Amanda Loncar – The Buddy System

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

A) Right now I am working on a film called On The Road With Judas, which is based on the book by JJ Lask. I was really intrigued by the concept, when I first met with JJ. It’s sort of about the blurring between fiction and reality. It’s a goofy departure from traditional filmmaking and it’s more of an editor’s movie. So, I am just really excited to see what will come of it. I am working with some incredibly talented actors like Aaron Ruell, Eleanor Hutchins and Eddie Kaye Thomas (who I haven’t actually worked with yet, but I plan on seeing him soon).

Q) Please tell us about your character Piper on the show “The Loop.”

A) Piper is navigating that difficult balance of work and play, that so many of us are facing, as we become adults. She’s a med student studying to be a doctor and while she’s very serious about her studies I think she recognizes the need to bring more of a sense of play into her life. Unfortunately, she’s living in the wrong house for that between Sully, Sam and Lizzy play is difficult to obtain. Also, sadly for Piper, she also has to find a way to focus on molecular biology at times in the face of all of the chaos around her in the house. I think that Piper enjoys the struggle and I think that’s a big part of why she and Sam connect because they are actually very similar.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I think that it was a really fresh concept. I was lucky, in that I got to see the first draft of the pilot, before I ever went in on the show. Not only did I get to read the script, but I got to see the show. I got to see Eric and Bret at their best and they’re just so likable! I just thought that the show was fresh, young and different and it just looked like it would be a ton of fun to work on and it has been!

Q) What is your most memorable moment from filming?

A) We have some good ones! We stole a golf cart at lunch once that belonged to construction to get across the lot and then realized that the battery was dying. So, we were on a hill (all four of us – Bret, Sarah, Eric and myself) and we had to call for help. It was quite interesting! We ended up making it back to set okay, but construction was less than pleased. Bret was driving and he was a maniac!

Q) Why should viewers take the time to watch “The Loop?”

A) It’s hilarious and genius! It’s a lot of fun and while the show is a comedy and very edgy, it has a real human element. The struggle between balancing adulthood and childhood is a theme that we can all relate to.

Q) In the pilot, the character of Sam takes you to Kaminsky Park for karaoke to celebrate your birthday. What is the nicest thing a friend has ever done for your real birthday?

A) The truth is, it’s nothing as elaborate as that. The nicest thing I ever got for my birthday was a first edition copy of Go, Dog, Go. It was lovely, very sentimental and sweet!

Q) You’ve done a lot of roles on serious television programs. Why did you decide to change to comedy?

A) It was a challenge and because it was different. That excited me and I’ve learned so much as an actor working on a comedy. It was a stretch for me and it was a fun journey!

Q) What was it like learning acting from such legends like Mike Nichols and George Morrison?

A) It was amazing! I can’t say enough good things about either of them. Mike Nichols is the most charming person that I’ve been in a room with and, certainly, had the pleasure of working with. George is one of the most phenomenal teachers of his time. He’s incredible! I was blown away to be in the room with them every day! Very few people know that Mike teaches, but he is so committed to teaching! He would fly in every Wednesday and would teach the class. He developed personal relationships with each of us and was a phenomenal influence. He is a wonderful man!

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) I spend a lot of time with Sarah [Mason] because we are neighbors in real life and a bit inseparable. She’s my best friend! We do a lot of cooking. We sort of have family dinners every night for Sarah, myself, my brother-in-law, our other neighborhood friends and other stragglers. Other than doing that, I’ve been enjoying my new proximity to the ocean. I’ve been living in New York for 6 years so it’s really fantastic to live so close to the beach.

Q) Do you have a latest obsession? A book? A movie? A sport? A band?

A) I have an obsession with books on tape! Books on tape have salvaged my relationship with LA, or I should say with LA traffic. As a New Yorker, I am used to getting where I need to go and sitting in traffic in LA was very frustrating. Once I discovered books on tape, it made that a lot less painful! I just finished Richard Clarke’s book Against All Enemies. I was fascinated and terrified! My other obsession is “Fragle Rock.” I recently downloaded the theme song and Sarah and I love to drive around in my car and sing along!

Q) Now that it is 2006, what are you most looking forward to this year?

A) I am really looking forward to seeing how the show does. I am really looking forward to starting work on Judas. This year has been really one of the most eventful in my life. Everyday I am just amazed where I am and where I’ll be next. The possibilities are endless. I’m excited!