By: Karen Steinberg
Photo By Chris Jon
Q) What was it about Julia Aks and Steve Pinder’s script that drew you to be a part of the film?
A) Their writing is brilliantly witty and genuinely hilarious. Every joke landed, the pacing was impeccable and each character had such a specific point of view. The script is impressive both technically and creatively. I figured that if these guys could nail such a specific concept on the page, it would translate beautifully to the screen.
Q) How was Vagianna Talbot originally described to you?
A) I was given this character breakdown: Miss Vagianna Talbot, 13-19. RP Dialect. Must be comfortable holding a live chicken. Third and youngest sister. Desperately wants to be included by her older sisters. I took that description and ran with it!
Q) Did you have any discussions with Julia and Steve [Pinder] to see if there was something you thought might be a worthwhile addition to the character?
A) We actually came up with a last-minute addition the night before filming. Julia and Steve called me and said they wanted to tweak how we first meet my character. Playing the piano wasn’t originally in the shooting script! We talked through whether it was even possible, since we didn’t want me miming and I don’t actually play piano. But I loved the idea and the challenge, so I said I’d figure it out. Luckily, my partner Jonah Lees (who also did the film’s dialect coaching) is very musical and helped me pick a key and learn the first several chords. Meeting Vagianna in this way feels so era-appropriate and it also adds a little extra joke if you really listen to the lyrics… “down by the red, red river…”
Q) I have to ask about your gorgeous costume. Talk about slipping it on for the first time and if costume tends to be what helps you most to get into character.
A) It really was stunning, and so comfortable! My look was selected by our costume designer, Paula Higgins, who has over forty years of costume experience designing and teaching. She pulled three dress options, and we ultimately chose the one that felt the most innocent, was flattering on my body and complemented the other sisters’ dresses beautifully. Costume definitely helps inform a character because you have to tell yourself, “This is what I chose to wear. This is something I love, something I’m choosing to keep in my closet.” When you fully embrace that, it tells you so much about what’s going on in that person’s mind!
Q) I loved the scene of you playing the piano when Essy is rushed into the house. Did you have much time to learn the piece and the song you had to perform?
A) Oh, how funny, I just referenced this moment! I probably had one hour before bed the night before filming. I was a little stressed because I wanted it to look convincing and I actually wanted to play the best I could. Given the time crunch (and the fact that I’m not a pianist), we settled on this solution – I would learn to play the first several chords myself, and then a professional pianist, Ann Baltz, would fill out the rest of the piece. I kept the chord shapes I memorized going through to the end of the song, but by then the camera is pushing in on my face, not my hands. So, it was very much a team effort, and I’m so grateful I got to play any part of that piano moment!
Q) My favorite scene has to be you running through the house with the chicken and the razor. What was your personal favorite one to film for the movie?
A) That’s such a great scene and it’s so funny to me that my line “women’s business!” has become so quotable. We even have “Women’s Business” pins now! I, personally, love the scene where I enter with the chicken and one sister is yelling at me to stab her and the other is yelling at me not to. It’s this chaotic, comical, high-stakes crescendo that leads into Mr. Dickley (Ta’imua) learning the truth. I’m really proud of the rhythm of that scene and the comedic timing. We really locked in!
Q) Where were you when you found out the film was nominated for an Oscar?
A) Since the nominations were announced at 5am Pacific, I was in bed watching on my phone, half delirious. When our name was called, I just started laughing. Then, I’m pretty sure I said something like, “No f***ing way.” I ended up spending that day on another set, where the 1st AD, Cutter White, had also worked on Jane Austen’s Period Drama. So, the crew was really excited for both of us, which made it all feel even more real.
Q) With this being a short film, have Julia and Steve discussed making it a full-length film with it now being close to snagging the Oscar statue?
A) Yes, they have! A feature-length version is currently being written, which is thrilling. I would absolutely love to see that come to life.
Q) How will you be celebrating this weekend when the Oscars air?
A) I’ll actually be attending the Oscars, so I get to celebrate in person with a good portion of our cast and crew. It’s my first time going, and I’m so excited!
Q) What are the other recent projects you have been busy working on?
A) The one project I can talk about is a feature film I wrote and am currently producing. It’s my first time professionally writing and producing, so I’m really stoked to expand my skill set and step into those roles. We’re assembling an amazing team and starting to attach some incredible talent, with plans to film this year in 2026!