Nicole Ari Parker – Murder In The First

Q) What are the recent projects you have been working on?

A) Well, the show “Murder In The First” premiered last week. It’s going to be TNT’s new summer drama. It’s Steven Bochco’s new project. It’s pretty awesome. I play D.A. Jacqueline Perez. It’s one of those great setups where there is one major high profile case that runs for the whole season. It is kind of showing all the parts to a case and how it effects all the people involved. It’s pretty amazing how interwoven Bochco’s story can get. Last week’s premiere did pretty well. 

Q) How was your character originally described to you?

A) She was a straight shooter, very focused, no nonsense Ivy League educated D.A. She has her sights on bigger and better things. She is a very focused D.A. who, perhaps, may run for Mayor one day. So, winning a case like this could be great for her political career. 

Q) What was it about the role or show that made you want to be a part of it?

A) For one, I was glad that it shot in Los Angeles. Nothing shoots in LA anymore! Really it was working with Bochco. I’ve played a lawyer before and he’s one of the greats. The opportunity to work with him was really the big draw.

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

A) It’s just the first season. You have to give me a minute!

Q) What did you find challenging about this role?

A) I think “challenging” is not the right word. Just the way each character is setup, their mysteries unfold. Their personal agendas come to light. That is part of the fun of doing episodic television, you learn something new each episode like, “Oh, I didn’t know I was now having an affair with someone!” Whatever the fun detail is in the show, that’s part of the excitement of working with an incredible writing team and our ensemble cast.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together or did it take some time to bond?

A) I knew Taye [Diggs] for many years. He is a friend in real life. Then, Kathleen Robertson I had just worked with from afar when she was on “Boss.” Those two at the helm of the show are just magical together. When we had scenes together in my office we were all just had a natural chemistry and comradery that really served the storyline.

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive when your episodes begin?

A) Very much so!

Q) What do you think it is about “Murder In The First” that will really make people want to tune in?

A) I think it is one of those moments in television where you have a really good writing team and producing team. You have a great cast that has a natural chemistry. And I think that Bochco really has his finger on the pulse of what makes this compelling, whether it is the minimal dressing up. He doesn’t like a lot of makeup on the actors. He likes to capture the realness of a crime drama and has an eye for editing. I think the pace of the show, the writing and the team of actors are just going to be very captivating for the audience over the summer, which is not easy to do!

Q) You have such great fashion sense. What are a couple quick tips you would give to fans?

A) The key is jewelry. Accessories make everything. You can play it down or kick it up a notch. You can take a simple dress, put a gorgeous necklace on and put on some red lipstick and you’re ready for The Met. I have recycled that black dress over and over with a different necklace or belt. Hair up in a bun is always so sophisticated if you have a quick night on the town. It’s fun and you can put it up messy or sleek. Sometimes the clothes don’t matter, but the lipstick or the jewelry do.

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

A) Thank you! I have been doing this for a long time and every time I meet someone who wants to become an actor or get in the business I always tell them that you have to be in it for the long haul. Yes, you are going to hear “no,” but don’t give up. It sounds like a happy bumper sticker, but it’s the truth. It’s the way to a good life, really.