Amy Matysio – Running with Violet

By: Jamie Steinberg

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

A) I’m calling this the season of recent projects being released: Season Two of Save Me (CBC Gem), Camera Test (NFB Redux re-imagined) and Running with Violet have all come out back to back. I also recently had the joy of working on Odd Squad (PBS) for the second time – I have to try to do more shows my son can watch! This August my husband, Karrnnel, is doing a Toronto CD release for his most recent solo project. I’m lucky enough to sing on that album and be joining him for the release show, something I rarely get to do.

Q) What can you tease is new this season on Running with Violet?

A) Bad business decisions, bad behavior, bad ass.

Q) How was Xorge originally described to you?

A) Xorge was originally described to me as a “Drug Queen Pin. She is the owner of a beauty business that is a front, Stella’s estranged sister and will be going back to her small town to settle a few debts — bringing her longtime girlfriend Samantha with her.” The first bit of script I read were some of Xorge’s introduction scenes from Florida and I instantly knew I had to play her.

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

A) That’s a good question. I think everything I do where I’m able to collaborate with the creators and director, I find a way to bring something that feels like an “Amy” choice. Xorge’s range was important to me. Finding her laid back humor to seething rage was a super challenging and intricate balance I wanted to explore. Joyce [Wong] gave me so much space to play and find choices I wasn’t expecting to discover. I also think my look was a huge contributor to how I played her – Sarah Lake, our costume designer, is brilliant!

Q) Talk about working with Rebecca Davey & Marie-Claire Marcotte.

A) I have said this role came to me at the perfect time and I have Marie-Claire and Rebecca to thank for that. I have known Marie-Claire for years, but we had never worked together. I was a huge fan of Season One so when they reached out, I jumped at the chance. This role was the first “sink your teeth in” kind of challenge I was looking for after having my son. Rebecca and Marie-Claire were so supportive of that fact that I was balancing a ten-month-old, my husband was away on tour and at the same time I was bringing to life another new baby – this wild child of a character. I have been working in digital series for over a decade. I believe in content creators and how they continue to find innovative ways of sharing stories. These women are killing it! They know what they want, they’re inclusive, they put together amazing teams and they simply put – they write great shit.

Q) The series has been described as a “dark comedy.” How would you describe it to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet?

A) I’d say it walks a tonal tight rope. There is always humor in the darkest moments and to me that’s what makes it so appealing.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming Running with Violet?

A) I loved going to Florida. It was fast and furious but it was the perfect way to get into character. What an incredibly talented cast and crew I got to work with. Andrea Bang (Sam) was such a gift as a scene partner and what can I say about Claire Armstrong (Stella) – we might actually be related, that’s how much twisted fun we had. Joyce and I have already gone on to work on two other projects together and I will keep doing it until she tells me to stop calling her.

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming?

A) Sleep! Or running lines for the next day, which doesn’t really shake it off but helps me stay focused. I find it hard to relax until I know I have an actual day off. And wine, yes wine.

Q) What do you think it is about this web series that has made it such a fast fan favorite?

A) I think audiences have ultimately connected to the characters and felt seen – strong female characters driving a fresh take on a familiar story.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to your work?

A) Connecting with fans has always been a very positive experience for me and even though I’m actually fairly shy, I think it’s important. I’m in a series of genre darlings called WolfCop and Another WolfCop. These films are all about the fans! They took ownership and made the films the cult hits they have become. They reach out to us, they show up to screenings and conventions and they are the reason we get to keep making more. The first time I saw a cosplay of my character “Tina” I think I squealed. I think the same goes for Running with Violet. I have already started to experience some fan love and it’s really lovely.

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

A) Thank you. I am very grateful to get to do what I do and support means a lot. It’s one thing to just “like” something, it’s another to invest in someone. To actually go online and watch the series, attend a play or go to a screening and see my work on the big screen takes effort and I appreciate it. It’s how I get to keep doing it.