Last October, Twilight fans were presented with a range of new cast members who would portray the varying new coven vampire characters brought forth by Breaking Dawn. One of the most anticipated of those casting announcements was for the unique role of "Zafrina," the Amazonian Coven vampire who can project visual illusions into the minds of her subjects.
The one chosen for that role was Judi Shekoni, who hails from the U.K. Shekoni has been a working actress for more than a decade, and she is one of the more enthusiastic new cast members for The Twilight Saga, as she was, prior to becoming "Zafrina," a big fan of the series.
Below is an exclusive interview with Shekoni about the Twilight series and more.
- You were a fan of the Twilight series before you got the role of Zafrina in Breaking Dawn, so when you read the series, did you picture yourself as any of the characters?
Yep, I was a fan. Well, when you read a book you always see yourself as being the character that is telling the story so I guess I lived all the books as Bella, but thinking about it I would have made a very strange and unusual Bella!
- Did being a fan make auditioning for the role that much more intimidating or was it easier because you had confidence in your knowledge of the story?
I felt more confident than usual because of my knowledge of the story and the characters; Twilight has a definite feel and style to it that would be hard to pick up from one scene. I felt I was already inside the world and had lived the lives so I definitely felt I had a good advantage!
- How has your experience been working with Bill Condon?
He is so amazing, such a kind, considerate, and intelligent man. I have learned so much from him, and it has been one of the highlights of working on this film. His attention to detail is incredible and I am lucky to have him working on this film as he has such a strong vision for the Amazons so we had a lot to play and got to take some risks. He also has a great sense of humor and is not easily stressed so it was a really fun set to work on - laughing was permitted - so we took advantage of it!
- Have you and any of your fellow cast mates had any great bonding stories on set yet?
Tracey [Heggins – “Senna”] and I have become firm friends. We are both wearing the Amazon outfits, which meant we had no choice but to become gym buddies. We also have celebrated a good few birthdays during the long shot, and Amadou [Ly]’s birthday in New Orleans dancing at a college party was fun, and mine which Tracey came to in Vancouver and the producer of Supernatural which shoots up there took us out for a slap up dinner and dancing.
- Can you tell us more about what you’re doing to help coach other U.K. actors coming to the U.S. for work?
I have a book I wrote a little while ago which basically takes someone from the initial decision right through to the first job. There are so many mistakes that can be made, and those mistakes can be the difference between success and failure. When you just arrive in L.A., you are in a great position as you are “fresh meat” and people will meet you and give you a chance. The individual coaching I do with students and the books help people make the most of this opportunity by giving them knowledge that is way in advance of the amount of time they have been in the city, putting them ahead of the game.
- You seem to have an eye for business opportunities. How did the hair extension business come around for you?
There was a quiet period for me around the writers and actors strike and I knew I needed to find something else to keep me occupied. I gained a place to study for an MBA - but upon starting I knew I just wanted to learn practically and so began setting up ExtensionEvolution.com. It’s been a long process and the company is still in the early stages, but it is my baby and I am so happy and excited to have it.
- Are there any other ventures you hope to get involved with, outside of the entertainment industry?
I would love to produce a film. I have written a script and am in the process of writing another, so maybe it will happen down the road. I would love to do a film in Africa.
- You’ve done a lot of television in your career. A few weeks back, there were some murmurs of you hosting a new reality TV series. Is this true? If so, can you share more about it?
I have actually already shot the entire show - we did 12 episodes of it in Fiji. I was in Fiji for 2 months shooting it, It was for the Fox network, produced by Mike Darnell the producer of American Idol, but unfounfortunately there is no air date yet. It would be wonderful if it airs. I have seen it and it’s a great fun show, but when, if, or where it airs is beyond my control.
- Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
Having a success film career and a wonderful family. I would love ExtensionEvolution.com to be successful - a few homes around the world and the time to dedicate to good causes and pay it all back.
Visit Judi Shekoni's official website, Twitter, Facebook, and IMDb pages for more information on her.
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