Playing colleague ‘creepy’
1. What can we expect from you in
I suppose you can expect me to do some acting, or try to act. It’s weird, because I’m playing another journalist who I work with sometimes. I hope he doesn’t see it. Or maybe I do? God, I don’t know. It’s a bit creepy, isn’t it, playing a colleague?
2. How are you preparing for the role of John Campbell?
I am mainly prepping by watching Campbell Live every night. I record his introductions to each story and play them back multiple times. I’ve also copied the recording onto my discman and I go to sleep each night listening to his voice. I am just hoping this will sink into my brain so when it comes to show time I can just magically be him. Basically: I am just going to imitate his voice.
3. When was your first foray into acting?
I acted in a show that’s coming out on TV1 next year, Short Poppies. I made it with my friend Rhys Darby. It wasn’t too much of a stretch, because I was playing myself. I just had lines to learn. It was like the psychological equivalent of going over lines before a date.
4. Are you a Scrooge or a Tiny Tim at Christmas?
Humbug all the way. December 25 is also my birthday, so I’ve led a life of being ripped off with Christmas presents. ‘‘This present is for your Christmas AND birthday’’ and all that rot. Humbug.
5. Who played favourite Scrooge?
It’s gotta be Bill [Murray in
your Scrooged]. I do a podcast on iTunes called Farrier’s Phone where the entire reason behind it is to have a conversation with Bill Murray. One day.
6. What would the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future show you?
I don’t even know where to start. I’ve always wanted to see a ghost. I’m quite into the paranormal but have never had any firsthand experience. The past ghost would show a kid annoyed he wasn’t getting two presents. Present would be me sitting here talking to you. The future, well hopefully one surrounded by beautiful kittens and a shirtless Jeff Goldblum.
7. How are you at giving presents? Any last minute Christmas shopping disasters?
I always do my shopping on Christmas Eve at St Lukes. It’s a madhouse – it’s like going on a theme-park ride.
8. What would you buy John Campbell for Christmas? I’d bake him a pavlova. 9. Strangest gift you have ever received at Christmas?
Someone once gave me a painting of myself. It wasn’t a joke and it was awful.
10. What’s your Christmas?
It’s Piha with my friends.
ideal