Interviews: Michael Nankin & Leah Gibson

A couple of really great interviews for the dry spell.

Galactica Quorum has a 40 min. podcast with Michael Nankin, who directed four episodes of Caprica this season (1x05, 1x06, 1x16, 1x17) and chalked an impressive bodycount on BSG back in the day. In the interview, he offers some interesting insights into the behind-the-scenes process on both shows and talks about introducing New Cap City in "There Is Another Sky" as well as the two recurring darlings, Vergis and Barnabas, in "Know Thy Enemy."

The interview doesn't have any spoilers for the rest of the season, but if you've listened to the official Caprica podcasts, you'll probably remember that Mr. Grim Reaper will strike again when the show returns in the fall. (Geek trivia: he and Bear McCreary also offed Cromartie on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.)

Now if you're a Battlestar fan, the interview is porn. Nankin talks about directing major character deaths, angel Starbuck, babies flying out of the airlock, Kat appearing in "Maelstrom," the list goes on. You can (and absolutely should) listen to the podcast at the Galactica Quorum.

Meanwhile, The Caprica Times has an excellent interview with Leah Gibson, who plays Emmanuelle, the virtual avatar of Bill Adama's (step?)-mother-to-be and Joseph's guide in New Cap City. Hit the link below to read the whole article.

The Caprica Times: The reveal of Evelyn made her seem like a villain. Do you think that her actions as Emmanuelle were devious?

Leah Gibson: I don’t. Though she exudes a femme-fatale charisma in the V-world, I think it’s clear that Emmanuelle is fueled with the best intentions in protecting Joseph. The fact that she wanted to hide her true identity from him is evidence that she wanted him to make discoveries in the V-world for himself, and find closure over Tamara’s death on his own ground. That speaks powerfully about her affections for him.

The Caprica Times: Were you comfortable with all of the violence surrounding your character and Joseph?

Leah Gibson: To be perfectly honest, I would have had a more difficult time with the violence had the scenes been reality-based. Knowing the violence was taking place in the V-world, and – strangely – knowing that Emmanuelle knew she wasn’t really ending a person’s life but merely ending their play in the game made me more comfortable with the violence. To understand a character’s intentions as an actor, I feel it is essential to receive and accept different perspectives without imposing judgment on them. I found it much easier opening to Emmanuelle’s and Evelyn’s justifications of violence in knowing that SHE understood it was exclusive to a false reality.

The Caprica Times: In the podcast for End of Line you received great accolades from David Eick, an executive producer of Caprica. He mentioned that your role in the second half of the season is very important. Is there anything you can elaborate on regarding that?

Leah Gibson: Oh my goodness, bless his heart. Thank you Mr. Eick! What an honor. There’s not much I can reveal… except that Evelyn/Emmanuelle’s intentions become much more clarified and firmly rooted as the story progresses… I love the movement forward. -- The Caprica Times

You can catch Leah on Supernatural next week and, for more updates, follow her on Twitter.