From an interview with Lauren done by Sonesay.
Date: Friday October 10th 1997.
| 1 Q: First of all, congratulations or your role as Kathy in Spellbinder 2. Did you see the original series before you landed the role? |
| A: Thank you for your congratulations. I'm glad that you like the character. Yes. I did see a few episodes of Spellbinder 1 before auditioning for the part of Kathy. This was good for me, as it gave me a bit of an idea of what the show was about. |
| 2 Q: Was it difficult to keep track in your mind, exactly what point you were at in the overall story, since you were jumping from world to world and the filming was done in three different countries? |
| A: Yes. It was extremely difficult to keep track in my mind, where I was up to in the story. You just have to make notes so you know where you are. Filming was also over a long period of time, so I sometimes had to read over a few scripts to remember what I had filmed. |
| 3 Q: You've mentioned that filming at times was hard because of the language barriers. What else, if anything, was the most difficult part of filming? |
| A: As on most shows, filming was not easy. Long hours, and being away from home makes it hard. The language barriers with the crew and cast from Poland and China took a lot to get used to, but once we all settled in, it wasn't too bad. The different foods in each country also take time to get used to. |
| 4 Q: What was your most memorable experience from filming Spellbinder 2? |
| A: My most memorable experience from filming Spellbinder 2 was getting to know people from different cultures. Although I didn't speak their languages, we developed special friendships and respected each other. I know that it sounds weird to have friends that you can't talk to, but it did happen. I'll remember these friendships the most. |
| 5 Q: We've been introduced so far, to Spellbinder's Land, The Land of the Dragon Lord, the Land of the Immortals and the Land of the Machines. Which has been your favourite and why? |
| A: I didn't really have a favourite world in Spellbinder 2. I liked Immortal World, and Kathy's World (which hasn't screened yet). |
| 6 Q: Obviously I haven't seen the whole series yet, but did you get to try on Ashka's powersuit?!! Does it actually work? |
| A: Yes. I did try on Ashka's powersuit, though I never actually wear it in the show. As to its' powers. They remain a great secret that Ashka refuses to give away!!! |
| 7 Q: What was it like working with such great Australian acting icons Heather Mitchell and Peter O'Brien? Did either of them give you any sound advice? |
| A: To work with such actors as Heather Mitchell and Peter O'Brien was a great experience for me. Heather was like a second mother to me when we were away. We still talk to each other, but unfortunately we're both busy and haven't seen each other for a while now. And no, they didn't really give me any advice. |
| 8 Q: You've been in the film/entertainment industry for a long time now, and worked with so many great actors. Who would you like to work with whom you haven't yet? |
| A: I don't really have one person in mind that I would like to work with. There are many fantastic actors that I probably haven't even heard of. I don't look up to anyone in particular. To be happy and successful is what I really want to be. |
| 9 Q: Of all the roles that you've portrayed, from "Mera" in "Ocean Girl", to "Kat" in "Mission Top Secret" and your latest role in "Spellbinder 2", which has been the most challenging and why. Which has been your fave so far? |
| A: I believe that Kathy has been the most challenging for me in the past few years. Mainly because Kathy is the one who goes through everything and still remains strong. Also the schedule was enormous and exhausting. I've enjoyed all of my roles. I'm lucky in that they are all so different. I think to play a variety of different characters is important, otherwise you get bored. |
| 10 Q: I've read in an interview with Marzena Godecki, your co-star in Ocean Girl, that she became much more environmentally conscious during her time spent filming Ocean Girl because of the harm that she saw we were doing to the oceans. Do you have a similar feeling? |
| A: I believe that I have become more aware of the enviroment due to filming. This awarenes has come about from filming many shows, including Ocean Girl. I think everyone in the world is becoming more aware of the enviroment, and realise that the destruction has to stop. |
| 11 Q: What did it mean to you to win two AFI awards at such a young age? |
| A: To win two A.F.I. awards at such a young age was great. I have to admit that when I received the first one, I didn't really know what A.F.I. meant. I'm thankful to those who recognised me, it gives you a sense of fulfilment to know that someone somewhere appreciates your work. |
| 12 Q: And finally, how about a scoop??!! Is there going to be a Spellbinder 3 and will you reprise your role as Kathy? |
| A: As to whether there is going to be a Spellbinder 3.. Who knows?? I just hope that Spellbinder 2 goes as well as the first series, and that people enjoy the story, and especially the scenery. |
| It was a pleasure to answer your
questions. I hope that you enjoy the show. Best wishes, |
written by Lauren Hewett (October 1996)
| While working on Spellbinder 2, I got
the chance to travel to Poland for 8 weeks, and China for
around 14 weeks. Both of these countries were extremely
different to each other, and I enjoyed them both
immensely. It was a great experience to work in other countries with people from totally different cultures to your own. The language barrier made filming hard, but with the interpreters and sign language, we got the job done. The costumes and sets of the show are
fantastic. Although, a light haired, blue-eyed girl, in a
chinese outfit, looks a little different. Although
filming was at times hard, in the end, the Australian
cast and crew, were proud to be a part of such a rare
experience. I hope that you enjoy the series. |
I found a short description about this season at Film Australia, so I display it here.
Land of the Dragon Lord (Spellbinder II) |
| Follow up to the
highly successful award-winning Spellbinder series this
children's fantasy adventure follows a teenage brother
and sister lost within parallel worlds. The first world
resembles ancient China - it is a world of illusion,
romance and danger and is ruled by a Dragon Lord who
exhibits extraordinary powers, whereby a computer gives
the Dragon Lord his power to control the land. When a
villainous Spellbinder from another parallel world
arrives, a thrilling adventure begins, which crosses the
boundaries of many worlds. Produced in association with Telewizja Polska TV and Shanghai Film Studios, with assistance from Nine Network Australia and the Australian Film Finance Corporation. |
| Producer: | Noel Price |
| Running Time: | 26 x 25mins |
| Format: | 16mm/Video |
| Completion: | October 1997 |
| Rights: | to be advised |
Some info from the Belgian
Spellbinder page:
Cracow used to be the second capital of the Kingdom of Poland. It has a great royal castle and the city itself is quite historical. Pieskowa Skala has a nice renaissance castle/palace in a great location. It is quite photogenical. Sydney has often acted as scenery for Spellbinder. The hotel that Ashka was staying at is the Golden Gate Syndey (this hotel is now called Carlton Crest). The place where Riana met Josie and Ben was at Circular Quay, about 15-20 minutes from the hotel. The high school that they shot at probably is Balmain High School, because that's the only one near the water in Sydney.
Lauren
HewettAt 17 years of
age, Lauren is a veteran of Australian tv. In Spellbinder
2, Lauren plays courageous Kathy Morgan, whose family
becomes trapped in a parallel world. Lauren has been working in
the entertainment industry since she was six years of age. Her
greatest achievements to date for acting, are receiving two AFI
Awards (Australian Film Institute Awards). In 1991,
"Best Acting by a Juvenile" in a Feature Film, for her
portrayal of a young girl in Act of Necessity.
Then in 1993, "Most Outstanding Performance by a Young Actor
on Television", for her role in Halfway Across the Galaxy
and Turn Left. Lauren is now working on a new
tele-movie called Thunderwith so look out
for that. More info on Lauren can be obtained from her official website.
Ryan KwantenRyan is a newcomer to tv. He plays Josh, Kathy's
older brother, in Spellbinder 2. Before
landing the role on Spellbinder 2, Ryan had
a minor role on Home and Away as a
boogie-boarder. After recognition of his talent, however, Ryan
has had a recurring role in Home and Away as Vinny. Ryan's acting
career is just beginning, so look out for him.
Heather MitchellHeather reprises her role as the
villainous Spellbinder Ashka in the second series. And she does
it so wickedly well. Heather is classic Ashka at her best -
shouting commands and wreaking havoc. She is as beautiful as a
villain can be!
Peter O'BrienPeter plays Carl Morgan, father of Josh and
Kathy, on Spellbinder 2. Peter O'Brien has a
long list of acting credits to his name. For so long, he has
provided tv viewers the chance to enjoy what he loves
doing...acting. He has had many roles, but most notably starred
in The Flying Doctors and most recently
starred in the UK mini-series Cardiac Arrest.
Lenore SmithLenore plays Vicky Morgan. A wonderful
actor, Lenore has also enjoyed a successful acting career. She
has a long list of acting credits to her name, but is best known
for her starring role in The Restless Years
and alongside Peter O'Brien in The Flying Doctors.
Lenore has been busy of late, having been married in October 1997
and hosting a new lifestyle programme on Australian tv called, Australian
Good Taste. More info about Lenore can be found at her
fan website.
Anthony
WongAnthony is part of
the Australian cast of Spellbinder2. He
appeared in Home and Away as a job applicant
for Alf's Bait Shop last season. He got the job, and perhaps may
be a semi-regular on the show. Anthony was also in a show on
Australian ABC tv that helps adults learn English called, English
Have A Go.