Title: For the Birds (Excerpt)
Publisher: ZENtertainment
Publishing Release Date: July 23rd, 2002
Byline: Anne Toole
Related Link: http://www.birdsofpreyonline.com/news.php?article=9

The WB Network has done it again. After the successful reincarnation of Superman in the SMALLVILLE dramatic series, the WB network is ready to take a stab at the Batman mythos. In the future, Batman takes his leave of Gotham City, leaving behind a city still rife with villains. Three women, all linked to Batman, step in to pick up where he left off. Loosely based on the BIRDS OF PREY comic book, the series will follow the lives of Barbara Gordon (formerly Batgirl and now know as Oracle), Dinah Lance (inspired by the Black Canary), and Helena Kyle (daughter of Batman and Catwoman and known as the Huntress).

At the WB party for the annual press tour, Dina Meyer (Barbara Gordon) and Rachel Skarsten (Dinah Lance) took the time to speak with Anne Toole of Zentertainment.com.

...

Rachel Skarsten also attended despite being far from her hometown in Toronto. Although her mother could not be with her, Rachel wore a necklace from India as a remembrance of her mother who spent years as a missionary in India.

AT: How did you become involved in the show?

RS: My manager sent me one page of sides from BIRDS OF PREY and said, "You know what? I want the casting director to see what you look like, just send it down." So I did. I got a call a week later saying that I was their first choice; they loved me. I went down to LA still not expecting to get it. I did the audition for network. And Brian Robbins, the producer, came out after and said "Congratulations. You got the part."

AT: What are the challenges of being a Canadian working on American shows? Have you worked on American shows in Canada?

RS: I've worked on American shows in Canada. Probably the biggest challenge is watching my "mum"s and "aboot"s. Other than that, they're very wonderful. They're very nice and accommodating and supportive.

AT: What did you do to prepare for your role?

RS: I did read some Birds of Prey comics, but I think that it's not so much preparation. My character is a departure from the comic books, so I'll take stuff from the comic book character and from my own personality. I'm not going to invent the character, but create a bit of a new character.

AT: What kind of story would you like to see for your character?

RS: It's the emotional stuff that I like. As an actress, that's really where your talent can soar. I'm looking forward to it. Laeta [Creator/Executive Producer] is a great writer, really into relationships, so I don't foresee any problems.

AT: You know about shows like BUFFY and ALIAS that focus on women, but they've been created by men. Do you think having a female head writer affects anything?

RS: The whole sensitivity and perspective. And I think that that's really wonderful. It's very exciting to be involved with Laeta. She's so receptive to our suggestions and our comments, which is really nice. Because at the end of the day you want to have a good relationship, not just a one-way dictation.

AT: What impact do you think the show will have on women and creators in the future?

RS: I'm hoping that it will have a positive one. I never want any of us to be a size zero, trying to kick ass. I want this to be a positive, empowering experience for any girls who watch it.

AT: So you're looking forward to your first fan letters from young girls?

RS: Actually, I've already had the pleasure of receiving some. It's a lot of fun. There are a lot of letters to write back to, but I try my best to keep up with everything.