Annie Briggs – Carmilla

A) Kaitlyn and I met at one of the callback audition rounds. I think part of the reason we got cast together was because we had good working chemistry. I would say that was developed pretty quickly. In terms of the whole cast, we didn’t really have a lot of time prior to shooting. I think we got together and did a read through together and maybe one rehearsal. Beyond that, our first day of shooting was when we all really got to meet. That being said, I feel that when you are under circumstances with people that might be wacky or intense, that the bonding process can be sped up super quickly. I feel like that was definitely the situation on set because we shot in four days. We had pretty long days, for filming standards. It was so intense, crazy and new that we all just buckled up together to do this wild thing and it sort of sped up the bonding process. Fortunately, everyone was so great and after we wrapped everyone has stayed in touch. I’m in a couple shows now and many of the girls came to see it and we had drinks afterward. We’re really good at supporting each other’s work, which is great.

A) I guess, in general, it was my take on Perry. Any sort of mannerisms, physicality and she sort of talks really fast – all of that wasn’t written into the character description. So, that was just my initial take on her. In terms of lines and little things like that, just because we were under such a tight schedule there wasn’t a lot of room to try new and wacky things out because we just had a few shots for every episode. I guess Kaitlyn and I got to play around with quirky little things between us.

A) I think Perry wants so desperately to be in control of things and have a sense of order and normality to her world. You can draw whatever conclusions you want as to why she is that way, but I think the circumstances around her and her friends just escalate to such extremes that she has no choice. I think what makes Perry such a comical character is she did hold out for so long. Everyone is on board with the idea that Carmilla is a vampire and Perry was still like, “No! No! There are other explanations, I’m sure of it!” Then, it is put in front of her and she is like, “Oh. Okay. I see now.” That’s hard for people, changing their inherent nature. I think one of the biggest things for Perry was adjusting to that and giving over to things. But I love in the end she gets kind of badass. I also think people that are so intent on controlling everything and keeping everything buttoned down, when the opportunity to crack that opens comes, there is a potential volcano situation. I think if we shot the scene where Carmilla confronts her mom you would have seen Perry morph into The Incredible Hulk.

A) We talked about it a little bit. I think she was an excellent dodger so she spent the majority of the fight succeeding at dodging all sorts of things coming her way. And the one time she decided to step out into the darkness she happened to stake the evil vampire.

A) I don’t want to say too much because I feel that is one of the mysterious things about the show and their relationship. It’s kind of nice to let people draw their own conclusions. I will say that in real life sometimes one of the biggest things keeping people from really going after what they want or accepting their true self is their own bullshit. It’s their own crap. It’s their own challenges. It’s the characters themselves standing in their own way.

A) I think that was really important and it’s integral to make sure that the setting and that place fulfills itself and really works. Our art design and direction team were incredible. They made that room look incredibly lived in and in a subtle way, changing things over time. Little things would be added and taken away. I thought it was beautifully done. It wasn’t the space where Perry lived so I was always a visitor so it wasn’t full of trinkets or things that were personal to me. But to Natasha and Elise it was and they got to sneak in little things. It was always fun to shoot in there. As you would in life, you would look around and catch all the little details. It harkens back to my years as an undergrad. My room was tiny, filled with neon pillows, had posters on the wall and had dirty dishes.

A) Prior to shooting I think some of the actors talked to the writers about backstory and tidbits. I didn’t. I kind of just made up my own thing, which I like to do. It can be helpful to get information on your character as it sometimes gives you deeper insights, but if you don’t feel you need it…I have a pretty crazy imagination myself. So, I like to give myself my own backstory. I did that – just me, myself and I. Probably what was more helpful was Kaitlyn and I together. We chatted a lot about the historical relationship and LaFontaine prior to shooting.

A) I think first and foremost, it’s Girl Power! I love it! That’s why it strikes a chord with me, it’s all ladies for the most part! I just love it and it’s so strong. It’s so nice and refreshing to see that. The stories we tell of women and young girls, especially right now, can get old and they seem depressing. It seems to be the same old song sung again and again. This is very new and fresh. Secondly,  I think the writing is really incredible. It’s really quippy and fun. There are lots of layers to the writing and lots of references to pop culture. I think it is a very relevant piece. Even though it is this archaic novella they have done a good job of making it relevant and new. I think we’ve all been wanting to see these characters for a while.

A) I think the characters on the show are great role models because of their acts of bravery and their strong friendship. A lot of times I get frustrated because on TV you see teens or adult women who are all competing against each other. Even best friends are somewhat pitted against each other. These girls on the show are fortunate because there are a lot of deep friendships and I think that is a great positive thing to put out into the world, reinforcing those relationships between women and girls.

A) It’s really cool! After the episodes come out, we get this initial flood of tweets and things sent to us. My Twitter account goes up in numbers and it’s fun. It’s nice to get that feedback and hear what people think immediately. Usually, you don’t get that feedback for films unless you are seeing it with a live audience. It’s really neat to be able to do that. I still find it bizarre.

A) I think it is really important for me to continue to support and develop these kind of projects. I’m completely thrilled to be a part of this one and I am really happy it has received the kind of love that it has.