Katie Douglas – Pretty Hard Cases

By starrymag | February 10, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Pretty Hard Cases.” 

 

A) “Pretty Hard Cases” is a fun buddy cop series set in Toronto that follows the lives of Guns and Gangs Detective Sam Wazowski (Meredith MacNeill) and Drug Squad Detective Kelly Duff (Adrienne C. Moore). Sam and Kelly are an unlikely pair who approach their work very differently. They balance each other out but also drive one another insane. By day they are heroes in their own way and by night they are navigating the personal aspects of their individual lives, all the while a complicated holy-shit crime saga unfolds.

 

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

 

A) I had worked with the Camerons (Tassie and Amy Cameron) on the limited series, “Mary Kills People,” and it was an experience in which I had learned and grown a lot. Not only do they create exceptional content, but they are inspiring in the way that they work. I hold a lot of respect and admiration towards them. When I heard that Tassie Cameron and Sherry White were creating a buddy-cop drama/comedy and were interested in bringing me onboard, I couldn’t have felt more complimented and privileged to be trusted to be a part of something alongside an already impressive dynamic. I had been wanting to jump into something comedic too so you could imagine my excitement when I learned about the rest of the cast.

 

Q) How was your character Jackie Sullivan originally described to you?

 

A) Jackie is a headstrong, fun loving teenager who was raised in a tough neighborhood with an even tougher mom. She’s been exposed to crime most of her life and had to grow up pretty fast because of it.

 

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

 

A) Instantly there was so much room to play with and add to the character.  She was cool above anything, but it was very clear that Jackie was probably someone who also knew heartbreak all too well. She finds herself going to great lengths and making sacrifices in order hold together the things in her life that she loves. And I definitely wanted to make the presence of her vulnerability known so that anyone who can relate to that feeling could see themselves in her. And, of course, with vulnerability comes humor, cockiness and playful defense mechanisms.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show?

 

A) It was a treat to learn that I’d be working with Meredith MacNeill (“Baroness von Sketch”), Adrienne C. Moore (“Orange Is the New Black”), Karen Robinson (“Schitt’s Creek”) and lovely Tara Strong. I grew up with Tara’s voice in the background of my life and I had watched all of the “Baroness von Sketch Show,” every season of “Orange Is the New Black” and binged through “Schitt’s Creek.”

 

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing scenes with someone(s) in particular?

 

A) Actually, while I was signing onto the project, my agent was expressing to me how happy he was that I would be working with an actor named Percy Hynes White. He was clearly a fan of his work and spoke about him with high regard. He thought that we’d perform well together. So, naturally I was pumped about it and his words have since checked out.

 

Q) How much room was there to improv during scene work?

 

A) I think we always felt like we had the freedom to try stuff out and be creative! The pace we were working at was intense due to the pandemic regulations, so you’d have to make it count.

 

Q) How hands on were creators Tassie Cameron (whom you worked with before) and Sherry White when it came to shooting?

 

A) One of the best parts about working with Tassie and Sherry is that they absolutely are hands on, even in these trickier times. Wearing their masks and face shields, they were on set most days, perfecting each scene and they both had a hand at directing as well.

 

Q) What are some episodes that viewers should be sure to look out for?

 

A) Things start heating up towards the end. Lots to be excited for, lots you won’t expect.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to episodes?

 

A) Yeah, I’m excited to see what they think! One of the positive aspects of social media is that you do get to see first-hand the outcome of having your work resonate with someone. I think this job is about communication and empathy and it’s always interesting to hear from your audience.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Pretty Hard Cases” that will set it apart from other comedic police series like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine?”

 

A) The balance between comedy and drama is indicative. The show evokes progressive conversation, tackles gritty subject matter and it’s served to you by some of the most interesting and talented creators and actors. It’s packed with every individual unique personality as well, which is charming. I’m really just hoping that someone watching will look at a character (or characters), relate to them or their situation and be able to share a comfortable laugh at our own humanity. It truly is a new kind of cop show looking at the world through a modern lens.

 

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

 

A) To have anyone watching and supporting my craft at all is a privilege that I can’t begin to express my gratitude for. I think that art, storytelling and truth are so very important and to contribute any portion of my own influence to an enlivening experience is simply humbling. I appreciate it a lot and I appreciate those who have watched.

 

 

 

Pretty Hard Cases airs on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada on Wednesdays at 9 PM ET/PT