TV Feature: Interview with Gracepoint’s Alisen Down

The penultimate episode of Gracepoint airs tonight before next weeks finale. I spoke with Alisen Down who plays Kathy about how she got the role, if she knows who killed Danny, and what it was like to act with Jacki Weaver.

How did you get the role of Kathy? What was the audition process like?

My agent emailed me the audition and I taped it in my dining room with my husband when our son went to bed. It was the only audition I did. The producers came back and said they loved my audition but I was too young and too pretty for the role. They asked if I would cut my hair and put grey in it. I of course said yes and was on a plane two days later!

Gracepoint has a pretty impressive group of actors on board-how was it working with such a talented ensemble? 

It was a dream come true. We have Oscar nominees and winners in our cast, I couldn’t have been happier to be amongst them.

Had you seen the original series prior to getting the part? If not did you seek it out? 

I had not seen the series before getting the role, no. But one of the producers sent me a link to the original series and I watched it in one night. It is a very powerful piece of television.

How much was divulged to you when you got the part? Did you know early on who Danny’s killer was of did you learn as you went along on a script by script basis? 

I still don’t know who Danny’s killer is. They only gave us the pieces of the last script that we were in. I will find out right along with the audience.

You’ve done a lot of work in both television and film, is there a particular outlet that you enjoy more? What are some challenges in television that differ from film?

I like to work wherever I am hired! (laughs) I do love both outlets. Depending on the budget, film goes at a bit of a slower pace than television. I like the faster pace of television though, it keeps me on my toes!

You’re scene with Jacki Weaver where she threatened you was very tense-how was it getting to work with her? Jacki is one of the sweetsest people on earth. She is gentle and lovely. It was a wonderful experience working with her.

How was it shooting on location? Did it help build a sense of authenticity?

I had a great time in Victoria. It is a truly beautiful city and I honestly recommend going there. And yes, to live there for four months definitely added to the sense of “realness” for sure.

Are there any characters/actors that you wish you’d gotten to share more scenes with?
 I would have liked a scene with Nick Nolte. Though I may have been too nervous so maybe it’s good I never had a scene with him!

What do you hope is the audience’s greatest takeaway from the show? Do you think they’ll be surprised by how it ends?
I hope they get as wrapped up in watching as I did in filming. I am immensely proud of Gracepoint so I hope the audience enjoys the thrill of the ride!