Andrea Bang – Running With Violet

By starrymag | July 25, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I’m just finishing up filming Season 4 of CBC’s “Kim’s Convenience.” By the end of next week, we will have made fifty-two episodes of Canadian TV. Other than that, I’m writing, writing, writing.

 

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

 

A) I’m new this season! Does that count? And a lot of your favorites return, too.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about portraying Samantha?

 

A) She’s so unlike me. [laughs] Of course, there are parts of her that are very me and our foundations are the same, but for the most part Samantha and I are from different worlds. She’s an apple tree and I’m a shrub, which is also what I loved about playing her!

 

Q) Do you have much of a say in how your character develops?

 

A) I’m playing her so the way she develops on-screen is a very collaborative affair. And the environment on set was very supportive. But from a writing standpoint – in terms of her arc – not really, because the scripts were already done. I think that’s the case for most projects unless you’re involved in the development stage.

 

Q) Was there someone you were hoping to share more scenes with this season (or any)?

 

A) I feel pretty fortunate to have shared most of my scenes with Amy Matysio (who plays Xorge). She’s a super talented lady! And with the power duo, Rebecca Davey (Jolene) and Marie-Claire Marcotte (Miranda). I couldn’t wish for anything more. If anything, Sam probably would’ve had a blast with Violet. In another life, Sam probably had twenty kids. Heck, she is a kid.

 

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 would definitely describe it as a “dark comedy.” I like to say it’s Fargo meets Thelma & Louise. It has hints of the humor of Fargo and the badass-type ladies of Thelma & Louise. Now who doesn’t want to watch that?

 

Q) What are some scenes you can tease that you’re most looking forward to fans seeing this season? 

 

A) All of it? It’s one hell of a ride.

 

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

 

A) I tend to turn my brain off and watch movies/TV shows. During Running with Violet, I re-watched old episodes of “Game of Thrones.” Yup, all seven seasons. It was glorious.

 

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

 

A) It’s a fun, action-packed series! With a lot of really interesting and quirky characters. Plus, there’s the added bonus of all the complex and funny female characters spread throughout. I know that’s what I look for in a show.

 

Q) Fans also love you on “Kim’s Convenience.” Is comedic timing that’s always come naturally to you?

 

A) I will say when I started taking acting classes I gravitated towards scripts with comedy in them.  And those were definitely the types of roles I booked first. I remember taking a workshop and doing a scene from a thriller (or horror?). It was a very non-funny scene and the casting folks laughed. I remember thinking, “It’s not supposed to be funny.” Flash forward many years and here we are now.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the Kim family that has endeared them to so many?

 

A) They’re like any other family. They may have their ups and downs, but underneath it all is the love they have for one another. And the cast and crew are some of the best people and I think that translates onto the screen.

 

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 so much! In a world inundated with a crap load of stuff, the fact that you take the time to watch or support anything I’m in or create is an honor and I can’t express my gratitude enough. All of you are the best! And I hope to bring more fun projects to your faces!