Amanda Schull is best known as an actress with her role as Jody Sawyer in the cult classic, Center Stage (2000). He had recurring roles in USA’s Suits and TNT’s Murder in the First. Today, he’s best known for his character, Dr. Cassandra Railly- a brilliant virologist at 12 SyFy Monkeys. Amanda Schull sat smartlyh us to discuss work.
Amanda Schull is best known as an actress with her role as Jody Sawyer in the cult classic film, Center Stage (2000). He has had recurring roles in the United States Suit and TNT Murder in the Beginning. He also appears in Pretty Little Liars, One Tree Hill, Suburgatory, Nikita, Two and a Half Men, The Mentalist, Bones, Lie To Me, Hawaii Five-0, Castle, Psych. Today, he’s best known for his character, Dr. Cassandra Railly- a brilliant virologist at SyFy’s 12 Monkeys. Schull sat down with us to discuss the characters we know and love.
You’ve played several different characters with very different backgrounds directly. Has it ever been confusing or difficult for you to keep straight?
Sometimes it is confusing before I’m ready, just doing homework is the only time it is confusing. Trying to ensure I’m in the right headspace to do the prep work and get myself organized. As soon as I’m ready, it is fine. All of my characters have very different postures, very alternative ways of speaking, very different clothes and that at all times helps. To wear my posh Katrina wardrobe as opposed to my Harley Davidson boots 12 Monkeys.
Which character have you played that you know best?
I believe I relate to something in it. It sounds crazy and perhaps it is because I’ve lived in her skin more consistently and for a longer period of time, but I believe I relate to Cassie. It’s not that I did something as noble as him trying to save the world, but more so I understand why he did it and that I can identify with his determination, but obviously I live a really different life from him. .
Are there pieces of clothing from your character’s wardrobe that you would like?
There is something from every character’s wardrobe. With 12 Monkeys kinda hard i could not really slip away with anything because with the time travel element i might need to wear something from a few episodes earlier or even a season or two before. I can never save anything. We have some lovely vintage and were made to see the vintage pieces that appear in the next few episodes that I want to keep- the stunning coats and dresses. And obviously I’d be crazy not to admit that Katrina Bennett’s wardrobe is pretty astonishing.
You have played many strong women. What does that mean for you?
I like it. I believe it is becoming more common- my favourite shows are the ones with strong women. I believe that is what plenty of people prefer to watch right now. I believe watching someone waiting for a man to save them is an interesting television show. I do not think women identify with it in the first place and men, whether or not they realize it or not, find it kind of boring. When I got this material to read and audition, I felt snug. Being a victim or a victim’s wife appears to be outdated. It seems virtually reckless. This is not real life and it is hard for me to relate to it.
Your character is active 12 Monkeys did plenty of time traveling. Is there a certain time you want him to go?
At the end of episode 12, the late fifties are very snug for Cassie. I believe if he lived in that time period and did not have any impending threats that might not be bad for him.
Cassie is different this season. Was the transition difficult to manage?
It’s not hard for me to set it up. I’m surprised that people do not understand the transition and why because to me, I feel like he is still the same person when we met him, it is just buried under so much. He must face far greater odds than he understands or has ever faced. Because of that he had to harden, but at heart he was still a doctor. He still believes in humanity which is why he fought hard to save her. So, for me it was a challenge, but it was astonishing to build this person who I believe is very noble and moral. I believe the audience has a little bit of a challenge trying to go on that journey because early on I believe he is a little bit from the viewpoint of the audience seeing all of this happening. Now, he’s in the middle of this battle to save humanity essentially and folks do not identify with him easily.
With this new, meaner, and more powerful Cassie, there’s more guns and more fighting. How about training for it?
It’s very interesting to gain new skills. I never really had this kind of considerable education in weapons training or fight training so, it was something early in season 2 they worked with me and that I had it a while before we started shooting with the weapons trainer and fight coach. I must work with them little by little every time I have a fight. Also, every time they’re on set they understand that it is very important for me to understand combat, whether it is physical or gun combat, as much as possible, everybody in those two departments really takes plenty of time and patience to educate me. I’m a really physical person because my background is dance so training and fighting learning is different from my usual physique but it is great to get a job like that and be capable to manifest strength of character physically. not just by dialogue or by glance. I’m really excited to take it to that level this season.
Was there an especially difficult scene to film?
Fight scenes can be tricky because of camera angles and doing things that look so contradictory. It’s important to have a good person to teach you how to try this and even have good choreography that makes sense. It’s at all times difficult, but it is an thrilling challenge.
What do you want your audience and fans to know about Cassie?
There is a reason for its “coldness”. I do not think it is cold. I believe that is the strength and focus of the mission. He does not have time for love, but sometimes the audience seems to want that to occur to him. The world was at stake and folks kept talking about how they wanted her and Cole to make out. It’s like a man, let’s watch the ball here, let’s focus on what’s important to him. Also, he means well. He does things for the nice of mankind he does not do things for his own good. Also, he means well. He does things for the nice of mankind he does not do things for his own good. I believe that’s an admirable trait. Not just to benefit his own future. He risked his life for billions of individuals when he carried out this mission because he believed in the world and he believed in the future. I actually consider it. I believe he is smart and funny. I also think he is an incredible liar at that and that I admire that quality in a strange way. I believe people need to take a moment to reflect on his motives before judging him. Also, is the audience really interested in watching a lady go together with what a man suggests she do? I do not think people, particularly fans of the show, would have an interest in watching it.
Is there anything you can say about what will occur 12 Monkeys?
I can tell you that many questions will be answered. Some people will get what they want and other audiences will get what they do not actually want. Many questions answered and even more introduced.
