Filmed at Florida’s Weeki Wachee State Park, Hand Christian Andersen’s Classic Fairy Tale ‘The Little Mermaid’, comes to life.
After watching the trailer for ‘The Little Mermaid’ I couldn’t wait to interview British actress Poppy Drayton (MTV’s The Shannara Chronicles, Downton Abbey, Christmas Episode – Season 4), about this magical adventure.
Was that really you swimming underwater?
Poppy Drayton. Yes! It was wonderful. We filmed at Weeki Wachee State Park in Florida. I would be swimming and all of a sudden live fish, turtles, all forms of sea life would swim by. It was a totally natural environment, which made it even more special.
Were you formally trained as an actress?
Poppy Drayton. I was. I studied at the Arts Educational Schools, London, a performing arts school based in Chiswick. Not only was I trained in drama and musical theatre for stage and screen, but we had to experience all the other skills that go into a performance or production, like sets, lighting, equipment handling. We were prepared for a varied career and appreciation for everyone’s specialty. Andrew Lloyd Webber is the President.
I know you played opposite Paul Giamatti on Downton Abbey. What was that like?
Poppy Drayton. Thrilling! I got to meet Maggie Smith at the same time, it was such an honor. I performed with Paul Giamatti on the Christmas Episode. He was fun and a generous actor to work with. He made me feel completely at ease.
You are probably best known in the States for starring in MTV’s production of terry Brooks’ fantasy series The Shannara Chronicles. Did Jon Favreau direct you?
Poppy Drayton. No Jon Favreau was the producer. Jonathan Liebesman took over as the director when Jon took the helm to direct “The Jungle Book”. We filmed in New Zealand, which was the perfect location, so natural and wild. There was lots of horse-riding.
What’s next for Poppy Drayton?
Poppy Drayton. I just finished shooting “The Rising Hawk” in the Ukraine. Spending everyday drinking in the gorgeous Carpathian Mountains. We have to fight an invading Mongol army, so I got to ride horses again, plus some sword fighting, and lots of shooting with the bow and arrow. I really enjoyed it.
I know you have done some Horror films in your varied career. How does Horror compare to action adventure?
Poppy Drayton. Horror is really fun to play. The stakes are high, they are quite theatrical, with all the blood and gore. I think it helps to make a well-rounded actor. I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to act in Horror films.
Thank you Poppy.
Catch “The Little Mermaid”, opening this Friday, August 17.
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