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Like us on FacebookRed Faction premieres this Saturday on SyFy, and to gear up for the movie we’ve sat down with one of the stars of the movie, Danielle Nicolet, whom you might remember from “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Family Matters,” “Stargate SG-1″ and “Heartland” amongst many other projects. Danielle plays Tess DeLaVega, sidekick to Robert Patrick’s character.
Can Red Faction overcome the curse of being based on a video game AND being a SyFy movie (Alien Apocalypse anyone?). How true does the movie stay to the video game series? Hit the jump for our exclusive interview to find out.
Entopia: How faithful does the movie stay to the video game’s universe?
Danielle: The film really uses the video game as a framework and makes it’s own world. The game is much more about the battles to save Mars. The movie really focuses on the backstory and the lives and relationships of the characters. You find out who Alec Mason really is, and why he fought. In my opinion it really rounds out the whole gaming experience for the fans, but is a true stand alone story for anyone who hasn’t played the games.
Entopia: What was it like working with the T1000?
Danielle: Robert Patrick is one of the funniest and most down to earth people I know. He’s incredibly humble for a superstar! We’re from towns pretty close to each other in Ohio, and he has really held on the values that we were both raised with, hard work, integrity, honesty…and being a Browns fan. (I try and forgive him for that one! I’m a Steeler girl all the way!)
Danielle Nicolet as Tess De La Vega, Brian J. Smith as Jake -- Photo by: Syfy
Entopia: What did you do to prepare for the movie?
Danielle: I spent a lot of time studying Andrew Kreisberg’s amazing script, and really tried to find ways to keep my character honest and fun.
Entopia: What games/movies/books/etc. did you immerse yourself in to set the tone for your character?
Danielle: This is the part where I admit that I am a total computer geek in real life, and that there are parts of Tess that aren’t too far off the mark from me! Andrew and I joked that Tess is a cross between Pricess Lea and C3P0, so my real goal was to keep her honest without being a pest.
Entopia: What was the biggest change moving from guest spots and sitcoms to a feature film?
Danielle: Being on a series feels so much more permanent. You see the same people and go to the same stage every day for a long time. A film is really exciting because it’s temporary. Everyone is moving fast, locations change all the time, and you’re living in a hotel in a strange city. It makes you feel alive!
Danielle Nicolet as Tess De La Vega • Red Faction:Origins • SYFY
Entopia: Is there any big differences working on a theatrical film as opposed to one on cable?
Danielle: That really depends on the network. When you’re lucky enough to do a film Red Faction for a cable network like SyFy, they take it very seriously and treat it with the same level of respect and importance that you would expect on a theatrical film. A good cable network gives the same production value and well rounded, exciting story that you get from a major release.
Entopia: Thank you for your time! Is there anything you’d like to add?
Danielle: Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to talk about our film. We’re really proud of the movie we made and grateful for everyone’s interest in it! If you would like to follow the cast on twitter we are:
Danielle Nicolet – @DaniNicolet
Brian J. Smith – @BrianJacobSmith
Kate Vernon – @Kate_Vernon
Devon Graye – @dgraye
Tamzin Merchant – @TamzinMerchant
Tom Lieber (SyFy Network Executive) – @TommyLeeba
We would like to thank Danielle for answering our questions, check out Red Faction: Origins on SyFy this Saturday, June 4th, at 9PM.
