Shannon Chan-Kent – Life Sentence

By: Jamie Steinberg

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

A) The recent projects I have been working on, other than “Life Sentence,” are “The Crossing,” My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, “Corner Gas: The Animated Series” and various other cartoons. Most of my work is voice over based.

Q) How was your character Finley on “Life Sentence” originally described to you?

A) Finley was originally described as a dry, no nonsense coffee shop manager on a mild power trip. She’d rather Stella (Lucy Hale) make a latte than talk about her family problems. There wasn’t too much to go on, so I tried to make her my own. One of our producers who auditioned me, John Kretchmer, gave me great direction. We had fun and played around with different choices.

Q) What was it about the series that drew you to be a part of it?

A) This series has real heart on and off screen. The cast and crew are incredibly hard working and kind. Not to mention the premise of the show itself was inspiring. To have a second chance at life would be freeing, exciting and scary. I guess every new moment wouldn’t be taken for granted.

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

A) I originally didn’t know how many episodes Finley was going to appear in. So, the first few episodes I had a few fun, dry one-liners. However, as the show progressed so did Finley. Although she can be tough as nails and is usually dripping with sarcasm, she has a heart and deep down admires Stella. She might just even want to be friends. [wink]

Q) What have you found challenging about this role?

A) What I have found challenging about this role is trying to find the balance between likeable and unlikeable. I didn’t want Finley too deadpan. I think roles that are described as “dry, deadpan example: Aubrey Plaza,” can sometimes come off as one noted. If a character is completely unlikeable and has no vulnerability, then the audience doesn’t root for them. I wanted to make sure that Finley was human and relatable instead of just a robot spitting witty comebacks.

Q) Talk about working alongside Lucy Hale.

A) What can I NOT say about working with Lucy. That woman is amazing. She is beautiful inside and out. Being number one on set can sometimes be a tough job, but Lucy manages so well. She’s not only professional but incredibly humble and generous with both the cast and crew. Honestly? She has the busiest schedule of anyone I’ve ever met and she still manages to memorize her huge chunks of dialogue. She’s a machine!

Q) What have been some of your favorite behind the scenes moments from filming “Life Sentence?”

A) Some of my favorite behind the scene moments are when we’re in the green room just chatting with each other, making jokes, posting funny Instagram videos, etc. That’s where a lot of the bonding happens and we all can get to know one another. During December I was shooting “Life Sentence” as well as playing Belle in Beauty and The Beast in the evenings. Needless to say, I was exhausted. We were all working long hours however most of the cast still made time to come support me in my show, that was pretty special. And what was even MORE special was the Instagram video I took of Jayson [Blair] and Lucy singing excerpts from the musical the next day. Jayson would be a perfect Gaston.

Q) Is there anyone you haven’t gotten to film with yet that you’d like to have been able to share a scene with?

A) I shot a scene with Gillian Vigman, but didn’t have much interaction with her during it. That woman is a powerhouse and absolutely hilarious. I would love to be able to do a scene with her and just improve our way through it!

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

A) I think this show will be a fast fan favorite because of all the heart and the message behind it. No matter what life throws at you, at the end of the day, your family and the relationships you hold dear are the things that matter.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

A) I haven’t been live tweeting like the rest of the cast, but it’s always awesome to see everyone’s feedback and reactions to the show. The fans and viewers are so important to us, so we really appreciate all of the support on every media platform.

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

A) I know it sounds cliché, but advice I would give to aspiring actors/actresses would be never to give up. This industry is full of closed doors and rejection, sometimes multiple times a day. It’s important to have a strong sense of self and to never take anything too personally. If acting is your passion than go for it and don’t look back. Whenever I get close to a project and it doesn’t pan out, I always try to remember that everyone has something unique and special to offer and whatever is meant to be will happen if you keep putting in the hard work.