|
With Robin Atkin Downes
Babylon 5 It is with great pleasure that I present this interview I conducted with Mr Robin Atkin Downes. A versitile Actor and Musician, Robin is a multi talented Artist with many diverse skills, I'm sure you will enjoy some of Robins many memories. Stuart: Robin, You are best remembered here for your role as Byron in the highly successful Sci Fi Show Babylon 5, was this your first role in a Sci Fi Series and can you tell us how you got the role? Robin: My first role in a sci fi series was as the character Morann in "Atonement," but I auditioned for a centari at first...I instantly made a connection with Mark Paladini and Fern Champion (I met Fern first) they were so wonderful about playing with the character... They enjoy the process too... Alas I wasn't cast, but they liked me. They brought me in a few weeks later for Morann in episode 409 and later I performed Morann in the Movie " In the Beginning.".. I went to the producers and was hired...It has always been a dream for me to be on a sci fi show... I remember watching "Star Trek" as a child and I also have always wanted to play an alien... I was so excited when I found out Morann was written into the MOW In the Beginning. Originally when I first received the script I was in 10 scenes. YES!!! But no, they changed it so that Callenn and I split the scenes but by that time, I already had the scenes memorized. I was happy that I kept the scene with Delenn and Lennon, that was my favorite, although again, they cut the end of the scene where I had a physical confrontation with Lennon. He whips out the ranger pike and I go into this stance with index and pinkie finger waving in the air. After that experience... They were casting for Byron and because of my work as Morann they brought me in to read for the role...I stayed up all night the night before the audition and I remember I had a huge mark on my nose from make up preparations for Buffy (which I filmed the following week) I found out later that day that I got the part! Stuart: Can you tell us a little about "Steam Boy" and your association with Patrick Stewart on this project? Robin: It's funny you ask... I just recently met with him in Las Vegas at the Star Trek convention...He recorded most of his dialogue in London... I was working on another project in Los Angeles at the time so I recorded my dialogue there...Alfred Molina recorded in New York... It's a fantastic movie and I just received the directors cut on DVD... Stuart: With many theatre credits "under your belt", is it on Stage where you feel most comfortable or is it easy for you to switch from live theatre to Television. Robin: I feel comfortable on stage and in Television... Although there is a lot of sitting around when you are working on a set and it's hard work. With the stage, it's like a crazy rollercoaster ride... Quite an exhillirating experience. Stuart: Can you tell us some of your favourite role's on Stage? Robin: I think my favourites would be: Richard III, and Skinlad from "Road," there are so many I've enjoyed... I love playing the villain... Stuart: With an X Box and PS2 in nearly every household around the world, there is a great possibility that those people that may have not seen you, have certainly heard you with the many different characters you have voiced in some of the most popular games. Can you give us an insight into this challenging area of entertainment? Robin: I feel so lucky to have entered the world of video games... I'm an avid gamer and I love the diversity of roles I am offered...It's nice not to have to memorize lines and I feel extremely creative when I am performing for them...So often you get type cast in Los Angeles... Now I can play anything from an Orc to an Elf... An old man to a child...And I'm able to use all the dialects I have under my belt... Including Australian! Stuart: Will this be your first trip "Down Under" Robin? Robin: I have been to Sydney once before... It was an amazing trip... I love Australia... I'm a surfer too so I'm looking forward to some Aussie waves! Stuart: Robin, in closing, do you have any words for your Fans in Australia? Robin: I'm Looking forward to meeting you and sharing my experiences... I have a fun performance planned so come to the show! I thank Robin for taking time out of his busy schedule and I on behalf of the members of The United Federation of Planets fan club of Australia, we wish you continued success in all your endevours. Stuart Blair, Club President.  |
