Santa Monika - Intervista: Sarah Spiteri

Where you always into Drama?

I was very keen in drama since I was very young, I remember going with my father at theatrical musical rehearsals and being impressed by the magical atmosphere and going back home and perform what I've seen to my mum, but I started taking it seriously at the age of 10 when I started attending Drama Unit .Since then I never stopped growing love for drama

What was it like during the 4 year course drama at Lemonhead? Different then your previous drama workshops experience?

I must admit that when I joined Lemonhead Productions I felt very at ease and more then happy with the type of workshops and exercises we were given to work on, I felt that this was the type of performing material I wanted to work on. I've learned a whole lot of skills and met people who are creative and not scared to experiment. It is verrrrrrrryyyyy different from what I've studied with one company for 4 years but not so different from what I've worked on at Drama Unit and whilst I was in Germany...Lemonhead gives you the opportunity to become someone else and the free will to experiment and build up a history for the character you are to interpret. The best thing with Lemonhead was and still is that I never felt scared to talk out my ideas as I've said before people are willing to try out new things and they are open minded!

Do you prefer TV or Theatre? Why?

Theatre!!! Both are different worlds...theatre is deeper, more emotional...it gives me a feeling, I don't know the exact adjective to describe the feeling it gives me...its like a quiver down in my spine ...I think when I'm performing in a theatre I come in touch more with the character I'm performing and the fact that its continuous that is you don't have to stop to change angle shots and so on, gives me the opportunity to stay more focus and feel the presence of the character

What was it like to be in the TV Series Santa Monika?

I must make it clear that I was chosen to be part of Santa Monika through an audition, no other reason! Being Ina , was a big challenge to me as she is the total opposite of what I am, so it involved a lot of new characters to observe and different mannerisms one takes when performing such a character. I must say that the director and producers helped me through to bring such a character to life. I guess that since the series started that is 3 Years ago , I've never ever complained of starting filming very early or finishing late , because Image2000, the production house were very tolerant and respectful towards the actors , which I believe gives you more will to work. Working side by side people whom I've looked up to when I was younger, was of great satisfaction to me, not only because I was working along with them but also because they are very good company and never underestimated me. Apart from the fact, that it is very nice feeling, walking down the road and people relate to you and forward their compliments and comments :)

How did you react when you heard a movie of Santa Monika is in the making?

I was more then overjoyed, first theatre, then TV and now the big screen!! I was really excited about it, it also meant that I had to work harder as the viewer won't be able to change channel if he gets bored and he / she have paid money to watch the movie. I was even more excited when I got to know that the movie will not only be shown in Malta but it has been chosen to participate in the EuroCine 27 film festival; 6 other foreign countries around Europe - Madrid, Rome, Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg and Brussels. Woooowwww going international as well!!! This couldn't even get any better...I just keep my fingers crossed maybe there will be another opportunity in the future :)

Your experience during the making of the movie?

Very different from the filming sessions that where made for TV, it was fun, something to look forward to but at the same time more professional, more accurate and more intensive. I've learned skills that are to be taken note of when working for the big screen, such as movement, facial expressions, continuity (very important)...I had to take into consideration that new filming equipment was being used so I had to make sure that the way I'm working has to be in collaboration with the crew as well, I don't regret spending most of my time on set and putting all my energy on such a project , cause now that I've seen the result of the movie. I'm more then satisfied. The cast and crew, were incredible, even the new actors involved, felt very at ease to work with us, it was just like being at home...

What are the strongest points of the movie?

I won't be revealing much as I don't want to spoil the fun of watching the movie ...The story is based in prison so there is a lot of activity going on. 2 new characters are introduced, a new prisoner and warden and one can say that these 2 characters cause a lot of questioning and doubt amongst the prisoners as both characters hold a secret this results into tension and curiosity which lead to certain behaviours which become uncontrollable and to a certain extent the prisoners take control of the prison more then the Director of the Prison. The movie involves a lot of action, the build up of the story line is done properly, it's not dragging at all, there are some scenes which are breath taking and others which make you feel compassionate.

Why should the public go and watch it at the cinema?

It was done professionally; a very good level indeed. The story is a productive one and will definitely keep the viewer constantly focused on what's going on. Being patriotic, I think that one should support such a movie by watching it if we want to encourage artists to keep on producing such events it will also increase the opportunities and market for such entertainment business. Well I want to say: "Go and watch it, as it's not a movie to be missed!!!”