Aja Naomi King – How To Get Away With Murder

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) As of right now, it’s just a show called “How To Get Away With Murder.” I’m so excited about it! It’s been such a wonderful blessing to have this show. Before that, I was working on “Black Box,” which sadly got cancelled, but it really worked out for me doing this show. Now, I get to be in Los Angeles and be closer to my family. I get to work with an amazing cast and an amazing group of writers. So far, it seems like audiences like the show. I hope that continues.

Q) Were you prepared for the early success of “How To Get Away With Murder?”

A) It has been really wonderful! No, I am not prepared for any of this. I basically kept telling myself that this could go one of two ways – either it will go really well or not so great. So far, it’s been going really well and I just hope that it continues. It’s really wonderful to go on Twitter or Instagram and see how much people are talking about the show and what they like about it. I just hope that it continues.

Q) How was your character Michaela Pratt originally described to you?

A) Originally they told me she was going to be very Type-A goal oriented. She was the kind of woman that leans in and likes to take over a situation. I really liked that about her. I loved that progressive, aggressive woman who makes sure things go down the way she wants them to.

Q) Michaela seems to have gotten off to a rough start with Wes. Will they become closer throughout the season or continue to be adversarial?

A) So far, that’s a tricky relationship. It seems like they are just operating on two entirely different wavelengths. Michaela is really trying to make herself known in the class. Wes is this weightlifting guy who barely got into law school by the skin of his teeth, practically. He isn’t as competition oriented as Michaela. I think they will continue to butt heads over that sort of thing.

Q) There is also a bit of tension between Michaela and Connor. Describe their relationship.

A) Connor is more on Michaela’s level because he also wants to prove himself. It’s kind of nice to have not necessarily an adversary, but someone who will definitely keep you on your toes. Knowing that he will completely go out of his way to shine and be the star of the class makes him the one I have to kind of go after. He’s the one I need to beat in order to prove that I am the best.

Q) With the season beginning with the interns carrying a dead body in a rug, will the storyline continue to be dark or will there be some lighter moments?

A) It starts pretty dark with that. It’s funny because when ever I talk about Michaela I always feel like I am talking about two different people because there is the version that is with that group of people carrying that dead body in a rug. That Michaela is in a completely different emotional mental place than the Michaela that we meet in class on the first day of school. All of our worlds are about to change when we see that happen and I think we see the depth of our character and how we will really face challenges when they are that high.

Q) We learned a bit about Michaela’s personal life, finding out she is engaged. Will we get to see more of that side to her life?

A) We will! We will get to meet my fiancé and we will learn quite a bit about him.

Q) On the show you get to work with the incredible Viola Davis. What is it like working with her and what have you learned from starring along side of her?

A) Viola Davis (and I feel like it goes without saying) is amazing! I really didn’t know how amazing she was going to be until I met her in person and got to watch her work. I was extremely, extremely intimidated to meet her. I didn’t want to speak because I didn’t want to say anything stupid in front of her. The first time we worked together was in the classroom scene and she was just so incredible. And not just with her acting, but she was so kind and funny. She was making jokes with everyone and just putting everyone at ease. Because of that, it’s just so comfortable to be in front of her and I can do my work. I can do what I need to do because she has created this really wonderful on-set atmosphere where you don’t have to be afraid to mess up. We are all trying to figure it out together. That’s what is so incredible and probably the best thing I have learned about her when it comes to leading a show. It’s really about how you make everyone around you feel. That’s what is going to make or break the show in the end.

Q) Fans are hoping to see a little one-on-one time for Annalise to do some mentoring with Michaela.

A) I would love for that! My character would definitely want more one-on-one time. I think Michaela does try so hard that it ends up distancing her a little bit, but she’ll find her way in.

Q) What is it like for you getting to work for Shondaland?

A) Amazing! All of your needs are met. I want for nothing. Shondaland is a great place and everyone is so supportive. Everyone, the crew, the production office…It is just this environment of kindness and generosity. I am happy to go to work every day because everyone is happy to be there.

Q) Outside of carrying the body in the rug, what have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “How To Get Away With Murder?”

A) For me, it’s really funny because we shot that woods scene at night. The first one we shot was in Philadelphia where we shot the pilot. It was freezing cold like I couldn’t believe we were out in the woods at night – like deep in the woods in Philadelphia. It was scary and crazy! Now that we have continued to shoot those scenes in California, we are basically sweating to death. We had a bit of a heat wave yet we still have to wear all of those turtlenecks and jackets. It’s been really interesting shooting and having to pretend we are in an entirely different climate than the one we originally shot.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving since the premiere?

A) I’m definitely going to continue to live tweet during episodes and answer any questions people might ask me. It’s so great that people are taking an interest so I really hope that continues. I will be engaging with anyone who wants to tweet with me about the show, especially while the show is happening.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) If you liked the pilot then just wait because it only gets crazier from here!