AMY LIN WORKMAN TALKS TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Did you ever catch any of the hundred or so episodes of 'Teen Wolf' that ran on MTV when the show aired?

Maybe it’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I never watched 'Teen Wolf' until I booked a role in the movie. I knew what it was, of course, who didn’t? But I didn’t have network TV growing up, so my little knowledge of it came from watching maybe one or two scenes for an acting class. My coach had told us all to choose a show we’d be likely to audition for, and observe the acting style so we could learn what kind of auditions to be ready for. I guess I chose pretty well! I did try to binge as much as I could before filming the movie, but things move quickly in film, and I did not have time to get past season one. I am sort of grateful I didn’t know much, because I think I would’ve gotten starstruck meeting everyone if I had.

With a years-long jump from the show, the movie introduces a new generation of characters. One of which is Hikari Zhang, and her cool-looking katana. Who is Hikari?

Hikari is analytical, diplomatic, and poised. Playing a character who doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve was a fun challenge for me, among a cast of so many characters who are led by their emotions and heroic instincts. It was a nice contrast playing a character who is very logical, and does want to do the right thing, but also wants to do it the right way.

I'd think it interesting to step into something where there's already a dedicated fanbase?

In a word, terrifying. I knew the show had a dedicated, passionate fanbase, and as someone who grew up in the Tumblr-fandom space, I was determined to make a good first impression. I think fan reactions to Hikari were mixed, which was to be expected, but I did my best to be as involved as I could and capture some behind the scenes moments I thought fans would enjoy. As for joining the pack, I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. I was a ball of nerves meeting everyone for the first time, but I think it really helped that the first person I met was Tyler Posey. It’s a pretty common saying in film that “number one on the call sheet sets the tone”, and that was absolutely true in this case. I remember my first time meeting Jeff Davis, too. I was definitely intimidated, but anyone who talks to him for more than a second can see how much he cares about the show, and takes pride in his work. Everyone I met, cast and crew both, were incredibly kind to me, there were definitely some teary goodbyes when we wrapped.

How was it working with Chris Brewster on the fight choreography. Any favorite stunts?

Chris is an incredible leader. He has so many great ideas but is always open to hearing from his team, and even lowly actors like myself. My favorite stunt was actually cut from the film! In the final battle against the Nogitsune, there was this really cool girl-power moment where Hikari and Malia take down an Oni together while Liam slams another to the ground behind them. Malia would slide Hikari’s katana across the ground, and then I got to do this front-walkover thing and pick up the sword mid-flip. I sort of had to convince Chris to let me include it, because he’d never seen me do it before. But he’s always open to using the skills we have, and I think he created a really cool moment. I loved any scene where I got to fight alongside the rest of the pack, especially that three versus two with Liam, because the wolves are brutal and feral, using claws and teeth, while Hikari is graceful, tactical, and precise with her katana, which makes things really visually interesting.

How did you get your start acting?

Like a lot of middle children, I copied pretty much everything my older sister did as a child. When she decided to try acting, I decided I would be a director. Eventually I ended up following my sister to a talent showcase, met my manager, Debralynn, and realized I liked being in front of the camera even more. It was Debralynn who supported my move from my small Ohio town to Los Angeles, and Debralynn who helped me book all my first big jobs, mostly national commercials. I think it was inevitable that I’d eventually end up in film somehow, there’s something magical about that creative, passionate, and sometimes grueling environment that’s just addictive.

What is next for you now after this?

I’ve got a couple projects releasing or released this year that I’m really excited to share, recently I filmed a pilot called 'Asian 8', which is about a group of Asian misfits running for Head Girl at an all-girls, and mostly white, catholic school. There are a few other things I’ve been working on since 'Teen Wolf', so you hopefully haven’t seen the last of me, but you never know what will actually see the light of day, so for now that’s all I’ll say. All that being said if I was asked to come back for another 'Teen Wolf' movie my schedule is never too full for the pack.