Vith Jane Badler
Jane Badler is back in Australia producing a short film called Sapphire, which will begin shooting in January 2021. A lot is under wraps at this time, but we did also manage to find out she will also be working on a new horror flick later in the year. V fans wont be disappointed.
1 Who is an actor that had the most influence on you as a performer growing up?
When I was a little girl, I was enamoured with the big Hollywood movies. I adored Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly.
2 How do you differ your experience between acting in AU and USA?
Acting in the US definitely has more perks. The salaries are much higher, the productions are usually bigger and the actors are definitely more spoiled (their own trailers even for a small role).
3 Your most favourite film production to work on in the USA and in AU?
Definitely my two favourite US productions were the original ‘V’ where I played the life changing role of ‘Diana’ the head lizard, & the lead in ‘Mission Impossible’ the series, shot in Australia. In Oz I’ve had some great experiences. It was wonderful to be a part of the iconic Aussie show ‘Neighbours’ and a thrill to guest on ‘Offspring’ playing John Waters’ love interest!
4 Was ‘V’ a favourable memory to have worked on?
‘V’ was an incredible show to work on. Huge budget, big sets, amazing script and one of the best roles I have had in my career to date.
5 How do you respond to being quoted the most beautiful woman in the world?
That’s truly a lovely thing to hear. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before? I am deeply flattered by it.
6 Tell us about your music career?
I’ve released three albums. One produced by the gifted jazz Aussie pianist/composer Paul Grabowsky. I’ve performed all over Australia and throughout Europe. It was a lovely time and kept me busy when acting work was very scarce.
7 You have done 2 films with Richard Norton, tell us about it?
Many people think of Richard as a talented athlete and stuntman. And I’ll tell you he’s also a very hardworking, talented actor. I’ve played his wife in two films so far. An action film called ‘Under the Gun’ and a thriller/drama called ‘Under a Red Moon’. We’ve had a lot of fun together!
8 Your experience working with Stefan Dennis on ‘Neighbours’?
Stefan was incredible to work with. Even though I have acted in so many shows and movies it was still quite challenging to really shine next to him. I have the utmost respect for every actor on that show. There is not much rehearsal time and the pace is very fast. Stefan was super fun and professional. He’s also a wonderful actor.
9 As far as your support for local independent films, I see Nathan Hill has pushed to see you cast in various features. Does your approach differ between movies such as ‘Colourblind’ & ‘Cult Girls’?
Truly we all want to make a difference and give back in life. It was fun to work on a couple of low budget Aussie films with Nathan Hill & Mark Bakaitis. Both are really easy to work with and do really fun films. It’s always good to keep the acting muscles toned, so I’m happy to help out my friends and get a bit of work on the side as well when time permits.
10 Your new film ‘The Surrogate’ with Kestie Morassi, tell us more.
I’m very excited about being cast in the ‘Surrogate’. A very well-crafted horror film shooting this November in Melbourne. The cast is so good and it’s a very well-crafted script. I play a social worker which is definitely a first for me! Last year I played a police chief in an American series so I can definitely see the roles changing for me with age.
11 Your Producing plans for the future?
I am producing a short film called ‘Sapphire’ that my late son Harry Hains wrote, in his honour. We aim to be shooting that one in January 2021 in Melbourne with a great lead actor. That is a secret at this time, sorry, can’t say who just yet. Also, I’ll be co-producing a wonderful horror film that will hopefully be shooting early next year as well. That one will shoot overseas with myself in the lead. I definitely seem to be in the horror mould at the moment! Fun times and never boring to say the least.
