CynbytheSea Interview With Joseph Scoren
Corliss


The members of CynbytheSea truly enjoyed our time with Joseph, we learned so much about LFN and him personally, we cannot thank you enough for this opportunity, but please know, we certainly appreciate your consent.
God bless and take care of yourself, good luck in all future endeavors and know that we are behind you all the way.
******************************************************

1.) In your acting career is there one type of role you prefer to portray?

Joseph: If given the opportunity, I'd prefer to play roles that are firstly, well written, challenging, complex and uniquely original in some way.


2.) Can you tell us about your audition for your role as Corliss in "La Femme Nikita" ?

Joseph: The audition for Corliss was an intriguing one because the part had many facets and roles to play and undertake throughout the episode. That's always interesting to me.


3.)What was it like to work with Richard Gere and Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Chicago"?

Joseph: I never worked with any of the leads accept Lucy Liu. She and the director were great people to work with.


4.) Can you tell us which role you have portrayed that was the most difficult to do?

Joseph: I would have to say the role of Kiki in 'Naked Lunch' because it was a character part that was the complete opposite of me and thus required physical/behavioral changes and a difficult accent. It posed many creative challenges that were most welcome.

Deb Schwartz ~ Michigan, USA
*****************************************


5.) Did you ever watch the series "La Femme Nikita", after you worked there in the first season?

Joseph:I can't say that I watched LFN on a regular basis but I did see quite a few episodes.


6.) How and why did you choose to become and actor?

Joseph: Watching films like The Godfather, Serpico and The Good the Bad and the Ugly on TV with my dad was not only a bonding experience for us but I remember being mesmerized by the performances and in that moment I just got hooked and I had to become and actor. In fact, I was about eleven, when I wrote my first essay in school on Clint Eastwoods character in the GBU. From that point on I sought out books, information, classes and mentors to help me in my pursuit of an acting career.


7.) How did you feel when you where called back to be in LFN?

Joseph: In a small TV/Film market like Toronto, an actor could find himself auditioning and then possibly performing several roles over the show's run.

Claudia Conde ~ Buenos Aires, Argentina
*****************************************


8.) Pertaining to: La Femme Nikita, Witchblade, Mutant X, Relic Hunter, which were you more comfortable with?

Joseph: Each show had it's unique sensibilities and great working environments but Relic Hunter was a great time because the role was a comedic/romantic role (I'm not usually cast as such) and the director, cast and crew were just great fun.


9.) I so enjoyed watching you in the above shows, one that I forgot was 1-800 missing, my question is, most of these had female leads, did you feel the actors on these dramas were in any way, trying to be dominant because of their gender?

Joseph: I did not see any of that. All the female leads were strong, talented and wonderful to work with.


10.) You played two different characters on La Femme Nikita, which did you prefer, Tiko or Corliss and why?

Joseph: Corliss, because he was more interesting and there was more to work with in terms of story.


11.) Can you share with us any upcoming endeavors in the near future?

Joseph: I'm newly married so I'm enjoying that. Although there are several projects in the works (nothing is set), I'm always auditioning and reading scripts. In fact, my wife Kim and I are in the process of relocating to the US to pursue our careers.


12.) Your spouse, Kim Wall is an actor as well, do you have a system that keeps you together when you working on individual films?

Joseph: Having endured a long distance relationship with Kim (she's American), I'm sure we've gotten a headstart on our 'system' of how to deal. My adoring wife is not only talented but very supportive and understanding of the lifestyle and career we've chosen.


13.) Do you think that you might, at some time, do any work on the same film as her?

Joseph: We'd love a chance to work together at some point but there's nothing planned at the moment.


14.) Are you originally from the US and if not, how did you meet your wife?

Joseph: I'm originally from Toronto, and Kim and I met while we were studying and pursuing our careers in NYC.

Thank you for your time,
Sandy ~ Kansas,USA
****************************************


15.) I noticed that you are sometimes credited as Joseph Scorsiani. Are you , and do you speak Italian?
Do you speak any languages other than English?

Joseph: Although I am Canadian, I do speak fluent Italian as my parents emigrated from Italy.


16.) Do you wish that your character of Corliss would have stayed with Elena Samuelle? If Corliss hadn't been killed off, how would you like to have seen the story resolved?

Joseph: I think having Corliss, Elena, and Michael in a conflicting relationship triangle would have made for some interesting storylines.


17.) I thought you were one of the best looking bad guys I'd ever seen in "Friend!" Was it your work in this episode that got you called back for "Kiss the Past Goodbye," or was it a whole new process entirely?

Joseph: Thanks for the compliment. As I mentioned earlier it was a whole new process and audition for the role of Corliss.


18.) How much fun was it torturing Peta Wilson in "Friend"?
Sorry about the whole getting-shot-by-Michael thing.

Joseph: Thanks for your condolences. Torturing Peta was much fun and a highpoint for me on LFN. She had it tough but she was a real trooper.

Diane Whitehead ~ Indiana, USA
******************************************************


19.) You look like a very fit man. Do you train hard or is it just your genetics?

Joseph: Thanks again for the compliment. I don't know about my genetics, but training and working out regularly definitely helps.


20.) Do you do your own stunts if they are part your role?

Joseph: If insurer's allow me and I'm capable of executing the stunt believably, I absolutely do my own stunts.


21.) In your spare time, what else do you do when not acting?

Joseph: In my spare time I volunteer at neighborhood schools, spend time with family and friends. I love being outdoors, travelling and going to the theatre, concerts and art galleries.

Warren Stewart ~ Perth, Australia
********************************************************


22.) I see that you've played in Owning Mahowney that also features Matthew Ferguson, did you too interact in any way in the movie? Did you remember each other from LFN?

Joseph: No, Matthew and I did not have scenes together on Owning Mahowney.


23.) You have many credits in movies and tv shows, do you have a preference for one or the other?

Joseph: I prefer the medium that provides the best perks and best locations. Just kidding. Any medium be it Film or TV, so long as it is a quality project, script, and role.

Dana Vrajitoru ~ Indiana, USA
********************************************************


24.) Joseph, your character Harry in the movie "Chicago" did it bring something new to your career, in a genre you haven't worked in before?

Joseph: I enjoyed my time on Chicago very much. Despite my small contribution to it, I did receive my first film award --the SAG award for Best Ensemble Cast.


25.) In "Cypher" you worked along with Nigel Bennet, did you see his work in La Femme Nikita or you just met him in this film?

Joseph: I did not get to work with Nigel on Cypher and I had not seen his work on LFN.


26.) After being in LFN did you keep contact with any of the cast members? if so which ones?

Joseph: It's hard to keep in touch but I do run into some of them on other projects and auditions.


27.) Tell us about your experience in the film, "Who Is Cletis Tout?" Tell us about your character?
Which is your favorite genre?

Joseph: In Who's Cletis Tout, I played Rowdy Virago the spoiled son of a Mob Boss who's eventual crime and repercussions of that crime drive the film's plot. In regards to favorite genre, great writing and roles supercede any genre choice for me.


28.) How was it like to be directed by David Cronenberg in "Naked Lunch" and to work with Peter Weller?

Joseph: By far the best film experience I have ever had. A great challenging role, a talented/creative director who trusts and communicates well. He also gives you incredible artistic freedom. Peter Weller and the rest of the talented cast made for a great study and learning experience for a young actor.


29.) Has your career changed since you worked in LFN?

Joseph: The career is ever changing and is influenced by all the work you do.

Ana Maria ~ Argentina
********************************************************


30.) Can you fill us in with some background information, Your last name originates from where? Your general upbringing was in what area?

Joseph: My family and last name originate from southern Italy.


31.) Favorite filming location that you have experienced to date?

Joseph: I haven't had great luck with getting parts that film on location but of the places I've worked, I'd have to say Montreal and New York. I love those cities.


32.) Where did you get special training for acting? How long is the process? What does it involve compared to other subjects of study?

Joseph: I'm a graduate of The Neighborhood Playnouse in NYC. and have had classical training at The Stratford Repertory Theatre's Young Company. I also continue to study with various teachers to stay sharp.


33.) Maury Chayken is a fabulous actor, you starred with him in "Owning Mahowny", What was it like working with such talent of this magnitude? And who is the most famous actor you have met through your career?

Joseph: Maury is a uniquely original talent and I admire his creative choices and the roles he's played. Too many famous people to single out just one, but I have worked with many talented actors in their own right and they were a joy to work with.


34.) Between the time you have to get to the studio, the make up applied to your face, and the wardrobe assembled, what part of the filming industry is frustrating the most? And the best?

Joseph: The most frustrating part of Film and TV would be waiting around and trying to stay focused while you wait to be called to set. The best part would be living my dream of being an actor.


35.) Is acting something you want to do for the rest of your life, or do you have another career avenue that you would also like to pursue?

Joseph: I would love to keep on acting so long as it remained fun and creative and did not infringe on other parts of my life. I think having a creative outlet is important to me, so whatever that may entail career wise is preferable.


36.) What are your special interests, charities you preserve, and events you enjoy?

Joseph: Although I have volunteered my time teaching literacy at schools and supported many charities monetarily, I'd like to give more of my time to organizations that promote strong Christian values and give first hand help to those charities in most need.


37.) Proudest moment for yourself in film, life and love?

Joseph: In film, I'm most proud of my ongoing drive to realize my dream of being a distinguished actor. In life and love I'm most proud of my commitment to maintaining strong and loving relationships with those around me especially my lovely wife, wonderful family and friends and most importantly my relationship to Christ.
Thanks, and take care.
Joseph.

Cynthia Wilkerson ~ Texas, USA
*****************************************

Back to interview overview