Recently I got to speak with Sadie Katz about her career and her film “CHAVEZ :CAGE OF GLORY” with Danny Trejo. I want to thank Sadie for giving us her thoughts on the film and her career.
What inspired you to choose a career in film/TV; do you have any advice for people who are looking to get into the television and/or film industry?
“I think you don’t really “choose” to be an actress it’s just sorta who you are. You could be working at State Farm (which was actually my first job) and somehow deep in your belly you’d know you’re really an actor. After I had my son I decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue film. I was incredibly naïve and nervous about the whole thing. If I had to give someone advice in the same spot I’d say don’t worry about getting an agent, your SAG card or a boyfriend. Don’t compare your work to Meryl Strep- there’s only one Meryl Strep. If you don’t love it, don’t be afraid to do something else.”
Looking at CHAVEZ, what can you tell us about your character and how you got the part?
“Gia is the wife of a Mexican cage fighter who’s an internet sensation but, it has yet to translate to real dollars. To make matters worse my young son, Martin is in need of a costly heart operation. When my husband is offered the fight of a lifetime, I’m torn between supporting him and being in fear of losing him. I’m told I was cast out of several hundred girls who read for the part. I was so nervous at the audition because I wanted the part so bad it was making me sick. That happens to me sometimes I take it so seriously, want to do justice to the scene and actually give real emotion, real tears but instead, I end up crying thru my whole audition. Somehow Hector Echavarria saw my sincerity and wanted me for the part. I don’t think the producers wanted to go with me but, Hector did.”
What type of research did you do to prepare?
“I went to a couple cage fights and really got to witness what heart these fighters really have. I already have a son so, I didn’t have to do much research to know what it would feel like to even have the threat of losing him. I’m into Meisner and the “magic if” so, I really just put myself into Gia and went for it.”
When you consider a script or a potential TV or film project, what elements do you look for in the story and character and what types of projects would you like to do in the future?
“I love characters that let me explore a sub-personality that I don’t get to play in everyday. I don’t necessarily want to play only pretty characters- I’d like to play a dark, dark character find that piece of me deep inside and get rid of it. “
What were some memorable moments from filming and what can we look forward to from you and your character going forward?
“My first big scene, everyone was watching me, like what’s she gonna bring? I was so prepared, so in the zone I gave it my whole heart after the cut the crew started applauding. That was really, really rad.
As a follow up, what was working with your cast like?
“To share in a movie with Danny Trejo, Steven Bauer, James Russo, Patrick Kilpatrick is pretty cool. These guys have been around forever working their craft. To watch the confidence they approach their work without being showy was really inspiring. Hector looks like the happiest kid, playing make believe.”
When you’re not filming, what do you like to do?
“I’m big on cooking and family dinner with my son and fiance. When I’m not working I make dinner almost every week night and cook breakfast almost everyday. I love it. My friends are a big part of my life and I love where I live so I entertain a lot. I feel lucky.”
What future projects do you have coming up that the readers can look forward to?
“December 4th my film “House of Bad” will be out on video. My film “Nipples & Palmtrees” which is a fun raunchy sex comedy is now available on Amazon, Hulu and Netflix. Oh, and a film I wrote is coming Valentine’s Day, “Scorned” starring Anna Lynn McCord and Billy Zane. It’s awesome.”
Connect with Sadie Katz at www.sadiekatz.me and www.twitter.com/sadie_katz
