I recently got the chance to talk to Sharon Morris about his role in ‘The Hunger Games’. Here, Sharon talks about how she got involved in the project and what it was like working with the cast and crew on-set…
Hey Sharon. Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me about your new film, ‘The Hunger Games’.
What’s the general plotline surrounding the film?
It’s a post apocalyptic world and the kids (Tributes) from the 12 Districts are made to fight to the death, each year. The winner gains food, riches etc for their District. The “Games” are televised and considered entertainment and a marketing tool.
Tell us a bit about the character you play in the movie…
I am one of the Game Techs (#2, Lucia) and I manipulate the games. Make them a lot more interesting. Don’t want to give it all away in case there is one person who hasn’t seen the movie yet. LOL! While we were shooting, Gary Ross yells out, “You need a name! Someone give me a Roman-sounding name!” Lucia was born…just like that. I hope to have a bigger role in the sequel (hint, hint…Mr. or Mrs. NEW director).
How did you get involved in the project in the first place?
Got the call for the audition and almost didn’t go because it was Spring Break for my children. Of course my daughter was like, “Let me get this straight…you have an audition for ‘The Hunger Games’, THE biggest book on the planet (right now) and you don’t want to interrupt our Spring Break???? I WILL DRIVE TO THE AGENCY myself!”
How would you say this film is different and unique? It’s a bit like ‘Battle Royale’ meets ‘Tron’, isn’t it?
It is different because it has a great message behind it. Great STORY! I can see how it could be compared to those two films though.
The film stars Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Jennifer Lawrence, Willow Shields, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks and Josh Hutcherson – with Gary Ross onboard as directors – what was it like working with the cast and crew on-set? Any good anecdotes?
It was a ton of fun! Wes Bentley is really talented and down to earth. I loved the crew, some of whom I had worked with on other projects. Taryn (PA) was the best! I got to work with her again on ‘Arthur Newman Golf Pro’. She treats you like a million bucks!! The fantasy of it all was amazing. Don’t think I have to tell anyone that Gary Ross is a handful and Donald Sutherland FILLS the room with his brilliance, even in silence. He just walked down the steps and stood there for a couple of minutes and ALL of us were like, “Did you SEE that? I’m pretty sure that I just had a Master’s class in something!”
Anecdotes wise, the fact that we were in an old tobacco factory and every couple of feet there was sign that read “NO SMOKING” or “ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING”, was pretty funny.
Let’s talk a bit about you Sharon. What made you want to get into the industry in the first place?
I have always wanted to be an actor since I was 9 years old and played Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’. My 4th grade teacher had the courage to cast two Dorothy’s in the show, one caucasian and one ME. Made me believe that I could be anything I wanted to be in life! I took the really LONG route back to what I was meant to be but, here we are.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into the industry?
It is not for the faint of heart. Believe in yourself and ALWAYS be prepared! Never mistreat anyone because you will definitely see them again…karma works that way!
You’ve been in a number of different films and TV projects – which actors/actresses have been your favourites to work with so far?
Sandra Bullock and Colin Firth…hands down!
What is currently on your I-Pod?
Don’t laugh…I really love old school…Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson (w/ the old nose), Prince, Anthony Hamilton – (I know he’s not “old school” but the sound is) and of course Adele and Beyonce.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without?
A Bible, fresh water and A BOAT! LOL
What is your favourite word?
My absolute favourite word should not be in print, for children to hear. Let’s go with “WOW” because it can summarize so many situations.
What’s coming up for you in 2012?
I have several film and television projects in 2012. I get to play a school principal in two Disney films (‘The Lucky One’ and ‘The Odd Life Of Timothy Green’), an Obstetrician in ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’, a counselor in ‘Firelight’ (ABC) and ‘Army Wives’ (Lifetime) and a government worker in ‘Arthur Newman Golf Pro’. It’s kind of funny to me that I keep booking utilitarian roles when I’m actually really silly.
Thanks for the interview!
Matt J. Horn 