SEEING THE FUTURE IN SOPHIE THATCHER

What we love here on FERNTV about film festivals is that we get to see the next generation of actors and actresses.  During the Toronto After Dark Film Festival we had the pleasure of watching up and coming actress Sophie Thatcher in the film Prospect which is the first feature length film under Gunpowder & Sky‘s sci-fi label DUST.   Sophie Thatcher plays a 17-year old apprentice named Cee of a prospector named Damon who is her father and played by Jay Duplass.  Hoping for a new life where a 17-year old would have some sense of normalcy, she goes on one last trip on a toxic moon with her father in order to secure that life she wants to lead.  Game of Throne‘s Pedro Pascal is introduced into the story as Ezra who is the only person who is able to help both Cee and Damon get the treasure and get off the planet.   Prospect is representative of the torch being handed down to Sophie by Pedro because of the chemistry they had.  We can see that Pedro’s Game of Thrones experience has Sophie Thatcher’s development intact.   FERNTV spoke to Sophie Thatcher about her experience with the film Prospect.

FERNTV:   Tell us first your thoughts about the film before you auditioned?

Sophie:  The first time I read through the script I was completely taken in and immersed into this new universe of Prospect. I thought it was unique and reminiscent of the otherworldly aspects of Miyazaki films (which I grew up on, and they hold a very special place in my heart). Cee is a very powerful character, and to see how her character develops throughout the emotional journey of the film was inspiring and immediately I knew this project was going to be special.

FERNTV:   Tell us how you felt after you got the role and where you put through further acting exercises?

Sophie:  I was flown out to Seattle to meet the directors and work through a couple of scenes. I remember getting a call and was told to come back to their workshop later that day. They told me I had gotten the role of Cee. I remember feeling extremely relieved, ecstatic, and a bit nervous; considering this would be my first feature. I felt the pressure to portray Cee’s character arch in a natural and graceful fashion, although the pressure was what kept the process exciting and kept me working hard. Script analysis is always important for any project to gather a better understanding of your character and their backstory.

FERNTV:    Prospect is a very intense film and so are the shows The Exorcist and Chicago P.D.  Is it safe to say that you have grown into those type of roles that are intense??

Sophie:  I never want to be placed into one category; I would like to venture out and explore playing all different kinds of people. But so far, I have booked some intense roles. I am grateful for them because they’re even more challenging and satisfying to take on.

FERNTV:    What is it like to work alongside Pedro Pascal and how was he an influence to you?

Sophie:  He’s an incredible actor and was such a generous and present scene partner. Right before takes he would bring this lightheartedness and make everyone feel so comfortable. Then once the camera was on him he was able to flip a switch immediately. It was inspiring to watch his transformation into his character. He helped me to be fully present in the scene.

FERNTV:   How difficult was it to wear those helmets for the film Prospect?

Sophie:  It was a challenge throughout the first week. I already felt nervous considering it was my first week of my first feature film, and the extra anxiety of not being able to breathe properly through my helmet made things pretty overwhelming. But after they had fixed the helmet it helped me to fully plunge into the Prospect universe.

FERNTV:   Aside from the helmets, what were some other challenges you encountered and how you came over it?

Sophie:  Cee’s character arc throughout the story is one of my favorite parts of the project. I also felt the pressure to do the character justice and portray her character development gracefully. It helped that we filmed most of the scenes in order, so I grew with the character Cee.

FERNTV:   Recently at TIFF in Toronto we had the #ShareHerJourney campaign for women in the film industry.  What are your thoughts on the ongoing fight for women in the film industry especially for the up and coming actresses of the next generation?

Sophie:  I’m grateful for all of the work that’s been done before me on the behalf of all women. I can’t imagine being an actress 20 years ago. We still have to work towards parity, but I believe we’re making progress. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.

 FERNTV:   Was is it like for you to be part of Toronto After Dark Film Festival this year and many of the other festivals throughout the world?

Sophie:  Unfortunately, the only one I was able to attend was South By Southwest. I would have loved to experience TADFF and would really enjoy visiting Toronto someday.