Alexa Davies – Dead Pixels

By starrymag | September 22, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) Recently I’ve been working on binging every series of “30 Rock” and I can proudly say it’s going really well. It is absolutely crazy to think that it’s been nine months since I’ve been on a set. I’m very excited to get back to work now that we are finding a safe new normal. I’ll be working on short film soon with an all-female cast and production team which is always very exciting.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Dead Pixels.”

 

A) “Dead Pixels” is about a group of gamers who are all trying to complete an MMORPG called ‘Kingdom Scrolls’ together whilst simultaneously trying to survive real life.

 

Q) How was Meg originally described to you?

 

A) Meg was described to me as a socially awkward young woman who thrives as her avatar “Greta.” She has very complex relationships with her flatmates Nicky (Will Merrick) and Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and never knows whether she wants to get hot and heavy with her new colleague Russel (David Mumeni) or whether she wants him to get the heck away from her.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) I think Meg has grown a lot since our initial pilot version of the show. I love playing with her misplaced confidence. I think you see even more of that in Season 2.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on this show?

 

A) I had worked with Charlotte before. She played my teacher in the second series of a UK sitcom called “Raised by Wolves.” But apart from her, it was my first time meeting everyone else.

 

Q) What is it about the game Kingdom Scrolls (or even Castle Blackfinger) that makes it such an obsession for this group?

 

A) The same with any game, I think. The idea of everyone having to start at exactly the same point. There are no bias or advantages to start with. You have to grind to be the best, to be respected. Whereas in real life, beautiful people with great social skills will probably do much better than them.

 

Q) How does Meg’s game avatar personify her personality and inner self?

 

A) I like the idea that avatars are the way we would like to see ourselves. In Meg’s case that’s a very strong hunchback with a great rack and some lovely pauldrons. Take from that what you will. I believe she wishes to be fierce and tough.

 

Q) Were you a gamer of any sort before taking on this role and if not, what did you learn about the world of gaming that surprised you?

 

A) I played mostly PS4 games before “Dead Pixels,” that’s still true. I invested in a Nintendo Switch before shooting as I was in Croatia at the time filming Mamma Mia Here We Go Again and needed something portable. The difference is that Meg, Nicky and Usman (Sargon Yelda) play together online which I never do. I grew up with siblings and it taught me that I don’t much care for playing with people who might try and kill you or steal your things.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) There’s a scene in Season 1 where I hump a chair and that was particularly tough to get through with laughing. I also smash an orange up with a rolling pin and, my god, that was fun. I mean, when am I ever gonna do that again on a TV show?!

 

Q) US audiences are just getting to check out the series now. What do you hope viewers take away from tuning in?

 

A) I hope our humor translates and I hope that not much is lost with the censorship. One of my favorite things about “Dead Pixels” is the amazingly, ridiculous lines that Jon Brown writes for Meg. Most of which do contain profanity, so hopefully the bleeping doesn’t take too much of that away. I also hope they take away a desire to see Season 2.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the world of gaming that continues to make it such a beloved past time?

 

A) Again, I think the even playing field. Also, games are so incredibly put together these days. People like Naughty Dog and Rockstar are creating these huge worlds with so much care and attention to detail. It’s an immersive experience with characters we really grow to care about. I mean, don’t even talk to me about Joel in The Last of Us Part 2. No spoiler, but oh my god!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

A) Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy “Dead Pixels” Season 1 and 2 and I hope we can bring you more in the future.