MacKenzie Porter – Hell On Wheels

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

A) We are shooting “Hell On Wheels” until mid-September and then my hope is to tour my debut EP, which is now available on iTunes.

Q) We will be seeing you on “Hell On Wheels” this season. Talk about how your character Naomi Bohannon was originally described to you.

A) Well, what is interesting about this character is that she was already played by another actress when I got the audition. I actually was able to see where they had taken the character so far. She was originally portrayed as naive and sheltered, but throughout the season you really begin to see a depth and strength to her. After reading each episode, it was undeniable how wise and intuitive Naomi actually is.

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

A) Everything from the writing to the cast to the directing is amazing! I was a fan of the show before I auditioned. You don’t get to say that very often as an actor.

Q) Was there anything about the role that you added that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I think there is a maturity to Naomi that isn’t really written in the script, but is very visible in her actions and how she deals with certain situations. We have a lot of freedom to talk with the writers and voice our opinions. So if there is something important I feel I can add, I can discuss it right there on set with our head writers.

Q) The cast has been working together for some time. Was there instant chemistry when you joined the show or did it take some time to bond?

A) Yes, they had been a family for the last three years. So, it’s always tricky coming into a tightly knit group like that. Luckily, I play Anson Mount’s wife and he is one of the most beautiful people I know, making me feel extremely welcome from the first day. The rest of the cast is amazing as well. We socialize pretty much every weekend.

Q) What were your most memorable moments from filming “Hell On Wheels?” 

A) Giving birth my first day on set was very memorable. It was a long day, about six hours of “birthing scenes.” So, I was exhausted at the end of an emotional day. I remember Anson coming up to me after and saying, “We are so glad you are here. Your work was absolutely amazing today.” I slept very well that night!

Q) You are a part of social media sites. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive when the episodes premiere?

A) Yes, I always welcome feedback from fans! I’ve already had so many positive comments about the development of my character and my performance. It’s great! I think people will continue to be really engaged in the relationship between Cullen and Naomi.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that continues to make a fan favorite?  

A) It’s different. There aren’t any other westerns on TV right now. The writing and the acting are incredible and it’s about real people. I think relationships are what makes any TV show a success. Our writers have done an amazing job of developing those relationships on paper and our actors have done an amazing job of transforming those words into a myriad of complex connections onscreen.

Q) You also have an album coming out. How would you describe your sound?

A) It’s a young hippy country sound. I love pop and folk music as well as country. So, it’s influenced by that. It’s  me!

Q) How can fans help promote your music?

A) Share it with your friends and family or on social media. I already have such amazing, supportive fans. Keep doing what they are doing!

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

A) Thank you! I do this for you. To hear that my song or performance means something to you or speaks to you is an indescribable feeling. I cannot thank my fans enough. If I keep getting the support, I will keep producing music and more TV/film.