinarily beguiling and mysterious, so I think I could definitely get into this show.
10) What is your favorite vampire movie, show, or story?
"Lost Boys" was my favorite video way back when and "Interview with the Vampire" is my favorite vampire movie of all. The most frightening historical vampire story I've ever heard is the one about Count Ferencz Nadasdy's wife Countess Erzsebet Bathory (Bloody Countess Elizabeth Bathory) a serial killer with vampiric practices.
11) What are your upcoming projects?
I was just on "Smallville" for the second time. I play one of the Ring Girls on episode "Combat". As well, I will be guest starring on "Pain Killer Jane", episode "Trial by Fire" (I can't tell you who I play; it's a surprise), and currently I have a Kokanee beer commercial that's airing. And there are some other things in the works; I'll keep you posted.
Q & A form the forum
From SanLynn: Oh I loved her as Kristin! Aside from wanting to know if we'll get her back on screen as Kristin at some point (which, unless she's taped some more scenes, she likely won't know) I'd ask the following question... What's your acting background? Were you inspired to take up acting via roles in drama productions in school or did your love of acting start even earlier in life? thank you Ildiko for taking the time!
Thanks SanLynn, you may see Kristen in the future; she does have a past with Henry and now some unfinished business. I guess we shall wait and see.
I've always loved performing. When I was a little girl I loved to put on shows for my family. At my Mom's parties I'd get all the kids together and plan lip sync shows for the guests. In school I took drama. But it wasn't til later, when I started training, that I really appreciated the craft and enjoyed what it's really about.
From Night_Walker6: great job, btw in Gifted. It’s one of my favorite episodes. I have a question for you: What was it like working with Kyle Schmid?
Kyle is a talented actor so it was really easy to work with him. His transformation into Henry is quite amazing and his character really affected mine. Kyle was brilliant to work with, in and out of character. I can't count how many people on set had wonderful things to say about Kyle; the crew adores him.
From freg: HI Ildiko. You have a beautiful name. What is the origin? We have heard that the Blood Ties set can be a lot of fun. Did anything funny happen while on set that might stick out in your mind?
Thank you, freg. Ildiko is a popular old Hungarian name; it means fierce warrior. It was also the name of Attila the Hun’s first wife. Hmmmm, funny stuff.... a couple things stick out in my mind but I don't want to say. Who knows maybe it will come out on BT bloopers??
From stephxroar: first off, gorgeous name. What was it like working on blood ties? Did you like your character?
Thank you. I really enjoyed working on BT. I felt very comfortable as the newbie. Director James Head was tremendous!! Everyone was professional and pleasant to work with. The shoot just flew by. Yes, of course. I loved playing Kristen!
From Treisme: Other than acting.. what other parts of this profession are you interested in?? What schooling or training have you taken part in to further yourself in both acting and those other future dreams?
I am interested in directing and producing, but I couldn't imagine doing anything else other than acting. Right now this is my passion.
I'm training and I love it. I've had many wonderful experiences and breakthroughs, but that is in part owing to the fact that I love being challenged and pushing the envelope. There are many opportunities in Vancouver right now, but I still plan on going to New York to train further and explore new techniques and possibilities.
From Tammy: What is your favorite role that you've played to date...and/or what types of roles do you enjoy the most?
Tammy, I wish I could but I can't just pick one favorite role. Each role is a different experience altogether. I enjoy exploring roles with depth and meaning.
From isilwath: I see from your bio that you have been cast as a dancer numerous times. Do you have any formal training in a particular form of dance such as ballet or jazz-dance? Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
No one ever expects this... I started Hungarian folk dancing when I was 3 years old; I was the youngest and the tiniest in the group! My first performance was when I was 4 (the pillow dance). When I was older I took jazz and since then I've also taken pole dance, tango, even some Bollywood dance classes. I love to dance around; it lifts my mood.
From Lorelai: Hi! Thanks for answering our questions. I see that you have scored roles in a variety of different shows. How did coming onto the BT set compare to other shows you have worked on? How was it to come in and work with a cast and crew that have already been working together for a while?
All the productions I've worked on are like a big family and the longer I'm with a production, the more the cast and crew grow on me. I always get a little sad when I wrap. If you come prepared and ready to work, you fit right in, just like any other job.
From xfilervamp: Hi Ildiko. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! I'm just wondering: it seems like a lot of the guest stars and some of the main characters of BT have appeared in at least one episode of Smallville. Is that just coincidence or do you all give each other the heads up when you know there is a casting call for a particular show?
Hmmm that's interesting. I'd love to give fellow actors a heads up but that's not how it works; you can't just show up to an audition. Most actors in Vancouver have agents and it's our agents that submit us for certain roles, unless we get requested for a role, which can happen quite frequently.
Great questions!
Thank you all!
Ildiko xo |
