Exclusive Interview With Melora Hardin

It is hard enough to find success in one field, never mind multiple fields. Can you imagine balancing acting on television and film, singing and dancing on Broadway, directing a feature film, and creating your own album? I sure can't, but for Melora Hardin, it is just another day at "The Office". I was delighted when the incredibly talented Melora agreed to answer some questions for ThinkMcflyThink.com Enjoy our exclusive interview where she discusses the past, present, and future of her multi-faceted career.

Television:

When you signed on to play Jan Levinson in “The Office”, did you ever expect the character to become as big as she did?

I had an inkling that she was going to be a special character, but it was really a collaboration between myself, the writers, and the audience responding to her that made her what she is.

The dynamic between your character Jan Levinson and the Steve Carrell’s character Michael Scott on “The Office” is perfection. Is that something you work on or does it just happen?

Greg Daniels (exec producer, creator of the American, "The Office"), Steve and I knew there was a special spark between Jan and Michael in the pilot and I think it was just a magical combination from the start that was always easy and surprising.

You played the character of Trudy Monk, Monk’s deceased wife on the hit show “Monk”. The show just ended its successful run. What will you miss most about being a part of that show?

Tony Shaloub and Randy Zisk (producer) are both stellar guys and such fun to work with.

Anything else on the horizon for you in the world of television?

Looking for something that I can star in that excites my imagination, something creative and strong.  I really want a special character to follow up 'Jan.'

Stage:

You played Roxie Hart in “Chicago”, how do does it feel being up there on stage live, not having the luxury to do another take as is the case with film and television? How do you deal with that pressure?

I felt so at home on stage doing 8 shows a week.  I love the pressure of live theatre which really doesn’t feel like pressure to me at all.  It’s just pure joy to play out a whole story, beginning, middle, and end night after night and see what is new and how things play with each, unique audience.  I can’t wait to get back on Broadway!

What other Broadway plays would you be interested in being a part of? Also, what do you recommend as a must see on Broadway?

I loved singing, dancing and acting, skills I’ve been honing my whole life, so I’d love to do another musical! I really want to originate a role on Broadway and it would be so wonderful to use all my skills to do that.  I LOVED “Next To Normal”, and “Westside Story”.  I’ve also heard “Orphan’s Cycle” is fabulous and is coming to Broadway! 

Film:

You worked with Miley Cyrus on” Hannah Montana: The Movie” and Zac Efron on 17 Again, and like yourself they are both talented singers and actors, talk about that experience.

They are both very talented and I enjoyed them both for different reasons.  We didn’t really talk about music that much, but Zac was very interested in hearing what I’m doing musically, so I’ll have to make sure he gets a copy of my upcoming CD, “All The Way To Mars” which comes out Feb 9^th.

I believe your next film, “Knucklehead” is now in post production, what’s the plot and tell us about your character.

“Knucklehead” is a really sweet story about a misfit who wreaks havoc on the orphanage he grew up in and loves.  He goes on a road trip with my character and a fight trainer to learn to be a wrestler, make money, and save the day! 

What’s next for you on the film front?

My husband, Gildart Jackson, and I made a movie called, "YOU" YouTheFilm.com and we plan on making another film together soon so that’s in the works.  Also I’m of course excited about "Knucklehead" coming out in April.

Music:

Your first two albums, “The Melodrama” and “Purr”, describe them and in what ways did you evolve from one album to the next? 

When I wrote “The Melodrama” I was very much in the singer/songwriter, girl with a guitar, mode.  I was still finding myself as a musician, songwriter and performer.  I wasn’t quite sure where I fit in.  I love how that record really reflects that stage I was going through.  “Purr” is more focused and was a very specific idea that was inspired by the pin ups of Gil Elvgren.  I loved the idea of music that matched those images and I also was inspired by Cole Porter and all those wonderful double entendres of the time.   

Talk about your next album, “All The Way To Mars”.

“All The Way To Mars” is definitely my best recording to date.  I had the wonderful ears and honesty check of my record producer, Richard Jay-Alexander and the inspired musicality of my musical director, Ben Toth, guiding me and I feel that our collaboration on this CD is magic.  It’s nice to do something and hear something that is live, not pro-tooled and honest.  The songs are fabulous and the instrumentation is real and rich. I love this record and I think everyone else will too!

Your single “Come Home With Me For Christmas” is now available. What was your inspiration for this song?

“Come Home With Me For Christmas” was written by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and my musical director, Ben Toth.  When I heard it I loved it.  We hadn’t planned on recording the song but when we were in the studio I told Ben he should really play it for Richard.  He did and Richard said, “Melora, you should record this song?” I learned it that night and we recorded it the next day.  I love Christmas and I’ve always wanted to record a Christmas album, so this was perfect for me.  The song is beautiful and I hope everyone will add it to their Holiday repetoire!

If you could work with any singer past and present, possibly sing a duet, who would it be and why?

Barbra Streisand because she’s one of my idols and I think she’s amazing in every way, Mel Torme because his phrasing was so incredible, Bing Crosby because his voice is smooth as ice, Harry Connick Jr. because he’s a great musician and Paula Cole because she’s one of my best friends and I love her singing and songwriting!

Director:

You just made your directorial debut with “You”, how do you compare the experience of directing with acting?

Directing is all about the big picture whereas when you are portraying a character you are focused on who you are, what you want and how you’re going to get it.

Is there anything you brought with you as an actress that helped you when you were behind the camera?

An understanding of what an actor does is helpful to being able to get what you want from an actor for the whole story. Also just being on so many sets working with so many different kinds of people gave me a comfort with being the leader.

On the flip side, anything you can now take back with you as an actress that you learned from directing?

I definitely did some of the things I hated as an actress.  Like once I told my husband, who starred with me in "YOU," to “just do it” when he had no room to run around a corner and make it feel believable to himself.  I knew what I was seeing in the camera was working and I just needed to move on to the next scene.  I will always trust a director more when he or she says it’s working in the camera and just go ahead and do it even if it feels wrong to me.

Your husband, Gildart Jackson, wrote the film and acted in it playing the role of Rawdon. You also were in the film taking on the role of Miranda.  Do you find it easier to work with somebody you are so familiar with?

It was both easier and harder in that we made this in our own home with our own money and so it needed to be an intimate experience which could never have happened without being in an intimate relationship with my husband. It was also challenging to be wearing all those different hats all the time and we definitely faced challenges that we wouldn’t have if we hadn’t been married, but we also created something very connected and full of family and love that we could never have created without that element.

Do you plan on getting behind the camera again, and what type of projects would interest you?

Definitely!  I have been trying to option a book for 10 years that I hope to get this year and direct.  Gildart and I are also looking towards making another movie together soon.

You’ve almost done it all as an entertainer. Have you thought about taking on the role as a writer for either television or film?

I am writing a screenplay with a partner right now that I hope to star in.

How do you spend her down time, if you do indeed have any?

With my kids, in dance class, going to the movies and date nights with my husband and lunches with girl friends.

Tell me what your fans can do to follow your multi-faceted career?

Go to Melora.com, follow me on twitter@melorahardin and Melorahardin on Facebook. Also become part of our YOU community at YouTheFilm.com, pre-order “All The Way to Mars” on Amazon now to be the first to hear my new record. 

Exclusive Interview With Johann Urb

If you didn't remember Johann Urb from CW's television drama "The Mountain" you certainly should know who he is now. He was born in Estonia, and grew up in Finland, but Johann is now taking Hollywood by storm. The young actor has enjoyed a more than solid 2009, playing the role of nice guy extraordinaire in the form of Will St. David on television series "Eastwick" and stalwart pilot Sasha in the blockbuster film "2012". The former model, has the looks and acting chops to further an already successful career in film and television. Like everybody else, ThinkMcflyThink.com has taken notice. Johann took the time to answer some of our questions in a TMT exclusive interview.

Loved your character on “Eastwick”, Will St. David. You had the whole “Clark Kent” thing down. What will you miss most about working with that particular cast and crew?

I really enjoyed my cast mates and the crew. It was a really fun set and there were very talented people.

Will St. David, is the nicest guy you could ever meet. Did you ever find yourself wanting some magical powers to play with so you could unleash some evil?

Yes! I would have loved to have had some magical stuff going for me, but I guess my magic was in being the nicest dude alive, ever.

First spotted you on the CW’s “The Mountain”, but you have had a good amount of television experience, did you feel like a veteran on the set of “Eastwick”?

Yes, it definitely feels like home being on set. I love it. I hope I get to do it all the time! I was very green when doing “The Mountain”.

In “Eastwick” you were on the set of a faux New England town. Have you experienced the real New England?

Yes, I love New England in the summer.

“2012” blew my hair back. What was it like being involved in such a big budget film when compared to television?

Amazing! I love big action movies and it was an incredible experience from beginning to end. If I only got to do big action movies from now on, I’d be a happy dude.

You acted as producer and were an actor in “Pornstar”, what is the status of this film?

It should hit the shelves pretty soon. There are some minor finishing touches and changes that need to be tended to.

I already alluded to it above, you have a very heroic look to you. Would you be interested in playing a superhero on the big screen?

Hell yes! I can’t wait!

You’re on a plane heading out of the country to shoot a film, how would you pass the time?

I’d be reading a book, hopefully one of those that you can’t put down, like “Altered Carbon” or “The Electric Church”. I’d also catch up on some movies.

I know your uncle is a famous actor in Estonia. Did he share any tricks of the trade with you

Nope. He’s kept all the tricks to himself. I’ve had to learn it the hard way.

If I were to head to Eastern Europe, what tips would you give me so I could make an attempt to fit in?

Fit in? You can’t unless you learn the language and that changes every couple of hundred miles. Every country is very difference and rich in culture so don’t blend, absorb.

Any upcoming projects you want to share with your fans?

I’m working on an episode of “100 Questions”, a new sitcom on NBC, right now. I don’t know when that is going to air but it’s very funny stuff! And keep your eyes peeled for “Pornstar” and if you haven’t seen it yet, “Strictly Sexual” is an amazing powerful-beautiful-funny-touching film that I’m very proud of.

Johann seems geeked up about possibly playing a superhero on the big screen. I can see him playing a number of different characters from the pages of DC or Marvel but the obvious connection at this point would be Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent. I had one of our resident TMT artists, who goes by the name of Dark B, construct a quick photo manipulation of what Johann might look like as mild mannered reporter Clark Kent.

Interview With Natalie Morales

Some of you might remember Natalie Morales from her portrayal as the unflappable Wendy Watson in ABC Family's television series "The Middleman". Now you can catch her on USA Network's new hit series "White Collar" playing the sassy Agent Lauren Cruz. She just recently finished shooting for her role in "Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps". Natalie was nice enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

There is an obvious spark between the characters you and Matthew Bomer play on "White Collar", Lauren Cruz and Neal Caffrey. What do you think is holding them back from getting together at this stage?

I think it might be way too soon. Neal is still a bit hung up on Kate. Also, there is a lot of trust issues going around for everybody. I don't think any of us REALLY trust Neal yet, and the same goes for Neal with us. Although, now that I mention it - that may be part of the attraction.

I saw you hauling ass while chasing down Ghovat in the 2nd episode of White Collar, "Threads". What do you do to stay in shape so you can make chasing down criminals look easy?

Interesting question. I should have some ridiculous workout regimen where I do yoga at 5am and only eat leeks. Really, I'm just a lazy 24 year old with a fast metabolism. Ask me again when I'm 30.

Matthew Bomer was close to playing Superman at one point, would you be interested in playing a superhero?

Well, playing Wendy Watson was a hell of a lot of fun. I'd love to do it again.

I want to hear more about "Quitters", which you not only starred in, but also took on the role of executive producer.

Quitters was a pilot that my brilliant friend, Dane Hanson, wrote and directed. We got a group of friends together and shot it in 2 days, just for fun. I look forward to working with him a lot more, the man's a machine.

“Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps” has just wrapped filming. Talk about that experience.

It was so much fun! Everyone was really cool and I got the chance to play a completely different character than I'm used to. I was completely honored to be working with those guys, and they made it very easy.

I heard that "Boldly Going Nowhere" has some new life, tell us about that project.

Boldly is a pilot I shot over a year ago that was written by the Always Sunny in Philadelphia guys (who completely and totally rule) and to be honest I have absolutely no idea what's happening with it.

You're certainly doing well for yourself in front of the camera any thoughts of getting behind the camera as a director?

Absolutely, and thanks, I would definitely love to direct someday. I need a hell of a lot more experience though. I would hate to be one of those people that just thinks she can direct because she's been around directors. There's so much more to it - I've learned a lot from some magnificent people I've worked with.... but I need to take a ton of classes first.

You're spending a quiet night at home watching movies, what's in Natalie's Netflix queue?

Let me look - okay, here's a few: Steamboat Bill Jr., Paper Heart, Big Love Season 1 & Joe Versus the Volcano.

Update your fans on any upcoming projects. What does Natalie's future hold?

I wish I knew. That's the tough/awesome thing about this business. I could be filming a movie in Yemin tomorrow night and not know it until tomorrow morning. Right now, however, I'm focusing on finishing this season of White Collar and then a script I've just written and getting that made. Keep your fingers crossed.

Can fans follow your Tweets via Twitter or poke you courtesy of Facebook?

Tweet! find me @nataliemorales

Don't miss the White Collar Fall Finale this Friday December 4th at 10PM Eastern. Then get reacquainted with Natalie Morales when White Collar returns on Tuesday, January 19th for all new episodes on it's new night.

Some of you might remember Natalie Morales from her portrayal as the unflappable Wendy Watson in ABC Family's television series "The Middleman". Now you can catch her on USA Network's new hit series "White Collar" playing the sassy Agent Lauren Cruz. She just recently finished shooting for her role in "Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps". Natalie was nice enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

There is an obvious spark between the characters you and Matthew Bomer play on "White Collar", Lauren Cruz and Neal Caffrey. What do you think is holding them back from getting together at this stage?

I think it might be way too soon. Neal is still a bit hung up on Kate. Also, there is a lot of trust issues going around for everybody. I don't think any of us REALLY trust Neal yet, and the same goes for Neal with us. Although, now that I mention it - that may be part of the attraction.

I saw you hauling ass while chasing down Ghovat in the 2nd episode of White Collar, "Threads". What do you do to stay in shape so you can make chasing down criminals look easy?

Interesting question. I should have some ridiculous workout regimen where I do yoga at 5am and only eat leeks. Really, I'm just a lazy 24 year old with a fast metabolism. Ask me again when I'm 30.

Matthew Bomer was close to playing Superman at one point, would you be interested in playing a superhero?

Well, playing Wendy Watson was a hell of a lot of fun. I'd love to do it again.

I want to hear more about "Quitters", which you not only starred in, but also took on the role of executive producer.

Quitters was a pilot that my brilliant friend, Dane Hanson, wrote and directed. We got a group of friends together and shot it in 2 days, just for fun. I look forward to working with him a lot more, the man's a machine.

“Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps” has just wrapped filming. Talk about that experience.

It was so much fun! Everyone was really cool and I got the chance to play a completely different character than I'm used to. I was completely honored to be working with those guys, and they made it very easy.

I heard that "Boldly Going Nowhere" has some new life, tell us about that project.

Boldly is a pilot I shot over a year ago that was written by the Always Sunny in Philadelphia guys (who completely and totally rule) and to be honest I have absolutely no idea what's happening with it.

You're certainly doing well for yourself in front of the camera any thoughts of getting behind the camera as a director?

Absolutely, and thanks, I would definitely love to direct someday. I need a hell of a lot more experience though. I would hate to be one of those people that just thinks she can direct because she's been around directors. There's so much more to it - I've learned a lot from some magnificent people I've worked with.... but I need to take a ton of classes first.

You're spending a quiet night at home watching movies, what's in Natalie's Netflix queue?

Let me look - okay, here's a few: Steamboat Bill Jr., Paper Heart, Big Love Season 1 & Joe Versus the Volcano.

Update your fans on any upcoming projects. What does Natalie's future hold?

I wish I knew. That's the tough/awesome thing about this business. I could be filming a movie in Yemin tomorrow night and not know it until tomorrow morning. Right now, however, I'm focusing on finishing this season of White Collar and then a script I've just written and getting that made. Keep your fingers crossed.

Can fans follow your Tweets via Twitter or poke you courtesy of Facebook?

Tweet! find me @nataliemorales

Don't miss the White Collar Fall Finale this Friday December 4th at 10PM Eastern. Then get reacquainted with Natalie Morales when White Collar returns on Tuesday, January 19th for all new episodes on it's new night.