CATHERINE LOUGH HAGGQUIST
CS: What were the best parts about working on such a loaded special-effect series?
CH: “The best part of working on a show that has special effects is watching the finished episode — where all the elements you tried to envision while you were filming — have become real and even better than you could have imagined!”
CS: Do people anticipate you having the persona of Petra Bellweather in real life?
CH: “I think on some level they do and then are surprised that I love to laugh and play and joke around. I think we share clarity and professionalism but I think I have more fun and joy in my life.”
CS: It is known that this series has such enthusiastic fans – how much have you loved being part of a show with such a loyal fanbase?
CH: “The fans have taken what was already one of the greatest roles of my career and have elevated it to being one of the greatest EXPERIENCES of my career. From the live tweeting, to the memes, to the clips, to the messages, to the fan art… the embrace of the Switch community has been such a joy to receive. I hope they know we are all hugging them back!”
CS: How does Petra Bellweather go about trying to balance her obligations when it comes to being a mother and soldier?
CH: “Petra grew up in a military family and, as such, never experienced them as separate from each other. Being a good soldier was, I think initially in her mind, as well being a good mother — by being a good role model and setting a high bar for what she expected from her own daughter, the way Minerva had set it for her. I think as she discovered that the way Alder was making decisions for the army was, in fact, blurring the lines of conduct and she still believed that military code needed to be protected and maintained. But as she discovered the changes in perspective that her own mother was having, as expressed to Abigail, I think she started to explore her own beliefs. And, as she learned more, she tried to do and be better. I love that she evolves so much over the 3 seasons.”
CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, what are some behind-the-scenes secrets from filming Motherland that we wouldn’t know by watching it?
CH: “When filming, the pace of the work can often speed up or slow down based the time it takes the actors to make their way back to set from the green room after the cameras and lights have been set up between shots. Demetria and I would make a game of trying to be the first one back to our marks after a break. It would get quite competitive and while we would not break safety protocols by actually running, we might sense when the call is coming and leave early or get other members of the crew to tactically block the progress of the other. We discovered others were monitoring the game when the announcement of who received the ‘gold stars’ was often met with cheers or laughter. It became a fun way to keep the energy up and sometimes actually finish early!”
