Aussie actress Katherine Hicks, best known for her Logie Nominated role as Heidi on TV hit ‘’Rescue Special Ops,’’ is making the transition to the big screen. In 2011, Hicks will be seen in two highly-anticipated local projects, “$quid : The Movie” and “Black & White & Sex”.
How does it feel to be nominated for a Logie? Put the readers in your shoes…
I was really thrilled to receive the nomination! This was my first nomination for an award, so it was very exciting. When you’re working in TV, you are very distanced from your audience so you have no idea if they dig your stuff or not; and I started my career in theatre where an immediate viewer reaction is a fundamental part of the process. So, to be nominated for a Logie from an audience vote gave me that reinforcement that my performance is resonating with my audience! Because really, what is an actor without them?
True. Tell us about the research you’ve done… do… for ‘’Rescue Special Ops’’? I imagine there’s a necessity to make sure everything that plays out on screen is accurate?
We have medical advisors on set, who are the real deal Rescue Special Operations guys. They are an incredible source of knowledge and know-how, and often we do change and tweak things under their guidance so that we represent the procedure and profession as accurately as we can. There is also a lot of research required, for example we need to explore things like, what was the character’s history before Special Ops? My character Heidi was a nurse and then a paramedic before doing the specialised training to work in Special Ops. The characters, just like the real deal Rescue Special Ops guys, have worked very hard to get to the level they’re at, and we need to ensure their background stories are portrayed accurately in their performances.
The IF award, recognising the likelihood that you’re going to make the transition to TV to film soon, is especially intriguing. Was it always the plan to move into film… or did the award spark the interest?
No, the interest has always been there! It is sometimes difficult to formulate a plan as an actor, or maybe it just feels that way… But personally, I would love to work in film. I have thoroughly enjoyed the times I have and it’s a medium I admire.
Tell us a little about one of those films, ‘’Black & White & Sex’’?
This is a feature about a prostitute named Angie with eight actresses playing the one character. The film is shot in Black and White and examines the character Angie intimately. Angie was a challenging role and the script explores the physical, emotional and mental dynamics of sex from the perspective of a sex professional. I am intrigued to see it myself!
“$quid: The Movie” is getting good buzz… who do you play in it?
I played Amanda who is a character in the opening scene of the film. I am in a tiny blow up boat on a date on the Brisbane River, and I played opposite the extremely funny Toby Truslove. Our date isn’t going too well and then his girlfriend shows up in another blow up boat. It was a great process and the cast and directors really collaborated to make it unique.
Does Hollywood interest you? Have you considered trying your luck there yet?
Hollywood would be an incredible place to work. I have quite a few friends who have made the move and I am curious myself.
When does the new season of ‘’Rescue Special Ops’’ begin… what can we expect?
I think it starts in February or sometime in early 2011, but no official dates as yet. This season is very interesting as Rescue is under threat from a rival privatised rescue organisation. The relationships and the outfit are under huge pressure and there are a few life and death situation faced directly by the team – my character being one of them!
