Tag Archives: Supernatural

Exclusive Interview with the very talented Fraser Aitcheson.

Welcome back.  Have I got a treat for you.

Some of you may know my next interviewee.  Others not so much.  He first got my attention when I seen him on back-to-back episodes of Sanctuary.  Then I found him on Twitter and I’ve been following him ever since.  OK, that sounded a little bit stalker-ish, but I’m harmless really, 🙂

His name is Fraser Aitcheson and he’s been very busy of late.  Besides being in Sanctuary, some of you might recognize him in Smallville, V, even Human Target.  The list goes on and on.  He’s been in such films as Night in the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonain.  A movie I just about know off by heart thanks to my son. LOL.  And Blade: Trinity.  Which I can’t get enough of watching.  It seems the more action packed the TV series or film, you’ll find Mr. Aitcheson.  Like I said, he’s got a long list of amazing TV and film credits.  And he’s not done yet.

KF:  For people just learning about you now, how about a bit of a bio?

FA:  I was born Mar.30, 1973 and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. My mom and father got divorced when I was 12, and at 13, I moved to Vancouver, BC. I’m 6 ft tall, about 210 pounds with brown eyes and balding, unfortunately. I used to have a respectable afro 🙂

KF:  On your IMDb site, you’re mostly listed as doing stunts, how did you get into that part of the entertainment industry?

FA:  I started in stunts back in 2001. at the time I was wrestling professionally for a couple of the independent circuits along the west coast. A TV show called ‘los luchadores’ came to Vancouver, and they needed to teach the stunt people how to perform some of the moves (ie: bodyslams, suplexes, etc). I was brought to help teach, and was given work on the show as a thank you. from that point, I was hooked.

Fraser Aitcheson as Hersuan from SanctuaryKF:  I first noticed you in the two episodes of Sanctuary with the then WWE star Edge.  What was that experience like?

FA:  Coming from a pro wrestling background, I was really excited to have the opportunity to meet and work with Edge (Adam Copeland). He was super cool!

KF:  I’m guessing with doing stunts in any project that there’s injuries.  What, if any, mishaps have you had to endure?

FA:  I’ve been fortunate so far, and haven’t been injured too badly. It’s expected that bumps and bruises are possible given the physicality of stunt work. I accept that things could happen, but safety is always top priority.

Fraser Aitcheson as a Jaffa on Stargate SG-1KF.  I also noticed on IMDb that you’ve done your fair share of acting.  Do you enjoy the acting more over the stunts, or are they more equal?

FA:  Because of the physical nature, I do enjoy stunts more, but acting is fun. I look at both as a privileged position – getting paid to have fun with friends, so I’m always just happy to work.

KF:  With your wide range of action movies you’ve been apart of, what one did you enjoy doing more?  Is there one you least liked?

Fraser Aitcheson as The Persuader on SmallvilleFA:  I can’t say there has been one production that I’ve enjoyed more or less than another. Whether TV, or film I love working while wearing prosthetics. It just makes it seems that much more like being a kid at play! I did an episode of ‘Smallville’ Fraser Aitcheson as Baraka on Mortal Kombat: Legacywhere I got to play a villain named ‘the persuader.’ It was fun because it had all the elements for me: cool costume, acting and stunt stuff! Last year I worked on the ‘Mortal Kombat: Legacy’ web series as the character ‘Baraka.’ I really got into this one because I got to wear full facial prosthetics. i couldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror.

KF:  Who is/was your biggest influence in your life to where you are today?

FA:  Hmmm…can’t say I’ve had one.

KF:  Is there a motto you live by?

FA:  Excuses are plentiful and easy to find. Results take effort, that’s why their achievement is so gratifying.

 KF:  Did you have a role model you used to look up too?  Or maybe you still do. 🙂
FA:  Nope

Click here to learn more on Suffer on sufferthemovie.comKF:  You mentioned to me that you just worked on a film, Suffer.  Can you tell us about your character?  How did you get involved in this project?

FA:  ‘Suffer‘ was an independent film based on a short by Ryan Nicholson. Basically, I played a fighter whose opponents get served as dinner to the spectators of the fight. The writers are fellow stunt performers and they felt I had the perfect look for bad ass, fighter-type, killer. lol

KF:  Do you have any charities you either volunteer with or give to?  Or is there any that you’d like to get involved in?

FA:  Right now there aren’t any charities that I’m able to volunteer my time to because my free time is spent with my 1 yr old daughter, or doing work related stuff. In the future I think I’d like to talk to kids and help them realize that adversity (i.e. parents divorce) can be turned into positivity with focus and direction. I’m an example 🙂

KF:  Is there anyone you haven’t worked with that you would love to?

FA:  Working with any of the top names would be awesome! I do feel that every actor I’ve worked with has brought something that I’ve been able to learn a little from.

KF:  Let’s change things up a bit and find out what’s some of your favorite things…

  • Books
  • Movies
  • TV shows
  • Restaurant
  • Color
  • Music
  • Vacation spot
  • Beverage (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)

FA:  I loved ‘The book of the Dun Cow’ by Walter Wangerin Jr. When I was younger. I’m a big comic book fan too. I still have my old comics, and just started collecting again digitally. Thank you iPad.

I love classic movies from the 80’s like ‘Big Trouble in China’, ‘Robocop’,  and ‘The Thing’ to name few. If those, or others like ‘Blade’, or ‘Conan: The Barbarian’ are on TV, I’m compelled to watch. For contemporary movies, I’m liking most of the films Marvel is producing. I loved shows like ‘District 9’, ‘Hancock’, ‘Black Dynamite’… I could go on for a very long time!

For TV, I’m a big fan of the Sunday eve cartoons – ‘Cleveland Show’, ‘Family Guy’, and ‘American dad’. when ‘Walking Dead’ and ‘Spartacus’ are on I follow those shows as well.

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite restaurant, I just like eating tasty food that I don’t have to make myself.

My fav colour… changes.

My fav music… I like a bit of everything except country. While training, I wear my iPod which has mostly metal.

Vacation spot…. Easy – Jamaica!

My fav alcoholic drink would be Jack Daniels. With ice. Non alcoholic, I drink mostly water.

KF:  How did you get onto Twitter? And how are you liking it?

FA:  I started with twitter because I figured another type of exposure could only help. So far it has and I’m liking it!

Fraser Aitcheson as an Egyptian Guard in Night in the Museum: Battle of the SmithsonianKF:  What advice would you give someone wanting to get into this industry?

FA:  Anyone wanting to start a career in film I’d say be patient. There’s a lot of rejection, some disappointment, and sacrifice. It’s worth it in my eyes because its so much fun.

KF:  Do you have an official website?

FA:  I don’t have an official website yet – I’m hoping to get started on one soon.

KF:  Do you have an address where fans could write to you?

FA:  Fans can write to me via email at fraseraitcheson@mac.com and I’ll respond as soon as I can.

Well, that’s it for this time.  Hope you all enjoyed the great read.  I loved every bit of it, even laughed in a couple of places. 😀

I want to thank Mr. Aitcheson tremendously for this opportunity to help get his name out there more then it already is.  It’s been a great Q&A and I appreciate you allowing me to interview you.

Click to visit & follow me on TwitterThank you all for visiting IN THE KNOW.  You can share this by clicking on the buttons below.  And stay tuned for even more great things in the future.

Until next time.

xo


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Exclusive Interview with the beautiful Gina Holden

Welcome back readers.  Hope you like the new look.  And with a new look comes new things.  I have had the pleasure recently to interview the lovely and talented Ms. Gina Holden.  So sit back with a nice cuppa tea (or coffee if that’s your passion) and enjoy this lovely read.

Gina accepting her 2010 Eyegore AwardWhen I first heard of Gina Holden, was on Twitter when she followed me.  Unsure who she was (back then) I googled her name.  It was then that I realized she was on the TV show Blood Ties, then later on Flash Gordon.  Both great characters I’m sure, but her more recent work is what makes her eye catching.  And because of all her hard work and dedication in the horror genre, she’s won a 2010 Eyegore Award.  One of many, of that I’m sure.   Anyway,, let’s get on with the interview.  Hope you all enjoy it.

KF:  You have been a very busy woman. Is there anything you’re allowed to tell us in what you have been doing?

GH:  Where to begin! It’s been a very busy year! Lots of personal changes, as well as a busy pilot season. So I’ve been juggling personal things with 2 castings/day plus testing, etc. Also having guest starred in Fringe this year was a highlight. It was a fantastic time.

KF:  With all the roles you’ve played, what one was your favorite? And what one was your least favorite? 

Aliens vs Predators RequiemGH:  Looking back is too difficult to choose. Each and every role had been a gift and led me onto something else, is some way shape or form. I’m fortunate to only have had one challenging personality to deal with my entire career. But I’m so grateful for all it taught me. It prepared me for a side of the industry I had not yet been exposed to. So it, ironically is the experience I am most grateful for! And, I have to make mention of the Haunting Hour team, producers and crew. It’s my favorite production to work on. It’s like going home every time I join them for an episode!

KF:  Is there a tv show or movie that you would have loved to have been apart of?

GH:  Great question. But all of my favorite movies/shows are fantastic with the cast that helped make them great…know what I mean? But if I had to choose, I would have loved to be a part of “Running on Empty”. Or anything Star Wars related!

KF:  Do you watch your own performances? And do you say, “oh I could have done that better.”?

Gina Holden on Blood TiesGH:  I do watch my projects! But I try not to pick them apart. I put my heart and soul into everything I do, so to go back and want to change it, takes away from the process and what I was going thru at that time. It’s easy to pick yourself apart, but again, what good does it do? I certainly learn from every performance I give, and hope to continue to grow and always be better. However it is really neat looking back at my earlier work, and watching my growth over the years. I was so green and naive! It’s pretty special to see. I’m very grateful for everyone that has helped me over the years. From directors, to fellow cast and crew. We are all part of the process.

KF:  On Twitter, you talk about Coco, she’s cute by the way, does she go everywhere with you? Or is there someone you leave her with when you have to fly to your next job?

GH:  Coco Freebird is the best! She is a crazy little Manchester Terrier and comes with me everywhere! She has taught me so much about patience! LOL. She has so much energy and is different that other dogs. She needs full time care and a ton of exercise, so my full time job is caring for her. And I love every minute of it! She is not a good flyer, so if I fly to a location, she stays with family.

Click here to connect with Gina Holden on TwitterKF:  Speaking of which, how are you liking Twitter?

GH:  Twitter is a great way to connect with fans and friends. It is really fun. It can however be abused and used for negative things, so I make it private if I’m feeling violated in any way. But for the most part, it’s lovely and I am so grateful for the tremendous support I have with my twitter family. It’s really great.

KF:  Do or have you done many conventions? Any funny or weird stories to tell?

GH:  I have done a couple! and can’t say I have any crazy stories! I love cons and any that I’ve been to, I’m just as weird as anyone else there! We are a special breed, and I love being part of the scifi genre for that reason. It has the most passionate engaged fans, and I am one myself. I have a cool SAW event coming up this year…that’s going to be fun!!

KF:  If you didn’t become an actress, what job could you see yourself doing?

GH:  Before I ever acted, I did many jobs! I always knew this was what I wanted to do, but being a bit of an over achiever, I wanted to make sure I had my college education, and other work experiences, before I went fully in the direction of my dream. Graduating college is one of my greatest achievements. I love fashion, business and there are many other things I could see myself doing. But if I had to pick something more specific, I would say producing. It is amazing because it allows me to enjoy a different side of a business I am already familiar with.

Gina HoldenKF:  What advice would you give someone just starting out or wanting to get into the industry?

GH:  Do it only because you love it. Not for some money lottery or fame. You will be very disappointed if that’s your motivation. Make smart choices, and always work hard. Never take for granted how much work it takes every single day. If you are comfortable, you aren’t working hard enough.

KF:  What message would you like to say to your many fans reading this?

GH:  Thank you. Sincere, humble thanks for sticking with me, supporting me and pushing me to always do better. I don’t take any of this for granted and I could not do it without all the support I have in my life from fans, family and friends. Thank you.

KF:  Is there a fan mail address where people could write to you?

GH:  Fans can find me on twitter “holdentome” or write to my agency. Address on my official site “ginaholden.net

KF:  You probably answered this in other interviews, but is there a charity that you’re involved with or give to?

GH:  I work with many different charities. But I volunteer a lot with the food bank. I am very open to many different causes, but not attached to any one specifically. I just keep my eyes and ears open, and help out where I can.

KF:  Are there any little tidbits you’d like to share with us? Likes or dislikes, pet peeves, accomplishments and goals.

GH:  Likes: being outdoors with coco
           dislikes: SMOKING
           pet peeves: nail biting/chewing!
          Accomplishments: all of my successes and my failures-couldn’t have one without the other!
          goals: the sky the limit.

I wish to thank you all for taking the time to visit IN THE KNOW.  And especially I’d love to thank Ms. Gina Holden for granting me this wonderful opportunity to aid in getting to know her just a little bit more.  Thanks Gina, you’re awesome!! xo

Karen Ford

Besides twitter and her official website mentioned above, you can also leave her a message on her official FaceBook page.


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