CynbytheSea Interview with Kira Clavell
(Jasmine Kwong)

The members of CynbytheSea wish you the very best in your life and career, thank you for taking time well spent with us, and we enjoyed you on the show very much...

1.) Is there any resemblance between yourself and your character Jasmine on "La Femme Nikita"?

Kira: Well, we're both very determined when we know what we want, we both practice martial arts and we both pretty much live in a pair of heavy duty army boots.Other than that, I have two great parents, brothers and a sister and a steady guy. Great childhood and not exactly living on the streets now!


2.) Which will be your ideal character to play?

Kira: That's a tough question to answer. I think that most actors would like a series regular role that allows for continuous character development. Although most work is welcome, it's much better when we can be creative and explore different emotions and situations. Feature films are wonderful as well because I find that I tend to completely immerse myself in the character for the time we're shooting - which can be pretty intense. And I love action roles and comedy. I like to mix it up a lot!

3.) Which languages do you speak?

Kira: English, some Mandarin, Cantonese and Tagalog and 'High School' French. Best not to ask me for directions if you were to meet me in Paris though.

Claudia Conde ~ Buenos Aires - Argentina
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4.) What attracts you to a particular acting job, and what do you look for before taking on a role?

Kira: Script, script and script. That's what most actors are looking for - a unique and diverse role that is challenging and still entertaining to the audience. I tend to look for projects that focus on characters or situations that I haven't played before.


5.) What sort of things motivates you when you act?

Kira: Chocolate, filming in a warm location and the promise of more chocolate!


6.) Have you ever done other things such as stage work and live theater?

Kira: I loved drama class in highschool. The freedom to let your emotions flow out of you and touch the audience and have them feel the things you're character is going through was what gave me the acting bug. It's a really intimate feeling when you're connecting with a live audience. I've done stage work and live theater in the past and really enjoyed it. I'm part of a play reading series and love to get back to my theater roots when I can. There's been a stronger market for me in film and television though and the intimacy you create gets captured on film and gets out to a much larger audience.


7.) You are quite striking in appearance. Was acting your first and only career? Did you ever model?

Kira: I started as a model before entering film and television. I found that modeling really helped me to be comfortable in front of the camera especially since I started out in theater. I still model when I'm not shooting. My modeling agent is the most patient person on earth! Anyone that can, with one day's notice, book me out of action for 2 months without causing scheduling nightmares, then book a gig for the day I come back to town is nothing short of a miracle worker.

John ~ Adelaide, Australia
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8.) Of the roles you played, which one is the most special to you and why?

Kira: Tough question! Outside of LFN I'd have to say the role of "Medusa" on the mini-series "Voyage of the Unicorn" since it was a different take on the mythological  character we're familiar with.  It was more about someone who was trapped and vulnerable than this evil character who turned men to stone with her gaze.  Also, "Connie" in "Dr.Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde" a pilot produced by Francis Ford Coppola that brought me to Australia.  So warm there!  I met some incredible people on that shoot and have awesome memories from it. "Liberty" in "House of the Dead" since I'd never done a horror movie before and got to kick zombie butt and had a blast.And "Cindy" in "Rub and Tug". A independent comedy that was in the Toronto International Film Festival. I played a 'masseuse' (no skin was shown in the film - it was a comedy) that was new to Canada and just learning English. To keep in character I had to keep my accent 24/7 until shooting was complete.I shocked the camera and lighting crew b/c they thought I had a heavy Chinese accent. I grew up in Canada so I sound like everyone else I worked with. It was completely different role from those I'd played before . Umm, yeah that's more than one and there's more so I better stop now.

9.) How do you see your future?

Kira: Big house by a lake, horses, private helicopter so I can learn to fly it, etc. But my goals are to land a series regular role and work my buns off to develop a universally understood and watched character, kinda like "Grisham" on "CSI".... but prettier and a woman! And feature films that give me the opportunity to take some chances and work with people that will challenge me.

10.) Which of your parents heritages had the most influence on your life?

Kira: My parents chose to live in Canada. So that's the "heritage" that I'm most familiar with. The cool thing about Canada is that it's incredibly ethnically diverse. I think being brought up Canadian and in a small community influenced me to be very hardworking, diligent and polite!

Chrissy Langeveld ~ Netherlands
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11.)When it was announced that you were a presenter at The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, what were your feeling regarding you being a presenter?

Kira: I was really excited and very flattered.The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the equivalent of the Academy Awards for Canada so it's quite an honor to be a presenter for it. It was a wonderful experience and a great gift bag too so I felt like a very lucky girl!

12.) I noticed that another presenter at these awards was Karine Vanasse, (Seraphin) did you get an opportunity to visit with her and had you known her previously?

Kira: No, unfortunately the opportunity didn't present itself.

13.) Were there any of the past La Femme Nikita contenders in attendance and did you have the chance to visit with any?

Kira: Not much visiting time. As a presenter I was waiting in one of the "green rooms" for the most part (the location is huge so the organizers like to make sure you're on hand for when you have to go on stage). I actually saw most of the awards on the TV screen there until I presented then was able to be seated in the audience and enjoy the tail end of the awards.

14.) Since La Femme Nikita it looks as if you've been busy in the film business. To date, what has been your favorite acting job and why?

Kira: Favorite role is hard to answer - each role and each crew have such different environments that you can't compare one to the other on the same scale. There are several that come to mind. I've answered a similar question above so I'm going to put the same answer here. I'd have to say the role of "Medusa" on the mini-series "Voyage of the Unicorn" since it was a different take on the mythological character we're familiar with. It was more about someone who was trapped and vulnerable than this evil character who turned men to stone with her gaze. Also, "Connie" in "Dr.Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde" a pilot produced by Francis Ford Coppola that brought me to Australia. So warm there! I met some incredible people on that shoot and have awesome memories from it. "Liberty" in "House of the Dead" since I'd never done a horror movie before and I got to kick zombie butt and had a blast. And "Cindy" in "Rub and Tug". A independent comedy that was in the Toronto International Film Festival. I played a 'masseuse' (no skin was shown in the film - it was a comedy) that was new to Canada and just learning English. To keep in character I had to keep my accent 24/7 until shooting was complete. I shocked the camera and lighting crew b/c they thought I had a heavy Chinese accent. I grew up in Canada so I sound like everyone else I worked with.It was a completely different role from those I'd played before. I have a lot of favorites as you can tell!

Thank you so much for your time.
Sandy Meridith ~ Kansas
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15.) As you played in La Femme Nikita, have you thought of how would that be if Section One was a real organization???

Kira: Yes, and it's not one I'd do well in. I am rather fond of chocolate and sleeping late when I can. Section One seemed a bit too Spartan and luxury-free for me. Not a big girlie girl but being able to curl up in a bed larger than a 'twin' is nice.LOL. As an actor though, anytime a role requires you to use real machine guns is a real treat. Great fun and plenty of noise!

16.) Who was more convincing as a secret agent-Nikita(Peta) or Michael(Roy)?

Kira: I'd have to go with Nikita but I'm probably biased since I'm all for when a woman is strong and can do a man's job.

17.) Would you interesting in having a part in a full-length La Femme Nikita Movie, if it were to be filmed?

Kira: Absolutely - again, anytime an actor gets to handle real machine guns, play a character involved in espionage and work with those great people it is great fun and rather addictive.

Paulina ~ Poland
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18.) How did you feel when you learned that your La Femme Nikita character had been "spun-off" into a fifth season?

Kira: Surprised and flattered. There have been so many great characters and actors on the show that to have been noticed by the audience to the point that I was brought back was a real honor.

19.) Did you realize the fan base was so large?

Kira: Not a clue until I was preparing for the show. I knew LFN had a great following but like most actors, I focus on doing my best with current projects and auditioning for the next project that one doesn't realize until you feel it on set. It was very palpable that you now were becoming part of LFN. I was really very awed at the response of the fan base!

20.) Had you ever seen LFN before your first appearance, and did you watch it afterwards?

Kira: Absolutely! I loved the movie "La Femme Nikita" and when the TV series came about it was fantastic since it too centered around a strong female character. And a series that much fun to shoot is great fun to watch as well.

Diane ~ Indiana, USA
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21.) Who if anyone was an influence, to your acting career?

Kira: My highschool drama teacher was a big influence I'd have to say. I was pretty shy and acting on stage really gave me the chance to feel completely comfortable and assured. I don't think I would have pursued it any further if she hadn't told me that it was something I had to do. Thanks, Joyce!


Thank you so much for your time.
Deb Schwartz
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22.) Did you have to do any special training for the combat scenes in La Femme Nikita?

Kira: Definitely. I practice maui-thai kick boxing and I worked with some very talented stunt coordinators for all the stunts. I'm a stickler for doing my own stunts and the stunt coordinators on Nikita were awesome. We'd have stunt practice separate from acting-blocking practice then merge the two. I learned a lot from them and they were always extremely safety conscious. Even when I had to do a roll on cement they would make sure I was fully padded with a back/turtle brace and arm and knee pads so I wouldn't break anything. The stunt had to look cool and be safe!

23.) Was it fun to play in a horror movie, more than usual, I mean?

Kira: Yes it was. You are allowed to be a little 'freer' with the emotions in a horror flick, so we all got to enjoy the script in a less stressful environment than other projects with a more serious script. And hey, who wouldn't have fun annihilating zombies for a job?

24.) You have spent several weeks on the show La Femme Nikita, were there any special friendships that you made during this time on the set?

Kira: The friendship that I would say is the most special is one with the writer of "Time To Be Heroes" , Peter Lenkov, since it's spanned over three countries and two continents and several years. I worked with him prior to LFN in Australia for "Dr. Jeckll & Mr. Hyde" and he wrote the character of "Jasmine" with me in mind. Incredible writer and incredible friend.

Dana Vrajitoru ~ Indiana, USA
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Hi Kira,
I'm more than happy to have a opportunity to ask you some questions. I like your part as Jasmine very much. You was such a brave woman! And you are so beautiful!

Kira: Thank you Warren!

25.) In the shows of LFN that you made, were there any stunts that you did personally or were there stunt doubles involved?
Were the guns able to fire and shoot? And if shootable, was it fun?

Kira: I take great pride in doing all my own stunts. Years of martial arts allows me to physically do more than most other actresses so I was my own stunt double, but the stunt coordinators are the real scene-stealers. The combinations they put together while considering safety issues is truly amazing.Definitely keeps the set active!

Yes, the guns are real and a scream to use. Heavy, loud and even with blanks, have a kick to them. I've used a cross-bow and shotgun before, but only on set can you use a machine-gun or handgun in Canada like that.
Yes, the machine guns are definitely the most fun. No worries there.


26.) This must have been exciting to do such a well-known show (La Femme Nikita)with a very large fanbase. Do you think a show like this will increase your career opportunities?

Kira: Anytime an actor has the good fortune to work with people on such a successful series as La Femme Nikita, the results are always positive. The people you meet, the quality of scripts and sets you get to work with and the exposure just can't help but to increase career opportunities.

27.) Are you related to James Clavell , the author?

Kira: No - but then again one is never sure of what the parents were up to in University! ;o)

Thank you
Warren Stewart ~
PerthSection, Australia
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28.) Does you first name mean something in the languages of your parents?

Kira: My first name has several meanings in several different languages, but like most North Americans, my parents just liked the way it sounded!

29.) Have you ever been in Europe? Which country, city would you like to see there?

Kira: Not yet. I was going to go to see friends in London and Paris last year with a friend, but my work schedule prevented us from going. I definitely want to visit England, France, Italy and Germany when I do go over. It's a hard question to answer really because in Toronto and being in the film industry you meet people from literally every country in the world and they all sound so inviting.

30.) Have you ever try to go to web and search for the fanspages of LFN, Stargate, Immortal... to see what they think about the shows, to see their fanworks,... What is your favorite show? I mean not only this where you have act in...

Kira: Yes, a little but my schedule tends to be pretty crazy so I don't get to spend much time online. I did follow the fanpages a bit after my first episode aired, but then shot a project out of town for 4 months. Work tends to have me hopping to different cities. Several productions have been awesome to pass on good news about feedback from episodes I've been on. It's always so nice to hear that people are responding to your character and liking your work.Thanks so much to everyone who's written!
My favorite show is CSI (the original), followed closely by Law and Order (again, the original) - I've always been a big fan of mysteries and thrillers and these two shows combine those genres. The scripts follow a pattern, but no matter the topic, they surprise me. The actors are fantastic and really add depth to the characters which is wonderful. The quality of the scripts, and the talent of the actors keeps me coming back to these two series - again and again.

Thank you
Vera, Czech Republic, Europe
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31.) It was rumored there would be a spin off series of
"La Femme Nikita", with the cast of the "Time To Be Hero's" actors, can you tell us if this was ever to be materialized or was it just an idea?

Kira: My lips are sealed. ;o)

32.) There became a day where there was one single event that influenced your decision to seek an acting career, what was it?

Kira: Well, my decision to become an actor wasn't as dramatic as that, but I've always wanted to be one since "feeling the magic" on stage. Once I came to Toronto I started with acting workshops, got an agent and started auditioning.&Much like any other job really, there is a natural progression of experience and learning that goes at your own pace. I was really fortunate and the day I got my agent they had an audition for me the next morning and I was booked that afternoon. It wasn't something that I took for granted though and worked hard at it.

33.) Had acting not become part of your life, what career would you have chosen otherwise?

Kira: Chocolate taster. Definitely the chocolate!

34.) What advice can you give to others seeking a career in the field of acting?
What was your hardest challenge involving acting?

Kira: To keep in mind that the field of acting is a business. A lot of people come into the industry thinking that it's glamorous and wanting to be a "star" overnight. There are many times when it is far from glamorous. Your call time can be 3am and you'll put in 12-17 hours. You might find yourself filming in the forest in the middle of a night shoot freezing in the same small costume that seemed comfortable when it was sunny when you were shooting days or filming in a rock quarry that will have you covered in dust and breathing in even more. For every role you do get there are countless others that you won't.And things rarely happen overnight.Most successful actors have put in countless hours of practice over several years to get where they are. At the same time I have yet to find a job that can be so incredibly exciting and fascinating where you get to meet and work with amazing people and live more lives than you can count. Be prepared to work, ready to learn, and be professional. Take classes, workshops, run scenes with friends, hone your craft. The acting field is isn't easy but if you are really serious about it, really is like no other. And yes, every now and then, it does get pretty glamorous!
I think the hardest challenge for me involving acting was to lose the fear of trying to play the role right. So many times you'll have an image of how the character should be but you have to be prepared to toss that aside, play with it, see what works and feels right. A lot of times what may be a mistake in your mind actually will make the character more real. I try to look at each role as an opportunity to grow stronger as an actor.

Cynthia Wilkerson ~ Texas, USA
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SPECIAL COMMENTS: KIRA CLAVELL
Dear CynbytheSea members, It was a pleasure doing this interview!
Best to all.
Much love,
Kira