Nikita and Jade Ramsey are British actresses from Bournemouth. They have worked on such films as X-Men 2, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and Vanity Fair. I recently interviewed them to discuss their career, their goals, and upcoming projects they are acting in. I hope you enjoy my interview and look for them in the future!
TONY: Tell me how your interest in acting first started?
NJR: We have both always enjoyed performing, and when we were a lot younger we loved re-enacting our favorite TV programs, and making films with our parents camcorder - Which are so funny to watch now, as we would dress up in our parents old clothes, and do anything and it just sort of moved on from there really. We joined a great drama school in our area called the 'Swish of the Curtain Drama School', and started doing productions, competitions and festivals. We signed with an agent, and professional work took off since then!!!
TONY: How intimidating was it being so young and acting? How prepared were you both for it?
NJR: The fact it was always the two of us made the whole situation a lot less intimidating as we always had each other. We just took each opportunity as it came, made sure we were as prepared as we could be for each casting, then if we booked the role we would take our enthusiasm on set and work hard. It's a lot to do with determination, there are a lot of people who want to get into acting, but you have to stick with it if it's what you really want. We went to classes, independently submitted for projects as well as agent submissions- you have to be proactive and can't wait around for the opportunities to fall at you. Just go for it!!! And enjoy every experience!
TONY: Tell me about the first acting role you both received?
NJR: Our first professional acting role, was in X-Men 2 as the twin X-kids. It was our first really big casting as well, so we were very naive and new to it all. As we were unaware of how tough the auditions are, we went in completely ourselves, with no perceived expectations. We spoke in front of the Producer and it went great. Afterwards we were just on a high and thought it had gone really well, but didn't want to get our hopes up. Fortunately the waiting wasn't long either, and we received a call that night telling us we had been cast. It felt unbelievable, and we were on top of the world! We can't explain the feeling, when you want a role so bad and you get the call telling you, you have been cast!
TONY: Did other kids treat you differently because you were acting?
NJR: No, not at all. Our friends and people at school were interested in what we did, and were intrigued by some of the people we got to work with. However it never affected us negatively and we attended a regular school, and had some really cool buddies there, a big crew of us who are all still best of mates.
TONY: Was it easier to act because you had each other, and you didn't have to do it alone?
NJR: Yes, definitely. There's no doubt about it, having each other has made it a lot easier. Rehearsing, running over sides, getting advice and opinions, having someone to travel with to castings.... There are so many times when having each other makes it not only easier, but a whole lot more fun as we always have someone to share the experience with. Acting, sometimes can be a pretty lonely business if you are out auditioning and traveling a lot, as you can never be set in one place, and are constantly meeting new people who you are competing against, although we have always found it an amazing way to make friends, and you meet a whole load of cool people, all who share the same passion as yourself. But we would say having each other has made the whole journey nothing but an amazing adventure!!!
TONY: What's your favorite and least favorite part about acting?
NJR: Our favorite part about acting is the great scripts you are given and the amazing characters you can become. It's so great being able to become someone else so different to yourself, and we get excited when reading a fantastic script.
The worst part is probably the frustration of waiting to hear back from auditions, as we are very impatient people, and the waiting and rejection is tough. Sometimes when you get so close to being cast, and you were down to the last two, you do imagine how things would have been had it been you who was cast, but you quickly move on to the next casting and soon forget about it.
TONY: You both were in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Tell me how you got that role and what was it like shooting that film?
NJR: Someone who we worked with on X-Men 2 was working on this film also, so she remembered us and gave us a call to see if we would like to come and shoot on 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'. Of course we said yes, with no hesitation. It was very funny and a lot of the scenes being filmed had everyone in stitches, once cut had been called, as you can probably imagine as both the first film and the sequel are very successful comedies.
TONY: What was it like working with such big names as Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth?
NJR: It was fantastic. Renne Zellweger was so friendly, and it was brilliant watching her in action, as just being able to observe professionals at the highest teaches you a lot. Jim Broadbent was also in one of the scenes, he played her father and again was just hilarious. It was a real honor to be working around such talented icons.
TONY: You both also starred in X-Men 2 as the twin kids. What was that experience like?
NJR: Great fun! Actors like Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman are fantastic to work with, and the talent they have is even more obvious when watching them film and work. There was a real spirit on this set, and although we only joined the cast towards the end of shooting and were there for very little time compared to the lead cast we felt like a big team. We even all watched Rugby together as there was a big match on. Bryan Singer, the director, was amazing. He was so friendly and made everyone feel at ease. It was such a fun shoot, and it being our first professional roles made it even better.
TONY: You both were also in Vanity Fair with Reese Witherspoon. What was it like working with Reese and on that movie?
NJR: Again, working with a distinguished, highly celebrated actress like Reese Witherspoon was nothing but a privilege. It was a period drama, so the hair, make up and costume was very important. Getting ready in the old fashioned dresses and extravagant hair was incredibly enjoyable and really funny seeing ourselves made up. The location was also in Hampton Court Palace, which is a beautiful setting and it was summer time. Although it was very hot with the thick layers of dresses and petticoats, it was great playing someone from a completely different walk of life. That's one of the things we love about acting, and working in TV/Film, where you feel as if you get to kind of experience different feelings and things by playing someone else. Which is cool!
TONY: Tell me what it was like hosting "Teen Nick"?
NJR: That was our first time hosting and hosting is a completely different experience to acting. Nickelodeon Studios was brilliant, and it's remarkable how the bright set, lights and funky set instantly gets everyone in a great mood. It was a whole load of fun, and a lot faster pace than feature films, particularly as the turn around is very quick and sometimes you are filming live. We got to interview actor Vin Diesel who was such a cool guy. He gave us some really good advice, and was just so much fun to work with. There were some crazy games going on for the show, and everyone working had such a fun time. There were a lot of laughs!!!!
TONY: What is one character role you would never want to take?
NJR: There isn't one. It's hard to categorize characters, as each one is so complex and different, with so much going on. We like to take risks, play controversial roles that are moving, unusual and different so we don't have a particular type we wouldn't like. It's all about a challenge, and getting into the mentality of someone else which makes acting so fun!
TONY: Do you girls ever want to go off and become singular actresses?
NJR: We love working together and we don't purposely want to pursue singular projects but if the opportunity comes up we do look at individual roles also, as twins is quite a niche market for casting. There are so many great roles being cast all the time, we definitely wouldn't pass up the chance just because it wasn't a twin part. Going for the same part would be tough, but we would always be pleased for each other, although maybe, actually, very envious at the same time.
TONY: You both have a lot of great upcoming projects in the future. Tell me about those?
NJR: We have just finished shooting on three new feature films. 'The Other Boleyn Girl' with Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman. That is another period drama, and is based on the novel, where two sisters compete for the affection of Henry VIII (Eric Bana)
Another project we worked on is David Schwimmer's movie 'Run, Fat Boy, Run' starring Simon Pegg and Hank Azaria. We had to do a lot of running in vest tops and gym shorts in London in November, so as you can imagine it was very, very cold. That didn't prevent us having a crazy fun time, and all three guys were very funny to work with.
The last upcoming project is actually a feature film we shot last year called 'Man Who Sold the World.' It's an independent film, and has a fascinating storyline about the story of Max, a man who becomes embroiled in time and space and the dimensions of man's mind and his place within his own universe. The cast and crew were great to work with, and some of the locations were stunning as well as it being something totally original. This looks a great film, so keep an eye out for it!
TONY: What do you both hope to accomplish with your careers? What are your goals and dreams?
NJR: There is so much we want to achieve. In this business it is tough getting noticed and often it's about landing your breakthrough role. However there are many actors who work great roles, continually but are just out of the spotlight. The amount of variety is something we find appealing and our goals and dreams range from gritty, moving feature film roles - a role that really touches the audience and makes them think, Disney/Nick style sitcom, voice over work in animated movies, the list goes on.... But we can say anything you throw at us, we want to have a go
TONY: How supportive are your parents of your careers?
NJR: Yes, they are. They have never been pushy, or very involved in what we do but have always helped us out. Our dad would always give us lifts and travel up with us to auditions and shoots, especially at last minute notice which was really cool of him. And our mum would be great at getting any costumes, and doing hair etc... when needed for shows. They've both helped out a lot when asked, but we like to stay in control of what's going on and are the ones who are driven to pursue this, but it has been a real help having their support.
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| Tony Farinella |
Tony is an Oak Lawn, IL based film reviewer and columnist looking to have fun and share his unique views on film with everyone. Tony also has an unhealthy obsession with Vanessa Lengies, but that is neither here nor there.
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