(Courtesy in part: Dukemon from Rangerboard)

(Courtesy: Storm Eagle from Rangerboard)

Karan Ashley interviewed David Yost on her radio show Uncensored Radio and they also had a surprise guest. Spoiler! It was Amy Jo Johnson! Check out the interview below:

For those who are unable to listen to our interview with Amy Jo Johnson (or just want to relive it in written form), here’s the transcript:

September 17, 2012

Episode 151: Interview with Amy Jo Johnson

Hosts: Lisa J, Tristan, Jeremy, and Spy

Lisa J: This is No Pink Spandex Episode 151 for Monday, September 17, 2012. Happy Birthday, NPS! Whoo hoo! Hello! Lisa J in the house with you guys, celebrating seven years of No Pink Spandex! I cannot believe that it has been that long but we’ve made it thus far and I hope to give you guys 7×7x7 – okay wait. 7×7x7 – That’s a long time. I will be with my cane and dentures…No, I don’t think y’all need that. Thank you guys so much for listening, for going on our website, for watching our videos.  I really don’t have much more to say, other than “Thank you!” [For] you guys supporting us so much, we want to give you something very special. So I won’t waste any more time. Here you go. Remember, even after seven years, stay away from that spandex. It doesn’t breathe! Peace.

Lisa J: Hello everyone, Lisa J here with another episode, and this is not just another episode. Let’s be real. I’ve got my guys – Jeremy, Tristan, Spy. Say, “What’s up.”

Jeremy, Tristan, Spy: What’s up!

Lisa J: And we’re all here because today we have a very special guest. She has been on numerous shows. She’s been on Felicity, The Division, Wildfire. Currently on Flashpoint. And of course, you know her as our beloved Pink Ranger, Kimberly, from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Please welcome Amy Jo Johnson! Hey, Amy!

AJJ: Hi!

Lisa J: Now, before I begin, do I call you “Amy”? Do I call you “Amy Jo”?

AJJ: You can just call me “Amy” or “Amy Jo”. A lot of my friends call me “AJ”.

Lisa J: Aha! So, we’ll gradually become friends and I can call you “AJ”. We’ll get there.

NPS: [Laughs]

AJJ: My best friend calls me “A”.

Lisa J: Oh, “A”!  Because, the Canadians…

Jeremy: It gets shorter and shorter!

AJJ: Exactly [laughs].

Lisa J: So, Amy, welcome to the show!

AJJ: Thank you!

Lisa J: So, let’s start out from the — okay, not the very beginning, because that’s, like, the womb – we’ll start a little later than that! What kind of kid were you? I always ask my guests this. What kind of child were you?

AJJ: I think I was a bit of a daydreamer. I lived in my head a lot and I was also incredibly rebellious. [Laughs] I got kicked out of private school.

Lisa J: Oh, really?

AJJ: Yeah, I did.

Spy: What were you doing?

Lisa J: How come?

AJJ: It was a Fundamentalist Baptist Church school and I just –- it just wasn’t for me. [Laughs]

Lisa J: Fundamentals!

AJJ: [Laughs] You know, it worked for some people! But for me, it just wasn’t…I don’t know. Anyway! When I wasseven years old I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be a performer at some point in my life. So I think I spent my teenage years sort of daydreaming about moving to New York and just leaving the small town that I had grown up in. And I did! As soon as I graduated I went straight to New York.

Lisa J: You also got into gymnastics at a young age, correct?

AJJ: Oh, yeah! That was probably — The way that I spent most of my time was at the gym doing gymnastics. I mean, I loved it. It was probably one of the biggest parts of my life growing up, for sure.

Lisa J: And you tried out for the Olympics?

AJJ: No. No, I never got that far, but the gym that I grew up in was this amazing place called Cape Code Gymnastics and the women who owned it and ran it were just awesome. They had us sell candy bars to go to Europe. So, I went to Europe three times as a kid, just traveling all over different countries and competing. It was just a really awesome place to just see the world with a bunch of girlfriends. It was fantastic.

Lisa J: So how come — I read that you got an injury and that’s why you had to stop. Is that true?

AJJ: Well, when I was about ten years old — Actually, before I was ten I was completely fearless, and I would do anything especially [with] the coach I had. His name was Ken Haas. Actually, I’ve been Twittering a lot about him and his daughter, [who] I’ve been trying to help.

Lisa J: Oh, Lexi!

AJJ: Lexi, yeah. He was my coach and he was amazing. And then he decided to leave and go become a chiropractor. After he left, for some reason, I had hurt my arm or something, and I just got a lot of fear. Like, I became a real chicken. I just sort of leveled off at that point. When I was ten, I sort of hit my peak and I then stayed in the sport until I was sixteen. And then finally, at sixteen, was just like, “You know what? I think I’d rather go flirt with boys.” [Laughs] “And get kicked out of private school than be at the gym anymore.” So I left gymnastics when I was sixteen.

Lisa J: Oh, okay. When did you move to New York?

AJJ: When I was nineteen. So, I graduated from high school; I spent a year on Cape Cod just working and saving money, and then the following year, I auditioned for AMDA, American Musical and Dramatic Academy.  I went to New York to go to school there.

Lisa J: What was that experience like?

AJJ: That was amazing, too! But I found out at that time that I had stage fright.

Lisa J: Oh, really?

AJJ: I did! [Laughs] I was really quite petrified as soon as I got on stage. They didn’t ask me back the second year because, again, I skipped way too many classes [Laughs]. Like, New York’s pretty, are you kidding?! And I think the stage fright had something to do with it, so I ended up going to Lee Strasberg for about six months. And then a guy that I had met, who was my boyfriend, was moving to Los Angeles so I decided to join him. So I moved out to L.A., as well, that January. So, I spent about a year and a half in New York and then went to California.

Lisa J: So, you went to California and I read that in the first month that you were out there, it’s like, “Oh, there’s this audition. Eh, Power Rangers. Meh, let me go for it.” Is that true? It was a month that you were there and then you got the show?

AJJ: Nope. I got there in January. So, I spent six month just diving into classes and doing some student films. And I did this one acting class with this woman, Katy Wallin. She was also a casting director. So that summer – so, I was there about six months — she was casting Power Rangers in her office. She called me and said, “Why don’t you come in?” So I went in and I got the job. I actually had just… [I was] a little discouraged, a little lonely. The boyfriend I had, we broke up. He had moved back to Texas and I was on my way, moving home. Like, I was done. I was going to go back, maybe to New York or something.

Lisa J: Really?

AJJ: Yeah, so I had actually, basically, sold everything and was moving back home. But the night before I was moving, I met this man named Walter Rainey, who ended up being my acting coach for about ten years after that and helped me get through my stage fright. I met him at the Hollywood Diner, which doesn’t exist anymore, and he encouraged me to stay. So, I stayed and I went home for about two weeks. He called my parents — my dad and my mom — and was like, “She really should come back.” So, I went back and, actually, that week [when] I got back was when I got the audition for Power Rangers.

Tristan: Wow.

AJJ: Yeah, so it worked out! [Laughs]

Lisa J: So what was the audition process like?

AJJ: I think I went through about – I don’t really remember – but I think about eight auditions?

Lisa J: Eight?

AJJ: It was a lot! I remember there were a ton of kids and they sort of narrowed us down to five different groups, like me and David Yost and… Thuy wasn’t with us at that point, it was a different girl.

Lisa J: Right. Audri DuBois.

AJJ: Audri, yeah. And then, Walter and… Jason. Not Frank, but the other guy.

Lisa J: Yeah, Austin St. John.

AJJ: Yeah! His name was Jason at the time.

Lisa J: Right, right.

AJJ: Anyway!

All: [Laughs]

AJJ: So they paired us together. There [were] about five other groups auditioning, going through the same audition process. So we got really close, hanging out, and just sort of preparing for the auditions. And our group ended up getting it, which was really cool.

Spy: So they never mixed and matched each group? It was just going to be one of the groups that they put together?

AJJ: Yeah, for some reason. I don’t know how that worked or what their logic was, but then they ended up replacing Audri with Thuy. So, that was the only shift within the group. You know, in the beginning process they might have paired us up in different things, but I don’t really remember that. I remember just right off the bat being with David and Walter and everybody.

Lisa J: You know, Power Morphicon is the big Power Rangers convention (and I believe it was at the first one), and Tony Oliver had you guys, not necessarily audition tapes, but you where you would do a monologue. We saw you do your monologue.

AJJ: Really?

Lisa J: Yeah!

AJJ: Oh my gosh!

Lisa J: Not only did we see you guys, but we saw the runners-up.

AJJ: Ohhh!

Lisa J: And, child…They made the right decision! [Laughs]

AJJ: Oh, good!

All: [Laughs]

Lisa J: Especially the runner-up for Zack! I’m like, “Whew!” That was rough. That was rough.

AJJ: Okay, good! It all worked out.

Lisa J: It did work out. So, you booked the show. Tell me your first memories being on set.

AJJ: Okay, so…It was Dino Rangers at the time, when the show just started, before they changed the name to Power Rangers. So we got the show in September and we filmed pretty much all year. I don’t know, like six months or so. But, anyway, it didn’t air until the following September. But, I remember shooting out in the desert and I remember just feeling really lucky to be working, you know? Because I know that it takes years sometimes… or some people never work, whatever. So I remember just feeling really blessed that I was doing this show.

So then it didn’t air until the following September, which was sort of a shock, and kind of crazy, because we didn’t know how popular it was going to be. And they had this thing at the Universal Amphitheater. I think it aired the week before we were going to do this [Universal Amphitheater] show, like three shows that day, because it held 7,000 people or something. We go, pulling in, and…Oh my God, I’d never seen so many people. We were like, “What is happening?”

So we went and did the show. We had to jump out on the stage and lift our helmets off and people were screaming like we were rock stars. I remember just screaming into my microphone and going, “Whoo hoo!” running on the stage. People in the back were like, “Please don’t scream into the microphone; you’re hurting people’s ears.” I’m like, “Oh my god! I’m so sorry; I’ve never done this before!”  I was so green, right?

Then I went home that night and I had horrible, horrible, horrible nightmares. It was so overwhelming. It was too much! All of a sudden, it was like, a massive amount of people screaming your name. It was too much for me. I went home and had horrible nightmares. And then after the show aired, it just kind of went crazy, right?

Lisa J: Yeah, it was crazy.

AJJ: Yeah! And another funny thing that happened, in hindsight — at the time, it wasn’t so funny — we went to Hawaii. Did you ever hear about this trip? That we all went to Hawaii?

Lisa J: No…

AJJ: Okay, so they fly us all into Hawaii for an appearance of some sort. I don’t know what we were doing, but…so we land in Hawaii — it might have been a year after [the show premiered]? Maybe six months? There was no security and there [were], like, ten thousand people at the airport!

Lisa J: Shut the front door!

Jeremy: Oh, no.

AJJ: It was so scary! I just remember standing behind Jason Frank — so it must have been a year later, because he came on [the show ] later — and we’re walking through…and, you know how they put leis on you?

NPS: Right.

AJJ: Okay. We all almost were lei’d to death.

NPS: [Laughs]

AJJ: They put so many flowers on us! I couldn’t breathe; I started hyperventilating! I look and Jason turns around to look at me. He has so many flowers…all you can see are his eyes! [Laughs] It was so crazy! And my boyfriend at the time was with me, and he was trying to keep people back, and was pushing us through the crowd. Anyway, we got out the front door, we got in the limo, and we’re just driving away, and turning around and looking back. Jason, of course, is hanging out the roof, screaming. There was just a sea of people! It was very overwhelming. But it’s a very funny story in hindsight! [Laughs]

Tristan: Wow, it sounds scary.

AJJ: It was! They had absolutely no security; it was so weird! Because they didn’t expect that. They didn’t expect there to be so many people.

Lisa J: That reminds me…because the show started and it was a huge success…and some cast members, maybe who didn’t work with you, but [in] seasons after…some of them were like, “We’ve never seen Haim Saban. I know what he looks like, but I’ve never met him.” Do you know what was his reaction to you guys?

AJJ: I don’t know. You know what, we spent a lot of time with Shuki Levy. We spent a fair bit of time with Haim in that first year when they were creating [the show]. I think, obviously, they were pleasantly surprised. I mean, we were a non-union show. Literally, we were being paid, I think, tops $600 a week. No residuals; absolutely not one residual. I don’t know if you know what that means, but you know when they air the shows right now, with the shows that I — ?

Lisa J: Right. The re-runs, yeah.

AJJ: Yeah, that first generation [with] the original cast…nothing. Zero. It became union, I think, maybe three years after I left? I’m not sure at what point.

Lisa J: Yeah. I forgot what season, but it did become union.

AJJ: At some point, yeah. So they get compensated, but of course they play the original ones most of the time anyway! [Laughs]

Lisa J: Wow. Six hundred dollars a week?!

AJJ: I think it was around there! It was like that and we were doing two episodes a week. [Laughs] I don’t remember; I can probably find an old pay stub, but it was nothing! We had no agents. I had no agent at all!  But! At the same time, it was an amazing training ground. It taught me so much. I went through learning how to be on a set, deal with the crew, stop looking in the mirror. I learned that real quick. Like, there’s a hair and make-up person, they’ll take care of that. You don’t need to be looking in your mirror and looking at what you look like. All these little things — hitting a mark. It was like school.

I think the frustrating thing for me — not frustrating, but nerve-racking – that, it was school and we weren’t hugely compensated. And it became so popular that …that’s what gave me nightmares. It was sort of overwhelming, you know? Like, if that show stopped tomorrow I’m going to have to go down the street and become a waitress again. But at that time, it was so popular. The kids who loved the show were awesome. That was amazing to have that fanbase. But it also brought in a fanbase that wasn’t kids, like men. A lot of people in prison!

NPS: Oh, wow!

AJJ: Seriously! It brought in this really crazy, strange fanbase as well along with the amazing people and the amazing kids. People ask me why I don’t go to the Morphicon or these types of things and I couldn’t. I didn’t all through the 90s because of this, because it really frightened me.

Lisa J: So you’re saying that you didn’t go to different conventions because you felt overwhelmed and you would literally get nightmares by being overwhelmed?

AJJ: Yeah. And not only just because of my brain being afraid of it, but there were a few certain instances during the 90s and – knock on wood that those people are gone – that were very dangerous and were sort of stalking a little bit and…Anyway, situations that I don’t need to tell you all about, but they frightened me.

Lisa J: Yeah, and I think a lot people don’t realize….Of course, comparing myself to you is ridiculous, but being a woman out in the public, it’s a little different from men. Yeah, you have people who like and appreciate what you do, but then you also [have] those “people” who are very eager and very determined. So, maybe people forget that, for women, it’s a little harder, you know what I mean?

AJJ: I think so. And I think with the type of show that it is…I mean, every show breeds a different fanbase. It just does, naturally, you know what I mean? That show, besides the children now [who] are grown up like you guys, there were also other people. You know what I mean? It bred a whole array of different type of fan. So yeah, being a woman and feeling vulnerable made me a bit nervous to put myself out there like that.

Tristan: Do you mind if I ask if you still feel that way? Or has it kind of receded a little?

AJJ: I think because of the other projects I’ve done through the years, that – like I said, each show does breed a different type of fanbase – that I think I’ve found people who follow my career, who understand me a bit more than just being a Power Ranger. So, there’s more respect there. I don’t put myself out there per se in the way that, maybe, some other people do because I’ve never wanted to be really, really, really famous because it just scares the crap out of me. So I keep it intimate! Like, you guys went to my show in Cape Cod. I put it on Twitter and stuff, but I think the people who are actually going to show up are going to…

Tristan: People who care.

AJJ: Like you guys, you came a long way to go to that show, and I thought that was awesome! So, every situation is different and I have to look in my heart, and my gut, and my instincts and see “Okay, how do I feel? Do I want to do this? Do I not want to do this?”

Lisa J: The good thing about Power Rangers fans is that – yes, we were young, wee little ones – but then, you grow up with somebody and not only do you grow up with them, literally, but grow up and mature. Yes, I’ve known you as the Pink Ranger, but then I’ve watched Flashpoint and The Division, and…

Tristan: Felicity.

Lisa J: …yeah, Felicity. Sometimes I watch those shows because I’m like, “Okay, Amy Jo’s on it. Alright, let me check it out.” And I actually end up liking the show, of course, for you; but I like it because it was an actual good show. And, I think the misconception with…I’ll say “nerdy fans”…is that they’re just a little awkward, but there are many people who literally mature because of the people they relate to. You being an example and other people in the cast.

AJJ: Totally, yeah. And I love that. I think it’s so cool, like… [Laughs]… that was twenty years ago, it’s so funny! Or nineteen years ago, however many years ago it was. But when people come up to me now, once in a while, and are like, “Hey, I watched you as a kid!” and it’s like, I’m looking at this adult! [Laughs] It’s so cool! Because, I close my eyes and I’m seventeen still.

Lisa J: You look like you’re my age! Shoot. And I won’t mention my age. [Laughs] You still look young! People think like, “Oh wait, you must have been two when you were on that show.”

AJJ: Oh, that’s very sweet of you! Anyway, I really love the fact that you guys are growing up. And you know what I really hope? I really hope that, you know, some fan of Power Rangers grows up and becomes a really high exec at some amazing movie studio and… [Laughs]

Lisa J: And hires you! Ding!

All: [Laughs]

AJJ: Oh, I’m kidding!

Lisa J: I’m not kidding, shoot!

Tristan: That’s great. [Laughs]

AJJ: But it’s true! If… [Inaudible]…right? It’s awesome.

Lisa J: Look, let me find out where Steven Spielberg is, befriend him, and hire you! Whaat?!

AJJ: [Laughs]

Lisa J: So, speaking of your cast, I’m going to mention a couple of cast members and you’re going to give your thoughts. Are you down?

AJJ: Sure!

Lisa J: Okay. Let’s start out with Walter Jones.

AJJ: Oh, I haven’t seen Walter in about…fifteen years, I think? And I think the last time I actually talked to him on the phone was when Thuy had died and he actually called to tell me. Then we emailed a bit in the past year, sort of reconnected. But he’s fantastic; I had a ball with him. He was really fun.

Lisa J: Amazing. Alright, so let’s move on to Austin St. John.

AJJ: You know, I literally have not seen that person or talked to that person since he left the show, because he left before I did. But he was an interesting cat. He was — [Laughs] He was a very, very nice guy, but I remember he had some crazy stories. Like, he used to tell some “out there” stories. That’s sort of the thing that I remember most about him.

Lisa J: What kind of stories he would tell?

AJJ: Oh my God…I don’t even know how to explain it. He just had these crazy stories about his life and I don’t know if half of them were true, or not, or whatever! I can’t even remember. I just remember being like, “Oh my God, this guy has a crazy, crazy life.”

Lisa J: Oh snap. Mmm. We gotta find Austin again!

AJJ: [Laughs] And then, actually, the last thing I heard about him —  something happened to him, physically, but his dog was with him and his dog kept him alive! Like, his dog kept gnawing on his hands, trying to keep him awake.

Lisa J: Yeah, I heard that.

AJJ: Some crazy thing happened.

Lisa J: He attended the first Power Morphicon, so we saw him recently. And now he’s currently an EMT.

AJJ: Oh, nice! Does he live in California?

Lisa J: No, in Virginia. And now he’s overseas, I guess doing his EMT thing.

AJJ: Really?!

Lisa J: So, when he comes back to the states we can ask him about the stories!

AJJ: Oh! [Inaudible]

Lisa J: Okay, next would be…well, you know, clear the air with Thuy [Trang].

AJJ: Aww, poor Thuy. Yeah, that was just sort of devastating. I had actually gone and met her for a drink at Chateau Marmont maybe two months before she passed away.

Lisa J: Wow.

AJJ: Yeah. And then I got that phone call from Walter. Then me and David went down to her funeral and…It was just devastating; it was awful. But anyway, she was amazing. She was really a hilarious girl. [Laughs] She was just a funny chick. We got really close at a certain point in our life where we were sleeping over each other’s house. And, the big earthquake…We were having a slumber party. She was sleeping over and, oh my God, we went through that earthquake together, me and her. We thought nuclear war was happening. We did! We didn’t know what was happening. It was crazy! And how crazy is our job? Okay, so the earthquake happens, alright –

Lisa J: I was about to say. Go ahead.

AJJ: The morning of the earthquake, they called us into work!

Tristan: Really?

AJJ: Dead serious.

Jeremy: Wow.

AJJ: We do gown there — we ended up not shooting because the crew didn’t show up, but…

All: [Laughs]

Tristan: Yeah, I wouldn’t think so, I mean…Wow.

AJJ: It was crazy. They were just, kind of…pinched their pennies, that’s for sure.

Lisa J: For real. They have some nerve! “Oh, we just had an earthquake. Biggest earthquake ever, like –”

Tristan: “Most devastating…”

Lisa J: “…in a bajillion years. By the way, come into work.”

AJJ: “Come into work.”

Lisa J: Like, “The highway is split into two…”

AJJ: “Nah!”

Lisa J: “It’ll take about eight hours to come into work, no problem.”

Jeremy, Tristan, Spy: [Laughs]

AJJ: But in defense, we were all so young and alone in California, it was actually that morning, all showing up…I remember Jason Frank pulling in. It was just like, “Ah!” Because all these people were our home, basically, so it was kind of nice to all gather on that morning, as well, just to make sure that everybody was okay.

Lisa J: Speaking of…Jason Frank.

AJJ: [Laughs] Jason is probably one of the craziest people I’ve ever met in my life. [Pauses] In a good way!

Lisa J: Okay!

NPS: [Laughs]

AJJ: No, really! Actually, I saw him in New York maybe five years ago? We hung out one night. But working with him, he was just one of those people that had that special spark, that charisma that not a lot of people have. And he has it. There’s something very special about him. But he also has this mentality of — oh, how do I explain it – like, he doesn’t care. He just doesn’t care.  I remember they had these quads that we were shooting with and [laughs] he comes outside. He’s the type of guy that — He got on the quad and just took off. Like, just got on it — we were about to start shooting and just drives down the street and out of sight. [Laughs] And the director and everybody’s like, “Where is he going?” And he was gone for twenty minutes! He just went on a ride.

Tristan: [Laughs] Just ‘cause.

Lisa J: Just for funsies.

AJJ: It was one of the funniest things! I just remember laughing. I almost peed, I laughed so hard.

NPS: [Laughs]

AJJ: But anyway, that was him. That was who he was; he was just the crazy guy.

Lisa J: And we’ll get back to him in a second. We’ll go to David Yost.

AJJ: Aww, he’s one of my best friends. I love that man so much. We’ve stayed very close for the past twenty years. I just saw him on Cape Cod, actually. Yeah, I just think he has a very sweet soul. I love that guy. And he was great to work with, he was – I don’t know, we used to fight a lot, me and David, like cats and dogs. Almost like brother and sister. We have a brother/sister relationship, for sure. We haven’t fought in twenty years, but when we were working we used to get into all kinds of crazy fights. [Laughs]

Spy: What would you guys fight over?

AJJ: Who knows? [Laughs] Like, stupid things! We were like brother and sister, literally.

Lisa J: Did you ever fight over boys? Just saying.

AJJ: [Laughs] Maybe.

Lisa J: Am I missing anybody? Oh! Okay, what was the reason for you to leave the show? Why did you want to leave?

AJJ: Because I was done. I had done 152 episodes and I was really good friends with Shuki Levy, who is one of the owners, him and Haim. I did the same thing when I left Felicity. I just went to [Levy] and, as a friend, said, “I think I’m done. I think I’m ready to go try to do something else.” And he said, “Awesome. Great. Here, I wrote a little movie called Susie Q. Will you do this and about five more episodes—or, finish the season – and do this little movie?” I’m like, “Sure! That’s a good deal!” So, he let me go and I did Susie Q with him up in Vancouver. And that was that!

Lisa J: What did you think about Catherine Sutherland basically taking your place?

AJJ: Yeah, I think I met her in Australia. Was she from Australia?

Lisa J: Yes.

Jeremy: Mm-hmm.

AJJ: Was she in the [Mighty Morphin Power Rangers] movie?

NPS: No.

AJJ: Oh okay. How did she come in? I don’t remember how that worked out.

Tristan: I think she said she auditioned for the movie or something like that.

Lisa J: She first auditioned for the movie to play Dulcea, then didn’t get the part, but…

AJJ: Oh, okay. Anyway! Yeah, she was great. And I think I did three episodes that she was in, as well, or something like that. I’m not sure. But I worked with her a little bit and she was great. The year before, Austin and Walter and Thuy had left because they wanted [the show] to go Union. They had every right to want that and I was just naïve and young and stupid. And David left too — No, David stayed. What am I talking about? And me and David and Jason stayed. In hindsight, I wonder if we all band[ed] together. I wonder what would have happened. I wonder if we would’ve become Union. I don’t know. I don’t know.

Lisa J: So they went in by themselves and went, “Look, we want to become Union.”?

AJJ: Yeah, and they said, “Really? You want to become Union. Okay, I’m just going to replace you guys.” So it became the Power Rangers thing. I always say it’s kind of like Menudo. Right? Because the members in the band always changed, so we became completely replaceable, right? Which, I think is basically the truth on any show, really. People are expendable. At the end of the day, we’re all…

Tristan: And I’ve always wondered how was it being right in the middle of that, where suddenly you’re doing scenes where, at least on screen, maybe you would have a line where you would say, “Oh great da-duh-duh-da-da, Trini!” and then it’d cut to stock footage of Trini from some previous episode because Thuy was not there.

AJJ: Yeah, it was a weird time. I don’t know; I didn’t really know what was happening. I didn’t even have an agent yet. I was friends with Shuki. You know what? At the time, I don’t even think I knew what a union was. I just was so green. It was an awkward time. When they left, it was sad because we all started it together. And I left just a year later, because I was done. I was like, “Okay, this has been great. Now it’s time to…”

Lisa J: Move on.

AJJ: Yeah.

Lisa J: So before we move on, there are a couple of things: when Thuy, Walter, and Austin left, Karan, Johnny, and Steve came on. What were your thoughts on them?

AJJ: I think my first memory of them… I’m not sure in order how it went, but we did the movie in Australia and that’s the biggest memories I have of them, us all being in Australia. Boy, what a trip that was. We ended up staying there, like, seven months. It was a long trip. We went to shoot the movie for two months, and they replaced one of the characters, and blah blah blah…Like, we were there for seven months and it was awesome. It was so fun and we all became sort of a family there.

And, they were great. I saw Steve at one of my shows, maybe seven years ago? Eight years ago? And he seemed great. I know Johnny has a band that I’ve sort of checked out a little bit, and they seem great. Yeah! I liked them all; they were awesome! Karan – we had so much fun in Australia, me and Karan. It was great, yeah.

Lisa J: Look, so many of y’all sing and play guitar, y’all need to make one big band.

All: [Laughs]

Lisa J: Because so many —  not just you guys, but so many former Power Rangers – are like, “Oh yeah, I sing. I do this. I have an album. I have five albums.” I’m like, “What [inaudible]?!”

AJJ: So funny.

Lisa J: Oh my goodness. And Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie was your first movie?

AJJ: Yeah.

Lisa J: What was that like, starring in your first big movie?

AJJ: Yeah, I know. That was Non-Union, as well. [Laughs] So I just remember — there were times when they had us dangling over fire pits and…There were times when I was a little bit nervous about my life. [Laughs]

NPS: What?! [Laughs]

AJJ: [Laughs] Seriously! It was this Non-Union movie and it just felt really dangerous at times, to tell you the truth! Me and David caught on fire on set once!

NPS: No! What?! Oh no!

AJJ: Yeah! Ask David questions like that! Oh my God, it was a little nutty. But at the same time, oh my God, Australia was incredible. We stayed in Sydney and it was really exciting! We had stand-ins for the first time. We never had stand-ins when we did the TV show.

Lisa J: Yeah, y’all got some budget now!

AJJ: Yeah, and it was really good producers! Oh my God, I remember the people that were involved with that movie. It was, like, thirty five million dollars or something to make that movie! And it bombed at the box office, which was a shame, because people could see it on TV, I think. So why go to the movie?

Lisa J: And people — I mean, to be fair — I love Karan, Johnny, and Steve but they were like, “Who are these people? Who are these new people?!”

AJJ: I think so, yeah. I think they shot themselves in the foot that way.

Lisa J: So when you left Power Rangers, how did you come back to do the Turbo movie?

AJJ: Because they were really nice. They asked me. I think it was a year later. It took me awhile to work after that; I just started doing a lot of classes and plays. My philosophy is not to worry about the business aspect. Just dive into whatever art or craft it is that you want to succeed in and usually good things come from that. So, I think it was about two years until I got a different job. I think it was a year later when they did the Turbo and they asked me to come do it and I was like, “Sure! I’m not doing anything now.” So I came back to do the movie.

Lisa J: Oh, okay. So compare the two movies. The first movie…

AJJ: Thirty five million dollars. The second movie…

All: [Laughs]

Tristan: Thirty five cents.

Jeremy: Thirty five dollars.

AJJ: The second movie was definitely a bit more dangerous, that’s for sure. Oh my God! I remember — you know the scene where we’re under the water?

NPS: Uh huh.

AJJ: The scuba gear? Oh my God, you guys…They had the electric lights and they weren’t under water lights.

NPS: [Gasp] Oh, no…

AJJ: One fell in the water! [Inaudible]... at the moment nobody was in the pool! [Gasp] Could you imagine?

Lisa J: Oh my goodness! Dang. You’re like “Sure! I’ll come back and do this movie!” Like, “You trying to kill me?!”

AJJ: Oh, that was when I was hanging over that volcano! Remember that volcano I was hanging over? I was up there crying! I remember at one point I’m like, “This just doesn’t feel right! I need to get down!” [Laughs]

Lisa J: Oh my goodness. But, how did it feel to be a little evil and try to knock the crap out of Katherine?

AJJ: Oh right. I don’t even remember that. Did I drink a potion or something?

Lisa J: You fell into the pit, basically. You and Austin fell into the pit.

AJJ: Ohh, right! And we come out evil. You know what, honestly, I don’t remember.  I like Catherine [Sutherland]! I had a lot of fun with Catherine! So, I don’t know, it was probably fun to play an evil person, but I don’t really remember.

Lisa J: Okay. So before we move on to your other works, any other funny moments or any other interesting little anecdotes that you can remember from either shooting the movies or the show? If you want to embarrass some people, then that’s fine. Anything that you can remember.

Tristan: Please do. Yes.

AJJ: Let’s see. Oh my God, David would laugh so hard if I told you this story. It’s really embarrassing on my part. But you know what, I don’t care. So, you know the scene — Were we in some tiny little car?

Lisa J: The Radbug?

AJJ: Yes! [Inaudible squealing] I remember it was so weird! It was either there, or actually…Oh my God, he would die if he knew I — Okay. You know that opening scene where we all fall on the floor?

NPS: Right. Mm-hmm.

AJJ: When we stand up, look at David’s face. Watch David’s face. It looks like something smells really bad. And, why? Because I farted.

All: [Laughs]

AJJ: I did! It was so awful; I don’t know what I ate! And if you look carefully, you’ll see David’s face. He was not happy.

All: [Laughs]

Lisa J: Mm. “Why did I have to land on her?”

AJJ: [Laughs] Okay, that’s it. That’s all I’m going to say.

Tristan: We’re going to have to fire up the DVD player and…

NPS: [Laughs]

Lisa J: For real. Yeah, because all Mighty Morphin is on DVD now in, well, “high-def”. High quality. So, we will have to check it out. Oh, and to settle the record, everybody was like, “Oh, look, Tommy/Kimberly! They’re in love!” Was there anything beyond being on-screen loves?

AJJ: Oh! You know what? I think, for sure, we had a crush on each other. For sure! For sure. [Laughs]

Lisa J: Hmm. Did this crush lead to anything?

AJJ: You know…I don’t remember!

All: [Laughs]

AJJ: Okay, moving on!

Lisa J: [Laughs] Moving on, yes. Moving on. I love you already.

So after Power Rangers, you mentioned doing Susie Q. Adorable. Loved it, loved it. And I remember I’m watching Felicity. I’m getting my Keri Russell on and a little college drama, and I was like, “Oh my —Amy Jo Johnson!! What?!” So, how did you get that role?

AJJ: I auditioned for it the same way that I got all the other roles: I’ve auditioned. That one is probably one of the jobs that I’ve had that I’m most proud of.  I loved that show. And I thought it was really, really well done. And the people involved were so amazing. And, yeah!

J.J. told me that when I walked by the room to go to the bathroom, and they saw me while they were auditioning people for Julie… Before I even came into the room, he’s like, “Oh! There she is. There’s Julie.” Like, he already knew. He saw me and he’s like, “There she is.” So I thought that was kind of cool.

Tristan: Wow. And you mean J.J. Abrams, who is now such a big name.

AJJ: I know. So awesome. Yeah, he’s one of the best people I’ve ever worked with. He’s just really so good at what he does, and so loyal, and just so…He’s inspiring. I really like him. And he was awesome. When I had done two years on that show and my mom had passed away and I just really needed a break. And I went to him, kind of like how I had done with Shuki, and I asked J.J. if I could go. He said, “Yeah, just do four more episodes and, for sure, you can go.” And I then moved to Chicago for a while.  Then he was awesome because he asked me to come back for the last four episodes of the entire show. So it was just a really great experience. I think in hindsight, I wouldn’t have asked to go. I mean, I don’t regret anything, but at the same time if I did it again I wouldn’t have asked to leave Felicity.

Lisa J: I read that when you got the role – and correct me if I’m wrong – Julie was supposed to be a dancer, but then you convinced them to be like, “Can she be, like, a singer? Guitarist?”

AJJ: I didn’t have to convince them. I just told them, “I don’t know how to dance.” [Laughs] I’m a terrible dancer! And then I played [Abrams] some of my music and he’s like, “Oh, perfect!” It was just an easy transition, yeah.

Lisa J: And then you asked to leave because your mom passed. She passed away during the show?

AJJ: Well, yeah. When I got the pilot, she was sick. When we started filming in June, she actually passed in August, when we first started. So they let me go home for that, obviously. So it was two years after that, but I realized that I had been working the whole entire time and I never took a pause and just breathed that in and grieved. So two years later, I was just burning out and that’s when I asked to go. And they said I could go. I just needed a moment.

Lisa J: After Felicity, I was like, “No! Amy Jo is leaving!” So, you’ve done a bunch of shows. One, in particular, that I am loving, loving is Flashpoint. Loving! I heard about this Flashpoint and I was like, “CBS, okay. Is that the station with all the old-people shows still? I don’t know. Eh.” So I didn’t really check it out as it was showing. I would just catch re-runs here and there. And I was like, “Oh okay. Amy Jo’s on it. Alright, alright. I’m [going to] support.” Then I watched it and I was hooked.

AJJ: I think the people on it are so good. The writers are so good. They really did a good job with all the stories. We’re done now, you know. The new season actually airs next week for thirteen episodes. But we’re done filming and the show is completely done. But it was awesome. Enrico Colantoni is just so amazing. It was such a blessing to work with him. I really learned a lot in the last five years working with that guy.

Lisa J: Getting this show, [were] the auditions different?

AJJ: This show was different, because I had quit acting everything. In 2005, I left L.A. and I moved my life to Montreal, of all places. I just needed to get out and I just needed to…I always find myself doing that, right? I think I have a gypsy’s soul. And I had literally quit acting, and I was like, “I’m going to figure out what else I want to do.” And I get a call to come in for that part, and I said, “No.”

Then I get a call to come in for — there was a psychiatrist in the first couple of episodes — and I’m like, “Oh, I’ll go in for that!” They were like, “Well, if she comes in for that, why doesn’t she come in for Jules?” So they flew me in and I auditioned for it and I got it! And, you know what, it’s been so great and I’m so happy I did, because in the last five years I’ve re-discovered how much I do love acting. I think, maybe for me, it was Los Angeles that was bothering me and it wasn’t actually acting. So yeah, I moved to Canada and I love it here.

Lisa J: Of course, I’ve watched the show later on and…My dude, Lou!

AJJ: Huh?

Lisa J: Lou, who — Oh my gosh, I forgot his name…

AJJ: Oh! He was awesome, yeah.

Lisa J: I’m like, “Why you gotta kill the brother though? Why the brother has to go?”

AJJ: I know. You know what? I don’t know what — He was so awesome and so great. We were all so sad. I don’t know what the reasoning or the ideas behind that were…I don’t know! I don’t know. Mark Taylor! That’s his name. He was great. People make weird decisions, you know? There was some rhyme or reason in the grand scheme of things [to let him go]. I don’t know what it was.

Lisa J: So you mentioned that you learned so much from that show. What was the main thing that you learned from Flashpoint?

AJJ: I think I’ve become very much more comfortable in my own skin in the last five years. First of all, it could do with having a baby. Second of all, it was just the kindest cast I’ve ever worked with where…so supportive. Nobody judged and it was very mature. Actually, not “the kindest”. Let’s say, “the most mature” cast.  So there was freedom and room to grow as an actor, I felt. And that also could be because my insecurity level had gone down. I think I was incredibly insecure, because the stage fright I told you about, and stuff. It took me a long time to get over that. I think for the first time on this show, I sort of really got grounded in who I am as an actor.

Lisa J: Again, you said when it premieres? It premieres next week?

AJJ: I think Thursday? I’m not sure. Thursday night? Oh, I should know that. On Ion, and in Canada on CTV.

Lisa J: Yeah, we’ll put in the links on the website, because it’s a good show, if you’re not watching it.

AJJ: I think it’s great! And this last season is so good. Jules has a lot of stuff in the first four or five episodes. Then the last two episodes are huge Jules episodes, which were so fun for me.

Lisa J: With Sam?

AJJ: Oh, yeah! Yep!

Lisa J: Okay, can’t wait! And yes, you mentioned in the conversation that you are a singer-songwriter. What drove you to create music?

AJJ: I think I’ve always used it as a way…very cathartic. Most of my lyrics come from my journal. All my songs are usually really sad. (You know that, [Lisa J and Spy], because you’ve come to my show.) But I think it’s because that’s how I express myself — when I am feeling emotion inside – is through music. I haven’t figured out how to do it when I’m happy. [Laughs]

But I’ve always kept it on the side as a hobby. I’ve never pursued it and tried to get a music manager or any of that stuff. I’ve always kept it sort of close to me. It’s just sort of my own personal thing that comes in waves for me, and all of a sudden feel like going and doing a show, so I go do a show. But I don’t think I’m built to pursue it in the sense of being on the road all the time and on tour. Even though I have a gypsy’s soul, I like keeping it more as this hobby that I can dip into, which is great. Like, the movie Bent I’m doing, I’m using some of the songs from that. My whole carpet bag full of songs I’m going to put in the movie. It’s just nice to have it. I don’t know; it’s just a part of me.

Lisa J: Will you be doing any more gigs or performances? I mean, as a hobby, but maybe sprinkle a little more in the future?

AJJ: Yeah! “Hobby”…I don’t know if that’s the right word. I just do it when I feel it, kind of like when I feel like painting. Like cooking! I’m so excited! After I hang up with you guys, I’m going to go make stew. And I don’t cook all summer; I don’t feel it. But as soon as it starts to get a little bit cold and the fall is coming, I just want to cook! So I’m going to go cook stew. The same thing with music: it comes and goes. So when I feel it, I do it. The next time I feel like doing a show, I’ll let you know. [Laughs]

Lisa J: And, let me tell you, nobody feels like cooking in the summer. It’s too hot, alright!

AJJ: You know?! Right?!

Lisa J: Come on! No, I don’t want to turn on the oven! Oven? Summer? I don’t think so. [Laughs] So yes, you brought up your short film, Bent. Tell us a little more about it.

AJJ: I tell you why I was inspired to do it first. So I finished Flashpoint in June and I went on a few auditions and I’m like, “You know what? I’m just not feeling this.” And I’ve always really wanted to direct and I feel like because of the confidence that I found within doing Flashpoint, I think I’m ready on a personal level to orchestrate that kind of thing.

So I’d written a full-length feature film called Crazier Than You last fall, which I love so much.  I’m very excited about it. I decided that I needed to get my feet wet as a director before really going after doing the feature-length film. So I wrote this short, based off of two characters in that feature-length film, all grown up. And I love it; I’m so excited! I’m having fun putting it together. I’m learning so many lessons about letting go and delegating and how to make a shot list. I mean, the learning curve is crazy, what I’m going through.

But I’m really, really enjoying it! We shoot it in October and…I don’t know; it’s like painting a bigger picture! You know, I love writing a song or I love painting. This just feels like that but on a bigger level, because I’m just going from the gut. I’m just shooting straight from my heart, because within my acting to guitar to any of that, I’ve never really had formal training of any of it. I’m more of an instinctual artist and I just kind of do what I feel. So I’m excited about it. I’m excited to see how it feels to direct and just go off in a different direction.

Lisa J: So what is the feature film about?

AJJ: It’s called Crazier Than You. It’s based off of my mom’s story, actually. It is fiction, and so is Bent, but the stories were inspired by real events. But definitely fiction. Like, the characters in Bent [are] somewhat based off of me, but completely not. I mean, the woman’s a lawyer and has three kids and takes anxiety pills, which I don’t. And the other one is based off of my best friend, Johanna, who I grew up with, but it’s not her. I mean, this woman’s thirty-eight and she’s pregnant. You know what I mean? They’re just inspired, but very different.

So, Crazier Than You is about my mom’s story and it takes place from when she was seventeen all the way through her life, when she dies. She was in a religious cult for about twelve years. And I just find it fascinating of how people get themselves in that type of situation, you know? So I really dove into exploring my mom’s story. She was just this fun-loving, crazy seventeen-year-old. Like, “How did she end up in a cult?” And it’s through life! Life happens, and certain situations and circumstances, she just woke up one day and found herself completely brainwashed in the middle of a cult. Then she gets out. Also, the movie deals with her finding out that she has cancer and sort of dealing with dying and facing it.

Lisa J: And then the short film took two of the characters in your feature..?

AJJ: She has three kids in the movie, in Crazier Than You, and a best friend with a daughter. So, Bent is [about] her youngest and her friend’s daughter grown up at thirty.  So they grew up in a cult. They grew up twelve years there, yeah. So it’s them in their late thirties, still dealing with their past.

Lisa J: Oh, wow. Okay. This got deep.

AJJ: [Laughs] Yeah.

Lisa J: So, you’re currently running a fundraiser for Bent. Tell us more about that.

AJJ: Well, the thing is, with making a movie, it’s incredibly expensive if you want to do it right, not just run in your backyard with a video camera. I really want to do it the right way, so I found this amazing producer named Holly O’Brien. And we’re just creating a production, you know? I found an amazing DP and a really great editor and we’re just putting together this production. I think we’re going to rent the RED camera, which is incredibly expensive to rent for two days.

Lisa J: It’ll be worth it.

AJJ: Totally, right? All the equipment and all the stuff! Anyway! It ends up being —at the end of the day – probably $30,000 to shoot the short. So I’m trying to raise about twenty [thousand dollars] on Indiegogo to, first of all, not put a huge hole in my pocket. Remember, Power Rangers was Non-Union.

All: [Laughs]

AJJ: And also, just to create a conversation about the movie and to invite people to be a part of the movie-making process. A bunch of people have already jumped on board to be producers, which is great. You get your name on IMDB. You know, if somebody has the intention of becoming a producer in their life, it’s a great way to get a credit or something on your resume. I’m also selling my CD, my new CD that will come out in late Spring. So it’s a fundraiser, but at the same time I think with the perks I gave, you really get your money’s worth with what you’re giving. I tried to make each perk what I felt was fair.

Indiegogo has been so awesome and amazing. Actually, tomorrow, [September 17th], it’s going to be featured on Twitter! Bent will be the featured Indiegogo campaign for the day! So cool. I just love this platform to raise the money.  I think it’s such a great way to create a really good conversation about the project that you’re putting out there, which is awesome. Anyway, so it’s Bent. So if you go to Indiegogo and you just press “Film”…in the last couple of days, it’s been the first one that comes up. And then I tweet about it a lot and I have a Facebook page for Bent.

Lisa J: And we’ll put the links on the website.

AJJ: Perfect! Cool.

Lisa J: So, yes. For people who want to donate, just to reiterate, there’s a lot of perks on the site where you can participate and be part of making a wonderful short film. You know, you can get a CD; you can get a postcard with the autographs from the cast; you can get a whole bunch of things.

AJJ: You can become a producer!

Lisa J: You can become a producer. You can be legit!

AJJ: True!

Lisa J: Okay! And! And, look, five thousand dollars — Now, five thousand dollars…

AJJ: [Laughs]

Lisa J: You can get a dinner with Amy Jo Johnson!

Spy: Worth it.

AJJ: And a private screening! I think it’ll be really fun! You know what? No matter what, I’m going to rent out a little place and do a screening of the film when it’s done. But I kind of wanted to put that $5,000 [perk] as a joke. Like, this would be the worst investment ever.

All: [Laughs]

AJJ: So, I’m really not expecting anybody to buy that one!

Lisa J: Let me tell you something: If anybody is listening to this interview and you buy that [perk] for five thousand dollars, you’ve got to let me know.

AJJ: Don’t talk about that perk! That one is…Oh my gosh… [Laughs] Who knows, maybe my rich aunt might buy that one. Who knows?

Lisa J: That is hilarious. Like, “I haven’t seen Amy Jo in a while! Five thousand!”

AJJ: [Laughs]

Tristan: [Laughs] “Let’s go have some dinner.”

Lisa J: “Let’s have some dinner. Five thousand.”

AJJ: You know would be really nice? Shuki Levy or Haim Saban, will you please…?

All: [Laughs]

Lisa J: Exactly.

AJJ: It’s the least you could do!

Lisa J: The least you could do. Look, Cheryl Saban, I know we tight. We tight, right? So you can throw in a couple of dollars! Let’s go. Let’s go.

AJJ: Right, right. Yeah, so you’re going to put the links on there?

Lisa J: Yes. So before we go, any final thoughts that you would like to say to the fans?

AJJ: I just want to say thank you to you guys, because it’s really nice to be able to sort of express myself and be asked these questions and maybe clear the air for some people who maybe have had preconceived notions about ideas of who I am. So it’s been awesome and I really appreciate the platform to be able to do it.

Spy: Thank you.

Lisa J: And we thank you. We do, because you’re just adorable! We love you!

Spy: Pretty much.

AJJ: Aww!

Tristan: Seriously. This definitely was one of our most anticipated interviews we’ve ever done.

Jeremy: Absolutely.

AJJ: Cool! Love it.

Tristan: So thank you very much for doing this.

AJJ: Yeah, no. So fun. And thank you for the support, you guys. I love it. Awesome.

Lisa J: Anytime, anytime.

Dan’s (Toku) Rants recently interviewed Rhett Fisher (Ryan from Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue). It’s a good listen from someone we haven’t heard from in a very long time. Check out the interview at their website.

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut8_9Cm7NOw[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZkWfZwf2CI[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAuJBQNaZfA[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6W5ggZrLD4[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHhTwhCcPek[/youtube]

[vimeo width="480" height="280"]http://vimeo.com/31681508[/vimeo]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LidARyopxPw[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJYPQVZbZA4[/youtube]

(Courtesy: Rise and Fail Movie Blog)

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAyUvadHN0g[/youtube]

(Courtesy: HeroPower)

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6GEZMtJ9MQ[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTVeuHoGN4k&feature=related[/youtube]

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg9_S6DnXA4[/youtube]

1. Can you tell us what it was like rising from one of the writers to the show runner of Power Rangers?

Your history is off. I didn’t rise from being a writer. Here’s roughly my history on the show…

Jonathan Tzachor and I had worked together previously on low budget movies. Some real low-budget stuff. Then a friend of his offered us the chance to do the pilot for what was originally called “Dino Rangers.” If picked up, it would mean consistent work for months or years. We decided to do it, Jonathan as the Line Producer, me as the Unit Production Manager (UPM). The pilot turned out pretty well and was picked up. Most of us who saw it thought it was a nice little story, but the disjointed Japanese footage seemed like a crazy ingredient. Few of us had the insight of Haim Saban, who had no doubt it would be a winner.

The production team is essentially the suspension of the production machine… whatever bump comes up, you have to smooth it out and keep rolling forward. We had very little money and were totally non-union. This meant that those of us on the production staff (prod manager, coordinator, secretaries, assistant directors, PA’s) might have to step into many different roles, with no complaint and no second thought. From driving trucks to dressing in Ranger spandex costumes to being extras to repairing damages on locations… whatever it took to keep the filming moving we scrambled and made it happen. It was tough, but it was great, affording us all the opportunity to learn lots of new things, and to form a crew that became an extended family. But the hours and the stress can add up and I got tired of it. Not to mention, I had more creative endeavors in mind.

During the first few years the storyline of each episode was mostly independent of the other episodes. There wasn’t much effort put into creating threads that would lead to a “serial” experience. The exception was when the Japanese footage forced us to keep a certain story alive. But those were few and far between. Generally speaking, each episode had a featured Ranger who battled through a main storyline to prove a moral. This may surprise most of you, but the fact is that the production staff doesn’t really care much about the story. They care about which actors work, which locations, which props and picture cars, how much it will cost, how to schedule it, etc. Why the Black Ranger fights with the Green Ranger is out of their control and therefore doesn’t matter. Whether they fight in a rainstorm at night, or in a forest during the day… now that matters because if effects the schedule and budget. I say all of this because Power Ranger scripts are harder to read than a normal script. The Japanese footage can sometimes be so jarring, that you lose track of what is happening. So I, like most of the production staff, concentrated on HOW to make the episode, leaving WHAT HAPPENS in the episode to the creative producers.

After a few years of being the UPM, I had an idea for a script, Jonathan liked it, and so I got to write it. By this time, the original cadre of writers had faded a bit, so it was a perfect time for me to jump in. As Unit Production Manager, I knew that deadlines were set in stone. That lesson helped out as a writer. A writer who hits a deadline come hell or high water, is good. A writer who hits a deadline come hell or high water AND writes a great episode, is gold. I tell you all of this because I want you to see that I didn’t just send in a spec script and get a job. I learned what happens on the set, what it actually takes to create an episode, and then I applied that to my writing. That is why I became an invaluable part of the Power Rangers creative team, because I could write a do-able story, within our budget and schedule, between sunset and sunrise if need be. And I did it over and over again, usually with a pretty good attitude.

2. How has Power Rangers most affected your life?

It’s good and bad. In practical terms, it gave me many experiences, good friends, savings in the bank. It taught me to argue for story ideas that I believed in. In a story meeting, “my idea is better” means nothing unless you can explain why. Having to pick apart stories, characters, threads, etc, makes you a better creator no matter what the canvas is, screenwriting or architecture. On the down side, Power Rangers is a very unique show. After many years of working there, the creative principals become typecast, meaning that the rest of the world wonders if you can do anything else. So much so, that you start to wonder yourself.

3. What culminated in you leaving the show?

I had been writing/producing/directing Power Rangers 24/7 for years, and I was just burnt out. I’ve read some of the rumors out there about creative differences between myself and Jonathan Tzachor. It’s true, we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but there was always a mutual respect. We both wanted to tell the best stories we could while working within some rather difficult restraints (Japanese footage, budget, time). We debated passionately about every story, every scene, sometimes down to the dialogue. But in the end, there are times when someone is going to be disappointed. Disappointments can wear on you.

4. StormWatcher asks: How did it feel to come back to Power Rangers after being away from it for so long?

As I mentioned before, storyline ideas lead to great debate, often leaving one opinion bruised and battered in the dust. I always hoped for the chance to have the final say and see how I would do. When Disney asked me to take over the show, it was a dream-come-true. Not only did I get to have final say over what would happen, I got to work with some of the best storytellers in the business to do it. Contrary to some opinions, Disney cared deeply and was always there to help me out. Of course, the circumstances were not ideal. Jackie Marchand was the heartbeat of the story department for many years. But for reasons I don’t understand, she and Disney parted ways earlier in the season. When Eddie G. was let go, all but one of the writers went with him. To complicate matters, Eddie had established friendships with the cast members, making some of them rather suspicious of me when they heard I was his replacement. With all of that working against me, I set out to learn about the season and get writing. It was an enormous challenge, but I was up to the task. With great backing from Disney and the fantastic New Zealand crew, we never skipped a beat.

5. MMPR asks: What is your biggest creative regret you made on the show?

When I watch the show, the thing that stands out to me as the biggest flaw is the lack of strong characters. That would include the Rangers, the villains, and the episode-specific characters. Sure there were good characters now and then, but after hundreds of episodes, we should have done much better. The Japanese were always much better than we were. I think this was caused by a combination of things, but the main reason was lack of experience on the creative end and not enough time to sit down and solve the issue. When it came to story, we were really flying by the seat of our pants. All of us recognized an great plot, but character fell through the cracks.

6. What was your greatest creative accomplishment you made on the show?

My greatest accomplishment was not any particular story, or character, or scene… it was the fact that collectively I kept up the pace and the quality of work that was so demanding. I wrote, produced, and directed to the best of my ability. I know we weren’t creating a masterpiece, but we were honestly doing the best we could under some tough circumstances. If you want to talk about specific episodes, I loved the episodes with the Ninja Turtles. It was a set of lucky turns… we got the costumes and the rights to use the Turtles, we had GREAT Japanese footage, we had a good director, and we were able to tell the story in more than one episode. Sometimes, when you write an episode, it just flows. This was one of those times.

7. Kenori asks: What’s harder to write? Premieres or finales?

Premiers have a few fun revelations, but they can be clumsy because you have to include so much set-up; who are the characters, what is the time and place, what are the relationships, etc. It can be fun, but I always enjoyed the endings more, because of course, it doesn’t all happen in one or two episodes. If you’re a smart writer, you plant seeds well before-hand so that by the time you enter the finale, the audience is already on the edge of their seats.

8. The 2nd Evil asks: Which did you find easier to work with: Writer under an Executive Producer, or writing as the Executive Producer?

It might be great to write under an EP that was a great writer. Imagine what you could learn, how the synergy might work. Then again, if you know the show inside and out and you’re confident of your story skills, it’s nice to have the final word. On a different show, it might be great to be a writer. But on Power Rangers, I worked best as the Exec Prod. No matter what your creative input is, it’s always great to have someone like Koichi to work with.

9. Dan Ewing, who played Dillon hasn’t exactly been subtle about his dislike of you replacing Eddie. How were reactions of your arrival and involvement with RPM from other members of the cast, crew, and the only remaining writer from the first half, John Tellegen?

I’m not familiar with what Dan has said publicly about me. I think he got some bad info from people around him when Eddie was leaving. When I first arrived in New Zealand, he seemed a little put off, but he acted professionally, did his job, and by the end of the season, we had a good rapport. I hope that someday Dan will look back and realize that maybe, just maybe, Disney had good reason to do what they did. Power Rangers is a business and everyone has a job to do. If you don’t do your job, you get canned. No one is indispensable.

As far as the other cast, for the most part they were very welcoming. Unfortunately, I was stepping onto a sinking ship, bailing as fast as I could. Things were already over budget and were about to get behind schedule. I was doing the work that just the previous week had been done by 3 people, so I was scrambling to keep up. Eddie had much more prep time than I did, and he used it to get to know the cast. I didn’t have that luxury. They did their jobs, and I did mine. As far as the crew, they are all seasoned pros. They knew that I was there to help solve some difficult problems, so they could not have been nicer or more helpful. As far as John Tellegen, I have no comment.

10. What do you have planned for the future? Would you return to PR or do a similar show for another company like Kamen Rider?

I’m not sure why I would do another Power Ranger-type show. I suppose if the right opportunity came up, I would be interested. But I’m not holding my breath.

11. Answer…. once and for all. If it was up to you…. WHO IS THE PHANTOM RANGER???

The truth is that we ran out time before we were able to fully develop a story for the Phantom Ranger with everything going on. If I were to come up with something now that I think would fit properly, I’d want a past Ranger to return like Billy. If I remember right the last time we saw him he was on Aquitar. I’d create a back story that had Ecliptor be a failed Robot Ranger experiment created by Billy and in order to correct that mistake he created the Phantom Ranger powers. Being the first man made, non-Zordon suit, its powers would be very limited, which would be why you never saw him for long. I’d have the Rangers all get captured and send the Phantom Ranger in to save the day. The bad guys would demand his powers or the would end the Rangers. That’s when it would be revealed that Billy was the Phantom Ranger. Of course he’d have a trap laid out in the end that would get him the Phantom powers back and free all the Rangers in the end. This is not canon though, so take it with a grain of salt. I’m just brainstorming an idea that I think is plausible and that I’d like to see happen.

All I know is if it was up to me, I would NOT make him the Blue Ranger’s dad. That choice was far to obvious.

Here’s one additional Q&A:

If someone is dreaming of getting into the film business, what would you advise them to do?

Unless you are fortunate enough to have the right name, trust fund, or looks, getting into the business is tough… damn tough. But it’s not impossible. Here is my advice:

First: Read lots of novels and scripts. See lots of movies. They keep you inspired and teach you what works and, just as importantly, what falls flat. Surround yourself with peers who will argue with you when you give your reasons for liking this or hating that.

Second: Find friends that have the same hunger to get into media. Film school isn’t necessary. (No one has ever asked me if I have a degree in filmmaking.) If you want to write, find a writer’s group. If you want to direct, find someone who wants to act and make a short. There’s no shortage of Hollywood wannabees everywhere. With all of the cheap cameras and editing software available, there are no excuses for doing nothing.

Third: Work for free as a Production Assistant on a low or high budget movie. The low budget (independent) films are always looking for help. Some can’t let you work for free (employment laws), so you’ll get minimum wage. Take a job yelling “quiet on the set” at minimum wage, but perform as if you were directing “Jaws” for a million bucks. If you make an impression, your boss will take you on the next project.

Four: On the next project, tell the producer that you will work for him/her as a personal assistant during the making of the movie. Sit in on every meeting you can, take notes of what you see that goes right and wrong. Study the script, the re-writes. Become indispensible.

Five: Stay in touch with those people who you know are moving up. A rising tide will lift all boats, and if you’re good, you’ll rise too.

Bonus Advice: Don’t stay on the same project or in the same genre for too long. When they offer you more money to stay, demand more responsibilities so you can learn new skills. But at some point, jump to the next stepping stone before you tumble down stream.

- Peta Rutter (Udonna from Power Rangers Mystic Force) passed away July 2010 from a brain tumor. Our condolences to her family.

- Saban Brands, Nickelodeon, and Power Rangers were in full force at San Diego Comic-Con July 2010. Not only were there Rangers in costume, but Adelaide Kane (Tenaya 7 from Power Rangers RPM) was in costume…as Wonder Woman. Awesome, but dressing up as Tenaya 7 would be awesomer!

- John Green from GrnRngr.com interviewed Dan Evans, producer in charge of Disney’s MMPR “reversioning”. He talks about the process and why certain choices were made. Also, Evans is now at Nickelodeon.

More to come of the Summer News Round Up, because there are just some things that need their own time to shine. Trust me!

While on the subject of his breaking into the business, Lautner had this to say:

“[My karate instructor] was actually the blue Power Ranger for a year,” Lautner laughed.

The Ranger-turned-teacher encouraged Lautner to start auditioning, which led to a few commercials and then the decision to move the entire Lautner family from Michigan to Los Angeles when he was 11. He soon landed a starring role in “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.”

Dekel also talked about the older fans and the online community, and then mentions the fan-run convention Power Morphicon. Watch the interview below:

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB5fwgxYL0Q[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKozCHmLnsU[/youtube]

In the interview with Sharon, Amy is first asked about her experience on Power Rangers, and literally Amy’s response is “Well, um, it was – it was ok.” I really hate to be the one to mention this, but pay attention to what Amy first talks about: the negative. She ends up saying that it was “a good experience”, but not before mentioning the difficulties filming the show.

All in all, I still think that fans do exaggerate how Amy Jo “hates” Power Rangers, because people’s opinions and reactions to situations change over time. At one point, Steve Cardenas didn’t want to talk about Power Rangers at all, and now he’s going to conventions and is the nicest person you can meet. Things do change. Just because Amy Jo wanted to leave Power Rangers to pursue other things and become more than just the “Pink Ranger” doesn’t mean she abhors the show.

Just saying.

(Video Courtesy: Spy)

Jason and Justin Trapp of Fighter Portraits also talked about the upcoming documentary Four Weeks Out. The premise is following Jason around as he prepares for his debut MMA fight. Three times a week, they’ve been filming everything from training to regular day-to-day life. The goal is to shop the documentary to TV networks, but they say there will be a DVD.

You can here the entire show below, and if you scrub up to the 1:17:40 mark, you’ll hear Jason talk about No Pink Spandex for a quick second!

[audio:nps_espn975_in_the_cage_011910.mp3]

[audio:01_18_2010-Chael_Sonnen_Jason_D.mp3]

Greetings, all.

Before I get started answering questions, there are two things I’d like to say.

The first is, thank you. I want to thank everyone who watched the show, and who posted their comments on the HJU forums. Whether you liked the show or didn’t like the show, or thought it was ‘meh,’ the fact that you watched and cared enough to comment meant a lot to me. Without feedback and criticism, a writer does not learn or grow. We need to hear what works and what doesn’t work. We need to know if we got the story across in a way people understood, and if people liked and cared for our characters. All of you, regardless of your opinions, were very helpful in this, and I will take these lessons to heart.

The second thing is that you will find that the answer to quite a lot of your questions will boil down to the same two things – budget and time. Kamen Rider Dragon Knight was not a show with a lot of money. I don’t know exactly what the ‘per episode’ was, but I would guess it was close to half what it was for a typical Power Rangers episode. Because of the low budget, we didn’t have a lot of time. We shot each episode in three days, again, roughly half the allotment for a Power Rangers episode. Considering those limitations, I think the directors, cast and crew did an incredible job, but it did mean that there were some things we wanted to do that were just not feasable, and that some things that we did do that could have been done better if we had only had the time and money to do them over.

Okay, on to the questions!

KRLover

1 – Why did Eubulon choose Chance, Price and Hunt out of the other Ventaran Kamen Riders?

NL – Because those were the costumes that we had the most Japanese fighting footage of.

2 – If Eubulon was going to bring Kase back, why did he choose Maya to be Siren II?

NL – They needed help right away, and there was no guarantee how quickly Eubulon would find Kase in the Advent Void. He chose Maya because she was available and knew what was going on. Also, we thought it would be cool to give Maya something to do other than bang on windows and say, “Look out, Kit!”

3 – What was the purpose of making the Onyx deck and for bringing back Kit?

NL – The backstory for the Onyx deck, which we never really found time to tell in the show, was that it was a prototype upgrade Eubulon was working on before Xaviax knocked him out of Ventara and into Earth. As for bringing back Kit, we brought him back because he was the star of the show.

4 – I have a little bit of problems with the Survive Mode story that was chosen. It could have been that there were two survive cards in existance because making them required a lot of energy and Eubulon could only make two so all of his life force wasn’t permanently drained.

NL – Er, you haven’t really asked a question, but…

There were enough survive mode cards for every Kamen Rider. Kase only had time to grab two when Xaviax came to wreck the Kamen Rider base and she escaped with Len. This is a little cheesy, I know, but we did not have the budget to make new survive modes for the costumes that didn’t already have them.

5 – Adam’s story is a little complex, would you mind explaining it to me?

NL – Well, I’ll try. I hope you’ve got a minute.

63 years ago, Xaviax attacked Ventara and was defeated, but not before knocking Eubulon into Earth. Thinking Eubulon was dead, the Kamen Riders, who could no longer unlink themselves from their beasts without him, or pass the decks on to new Kamen Riders once they got old, decided that the best way to protect Ventara was to put themselves into suspended animation until a new threat to Ventara arose and they were needed again. They would each take turns staying awake while the others slept. Each would remain awake for a year before waking up the next and going back to their pod. This means that each of them was awake once every twelve years for the last 63 years.

Adam was 17 when Eubulon was defeated, and was awakened four times, making him 21 or 22 the last time he was woken up, which was a little more than a year ago as far as the continuity of the show is concerned. By that time, Xaviax had returned, but had not yet revealed himself. He was biding his time, waiting until a rider was awake that he could bend to his purposes.

In Adam’s last duty year, Ventara was a happy, normal world with no threats to deal with. Waiting out his time, Adam met and fell in love with Sara. It was therefore heartbreaking to him that he had to go back into suspended animation for 12 years. He knew she would be twelve years older than him when he came out again, and he couldn’t ask her to wait for him.

This was the weakness Xaviax had waited for. He appeared to Adam as Paragon, a collegue of Eubulon’s, and told him he could unlink and relink the decks, which would allow Adam to give up being a Kamen Rider and be with Sara. Adam, following his heart rather than his head, let Paragon into the base so that the other Kamen Riders could also be unlinked if they so chose. There, Paragon revealed himself to be Xaviax, and blasted all the sleeping riders into the Advent Void, except Len and Kase, who woke up just in time to escape.

Before Kase or Len could recover, Xaviax set up his receivers, planted his transmitters, and transported all the Ventarans to Karsh. He thought Kase was dead, but knew that Len was still out there somewhere, and so held Adam in reserve. Adam didn’t want anything to do with Xaviax, but when Xaviax offered him life with Sara in a fake Ventara, he took it, and has been on ice ever since.

6 – So why did you make Adam the titular character in the second half? Why not bring him back as Onyx instead? You build up and develop Kit, only to push him to the side near the end? When he could have easily returned as Dragon Knight Adam could have returned as Onyx, and you’d still be able to tell the same stories albeit with different fight scenes.

NL – Well, for a couple of reasons. Primarily, we still had a few Japanese action scenes where Dragon Knight fought Wing Knight, and we couldn’t see any good reason, so late in the story, for Kit and Len to be mad at each other. They had pretty much patched up all their differences by Ep 30. Also, the name of the series is Kamen Rider Dragon Knight and we wanted the story to be about Dragon Knight, whether that was Kit or Adam. We felt it was interesting to explore having both the protagonist and the antagonist play the title role.

On top of that, we thought the Onyx suit was seriously cool, and wanted to give it to the hero – a sort of “Good Guys Wear Black” moment.

7 – Why didn’t Xaviax want to hurt Kit at first?

NL – For the same reason he held onto Adam. Xaviax knew Len had a strong attachment to Adam, and was sure he would come to feel the same for Kit. He hoped the other Earth riders would take Len out, but just in case, he wanted to keep Kit in reserve, knowing that it would destroy Len if Kit betrayed him like Adam had.

Xaviax thought he had the perfect carrot to make Kit do what he wanted. He thought Kit would do anything to bring his dad back to life, but Kit was not as weak as Adam, and did not fall when Xaviax thought he would. When he realized this, Xaviax decided there was no point in protecting Kit any longer, and took the gloves off.

kibapower

1 – How many powers do the Karsh actually possess and is it the same for both Eubelon and Xaviax? (Ex. Eubelon able to infiltrate someone’s mind like Xaviax did with Kit)

NL – Both Xaviax and Eubulon have similar mental powers. Xaviax, however is a general, not a scientist, and can only use the technology he has been given. He can’t invent new stuff. Eubulon was a scientist, a weapon designer and inventor who decided he didn’t want to make weapons anymore. He has the ability to make new tech.

2 – What was up with the Onyx deck? Kit just dreamed of it and it happened to exist later on. If this is a result of his own deck, do the others have alternate deck personas as well?

NL – As I mentioned earlier, Eubulon was working on the Onyx deck before he disappeared, so it’s been around for a long time. He just never got a chance to show it to anybody before Xaviax blasted him out of the world.

We tried to explain this concept in the show, but it may have been lost in translation. The concept was that Kit had a premonition about the Onyx deck in the form of nightmares. As mentioned in the “back in black” episode, all the riders have the same kind of nightmares. It’s a mental link between the advent beast and its eventual host.

3 – Why switch to Link Vent if using Final Vent would do the same job?

NL – The idea was that it would take all the power of all the riders’ individual final vents striking at exactly the same time to destroy Xaviax, and Eubulon knew that would be almost impossible to orchestrate. What the link vent did was take all the energy of the final vents and combine it into one massive sychronized pulse.

Also, it looked wicked!

4 – Were any of the other Ventaran Riders planned to have screen-time, they were only there during the finale without dialogue?

NL – Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, we couldn’t give any of the other Ventaran riders much screen time. The only riders we had sufficient Japanese fighting footage of were Torque, Strike and Axe, so those were the ones we brought back.

5 – Did the opening previews need to be so long? Other shows made their point in 30 seconds, the Dk ones went over a minute showing fights that didn’t need to be in a recap.

NL – Sorry to say, but as the writer, I had nothing to do with the editing, so I can’t answer this one.

wuwu

1 – Plot wise, were there any changes to the script as filming began or did it mostly remain the same as it was written?

NL – There were a number of times when this happened, all usually down to budget or time or some real world problem we had to work around. For instance, toward the end of the show the actress who played Lacey had to take some time off for personal reasons, so we had to go back and write her out of a lot of the later episodes.

Early on, we had several different ideas for what story we were going to tell in episodes 31 – 40, including one where Kit and Len go across the ravaged wasteland of Ventara to reunite the scattered Kamen Riders and rebuilt the Kamen Rider headquarters, but these ideas were thrown out because of budget limitations. There was no way we could build or shoot all that.

2 – I am interested in adapting one of the many kamen rider shows after Ryuki (the series in which Dragon Knight was based on). What would be your advice if a person wanted to pitch another kamen rider show?

NL – I don’t really know how to answer that question, because that’s not how Steve and Mike and I got the job. We got the job because our producer had aquired the rights to the property, and had worked with Steve in the past and trusted him. He asked Steve if he wanted to do it, and Steve asked me. We didn’t have to pitch.

In my experience, when it comes to established properties like Kamen Rider, it is not writers or directors who get the ball rolling, but producers or studios who have the money and the contacts to fund the production. The creative team is generally brought in later.

Matrix

1 – Why didn’t you give Adam the Onyx deck instead of Kit?

NL – See the answer to KRLover’s sixth question above.

Storm Eagle

1 – What were the names of the other Ventaran Kamen Riders if they were given names?

NL – Steve tells me they were all named in the credits of Ep 39, but I don’t remember what they were. I don’t think they were refered to by their given names in the script, just their Kamen Rider names.

2 – Did Chris really want to join the Marines, or did he only want to please his dad? Perhaps it was a tradition so important to Ramirez’ that Chris could no longer tell the difference between what he wanted and what his dad wanted?

NL – I think Chris really wanted to join the Marines, but I like your take on it.

Skyknight

1 – Was the clip show finale neccersary? I think a third part for “For Ventar and The Earth” would have given the series enough leverage to have a feature-length conclusion 4Kids could have hyped better. Clip shows are usually reserved as an introduction for a new viewer, and a waste of time for existing ones. Surely you could have taken the small percentage of footage that was relevant to the conclusion and applied it to the proper final two episodes, because if a new viewer saw that episode FIRST, why would he/she need to see the remainder of the series at all?

NL – Ah, the clip shows. Nobody liked the clip shows, and to be honest, neither did we. We would have much rather shot more straight ahead story and action shows, but again, it comes down to time and budget. So why did we do it? It was like this.

The producers asked us to do 40 shows, but did not give us quite enough money to do 40 shows, so we had a very difficult decision. Do we spread the budget evenly and do 40 underfunded shows, or do we find a way to do 3 cheap shows and use the saved money to have 37 better funded shows. As you know, we picked option two.

Regarding the finale. We really wanted to shoot an all original epilogue for episode 40, but Steve told me he only had enough budget to shoot 1 day on the episode so we came up with the idea that Maya would wrap up the main storyline by telling us about the book she wrote. Trust me, we were very frustrated that we couldn’t do a proper final episode, but Steve felt it was important to spend more money on episodes 38 and 39. We’ve always considered episode 39 to be the big finale and 40 to be the epilogue anyway.

MaskedShuuyu

1 – It was stated that story elements had to be changed by order of the top. What were these and what other parts of the story were originally planned, but then later changed?

NL – There actually wasn’t all that much of this. We did most of the changes ourselves when the realities of budget and time were staring us in the face. As I mentioned before, taking the story completely to Ventara in the last 10 episodes was canned because it would have been too expensive. There were a lot of things like that.

There were also things that were softened because it was a kids show. I personally wanted Adam to make greater sacrificesto save the others in Ep 39. After what he did, it was the logical way to wrap up his story, but the producers said ‘no unhappy endings’ and so he got off easier than I wanted him to.

You will remember too that there was a lot more comedy at the beginning of the series than at the end. This was another ‘kid’s show’ decision, but as the show went on, and the bosses saw how strong the drama was playing, they let us ease off on the comedy and focus more on the plot.

urugoji

1 – What story elements from Ryuki did you try to keep? What elements did you specifically try to get rid of?

NL – We kept the rider war, though we changed the reasons behind it. We tried to keep the tone of Dragon Knight and Wing Knight’s relationship too, though again, we changed the reasons behind it. We deliberately got rid of the ‘reset button’ ending, and the ‘heroes working at a tea shop’ idea. There were a lot of more minor things as well.

2 – When writing a new action scene with a monster, did you have a specific monster in mind, or it did it not matter? I only ask because I saw WildBoarder, like, 4 times.

NL – As much as we could, we used Japanese footage. When we didn’t have japanese footage, we used what suits we had and tried to mix it up as much as possible, but it didn’t matter too much which monster was used. In our version, Xaviax could make as many versions of the same monster as he wanted.

3 – I am an aspiring writer myself with an idea for a Kamen Rider-like show. Would you say it’s harder to get a greenlight for an all-original tokusatsu show in America, as opposed to adapting a Japanese show?

NL – Yes, I would say it’s harder, only because of budget concerns. Having to make all new suits and shoot all new fights would probably have at least tripled our budget, and I doubt our producers would have found funding for that.

Barashin

1 – What was your favorite part about working on Kamen Rider Dragon knight?

NL – Seeing my ideas and words turned into cool scenes and episodes. That rocked.

Quark

1 – Why 40 episodes? A common criticism is the story of Dragon Knight could have been told in fewer episodes. Add to that the three clip shows, why not just lower the episode count?

NL – See my answer to Skyknight’s question. We were contracted for 40 episodes, so we made 40. I personally would have rather made a tighter 36 episode show, but you do what you’re paid to do.

2 – What audience did you have in mind for Dragon Knight? If given the chance to adapt another series, what age group would you aim for?

NL – We were told 7 to 10, but we kept nudging it higher. If we could have done it ourselves, for ourselves, we would have shot for a teenaged audience and avoided the ‘kid’s show’ compromises we had to make.

3 – There were a number of characters we saw for only a brief period of time. If given the opportunity, what characters would you have liked to explore more and why?

NL – Grant/Camo had a whole different story when we first wrote him. He was an eco-terrorist who used his Rider powers to smash up polluting factories. Xaviax set him against Kit and Len by saying they were working for the corporations. Sadly, there was no budget for smashing up factories, so he became a cheating martial artist.

The Cho brothers had a whole backstory where they were stealing to help their mom, who was about to lose the convenience store she ran because she couldn’t pay the rent. Unfortunately, there was no money to shoot scenes in a convenience store and no money for actors to play greedy landlords, so they just stole motorcycles.

Everybody had more story than we could afford to tell.

HerbPenguin

1 – When watching the series, is there a moment where you saw a scene that you wrote and thought, “Wow, that turned out even better than I even imagined!”? And is there a moment where you thought the opposite?

NL – My favorite scene is the scene where Xaviax wakes up Kit’s dad for real and lays out his bargain to Kit. It was shot and acted better than I could have hoped for.

The scene I wish we could have fixed was Wrath’s venting. Wing Knight was supposed to have used his Final Vent on Wrath just after Wrath used his on Dragon Knight. This didn’t get shot, probably due to time constraints (it was almost all American footage and the episode was mostly action and fx which takes a lot longer to shoot than drama) and so the scene doesn’t quite make sense as it stands. I would love to patch that up.

2 – Were there any last-minute rewrites done due to not having the budget or the actors available to accomplish certain things? There was one major plot point in particular that I felt needed more show and less tell, and that was the whole chain of events involving Adam’s betrayal and Len escaping the fate of his Ventaran comrades.

NL – Yes, we would have loved to shoot that. Unfortunately, it would have involved building a set of the Ventaran Riders’ fortress, and all the suspended animation pods, plus lots of pyro, etc. It would have been epic. Unfortunately – well, you know the drill by now – time and budget, time and budget.

3 – Were we ever meant to see more of the real Kamen Rider Wrath, or was he always meant to be a puppet for Xaviax? Mark Wystrach’s interview on 4Kids.tv, and the “construction worker” bio that’s been floating around makes it sound like there were plans that were dropped.

NL – Yes, we had originally written Wrath as a construction worker who fell into a coma after a job site accident (orchestrated by Xaviax, of course) and there were scenes where Xaviax entered the hospital, possessed his body and walked out, smashing up people like the terminator. Once again, time and budget did not allow it.

4 – Aunt Grace’s presence always felt a little awkward at the beginning, and then she completely vanished from the show. Was the character always intended to be part of the series, or was she a later addition? (And just out of curiosity, how did Grace afford to upgrade her store to such a large scale AND stave off Borders’ lawyers? )

NL – Aunt Grace came out of the early “More comedy!” notes that we got, and she got written out not so much because the character didn’t work, but because we didn’t want to keep writing, “Hey, Aunt Grace, can you watch the store!” scenes. The original gag was that Aunt Grace would never know what was really going on, and just sail on, blissfully oblivious, but as the plot got bigger, there was less room for those kind of gags, and finally she just went. In hindsight, we should have made Maya the owner of the store. That would have been a lot cleaner.

As for the bigger bookstore, well, I could tell you that it was all the location manager could find, but if you want a storyline reason, then the new Grace’s Books was funded by the No-Men as a thank you to Maya for her role in saving the world, and for keeping quiet about it.

5 – At what point was it decided that the final episode would be a clip show?

NL – As soon as we looked at the budget and saw that we didn’t have the money to shoot 40 full episodes, so right from the beginning. See my earlier answer about clip shows for more details.

6 – Why didn’t we get one last conversation between Kit and Frank in the final episode? Their relationship was the heart of the series and I feel that one more talk with them would’ve made the wrap-up just a little more satisfying.

NL – I would have loved to have done this, but as mentioned before, there was no money to make the last episode anything more than a clip show. If we could have shot an actual full episode, there would have been a lot more wrap up scenes, and not just with Kit and Frank, but with all the Earth riders as well.

7 – Is there any chance that the show bible and/or unedited scripts could be made available for us to read?

NL – I doubt it. They are not my property. Everything I wrote is owned by the producers, and I doubt they’ll do that.

8 – Is there anymore television work in your future?

NL – We’ll see. I have nothing lined up right now, and I’m crazy busy with the novels I write for the Warhammer gang. I’m in the middle of one, and I start on another one as soon as I finish this one. No Christmas break for me.

The 2nd Evil

1 – When did the civil war on Karsh take place in comparison to when the people of Ventara were taken to the series’ beginning?

NL – Excellent question.

As we imagined it, the war on Karsh had been going on for hundreds of years, a perpertual apocolypse. It finally ended 70 or so years ago, with Xaviax ending up the king of a barren, nearly lifeless planet. Using the mirror technology, he sent Eubulon to find other worlds to strip so that they could rebuild Karsh. Eubulon found Ventara and decided it would be a perfect target, but as he met its people, he had a change of heart and decided he didn’t want to ruin their world to save his.

When he told this to Xaviax, Xaviax cast him out and went to war with Ventara. Eubulon sided with the Ventarans and created the Kamen Rider program to help them fight him.

Eubulon and the Kamen Riders defeated Xaviax 63 years ago, and though Eubulon was lost, and the Riders in suspended animation, Ventara was at peace from then until just about a year before the beginning of the series, when Adam woke up and Xaviax tricked him into letting him into the Rider Fortress.

With the riders defeated in their sleep, there was no second war. Xaviax won without firing a shot. He teleported the people of Ventara to Karsh before they knew what was happening.

In the year that followed, Len was in hiding, trying to find some way of getting the Decks away from Xaviax and defeating him. At the same time Xaviax turned his eyes on Earth and found that it was perfect for his plans. The Earth rider counterparts could use his stolen Advent Decks, and the people could be his slaves. When he started going after the Earth riders, Len saw his chance to get the decks back, and keep Xaviax from ruining another world.

nerefir

2 – WayAboveTopSecret.com was bought for a while and never used. Were there any plans for some kind of alternate-reality thing for that?

NL – Yes. We had the idea that for a few months before the series aired, wayabovetopsecret would blog about monster sightings and show blurry pictures of Kamen Riders. I’m pretty sure we made this suggestion to 4Kids when they picked up the show, but they didn’t do anything with it.

Mr. Yellow

1 – How come we saw no 14 rider transformation or attack (outside of the final vent on Xaviax)?

NL – I know you’re tired of hearing this by now, but… budget and time. I think as far as actor’s salaries went, episode 39 was the most expensive of the series, because every single rider showed up in it. As it was, we could only pay them to work a single day, so we had to keep it simple.

Same goes for having the riders attack Xaviax in costume. We didn’t have that many stunt guys. There were never more than five or six at any one time. We hired extra guys for the link vent scene, but choreographing a fight with 13 guys plus Xaviax and Eubulon would have taken days to get right. We couldn’t afford to pay them for more than a day.

Dark Kabuto

1 – Regarding Kamen Rider Wrath- I Thought Xaviax turned him into a vegetable like Kit’s father? If that’s the case, how come he was okay during the finale?

NL – Xaviax turned Wrath’s Earth double into a vegatable. Ventara Wrath was in the Advent Void.

2 – Was the one that Xaviax had Wrath’s Earth double, or did Eubolon somehow restore him before bringing him into battle?

NL – See the answer to your first question.

KRLover

1 – What was with Xaviax’s armored form? Did he make it himself or was that his true form?

NL – That was his battle armor. He had an alien form as well.

KrimzonKaiser

1 – Is there any way you could explain the whole Rider Nightmares concept? I always thought that Kit simply having a nightmare about becoming Onyx couldn’t have been enough to justify the creation of Dragblacker and the Onyx deck, unless there’s something deeper you were trying to convey that couldn’t be pulled budget-wise.

NL – As I think I explained earlier, the Onyx deck has been existance for a long time. The nightmares were caused by the existance of the deck, not the other way around.

The beasts are wild and the riders have to tame them using the contract card. If you remember, the Red Dragon attacked Kit before he linked with it. The Onyx deck, being an upgrade of the Dragon Deck and intended for Adam, is somewhat attuned to Kit, and the nightmares he was having were a combination of his inner turmoil about the bargain Xaviax has offered him, and the echo of the Black Dragon trying break out of the void and hunt him down.

Mr. Underachiever

1 – One thing I think Dragon Knight did well was spreading out the backstory and giving bits and pieces of it over time. What made you decide to do that rather than just giving it all to us as soon as soon as Kit asked Len for it, or even as soon as they met as was done in the original pilot?

NL – The pilot was never meant to be a real episode. It was an introduction to the world used to attract investors, it therefore had to tell the story all at once, not over time.

I like bringing out the story in bits and pieces. It adds intrigue and mystery, and makes the audience want to know more. This is the reason I said the show was like “Lost.” I didn’t mean it in terms of production values, etc. but in the way that plot was revealed over the course of the episodes, and how the story peeled like an onion, with everything Kit thinks he knows changing the more he learns.

2 – In your last interview, you said that the show was about teaching kids that there are consequences for your actions. However, this wasn’t fully shown in certain cases, particularly Adam, who never seemed to get any real punishment for selling out his planet. Was there something there that never really came to fruition? For example, what happened to Adam in between telling Sarah all about what he did in “For Ventara and Earth, Part 2″ and the two of them together in “A Dragon’s Tale”?

NL – We wanted to teach kids the concept of redemption. Though Adam betrayed Ventara, he was not a bad person inside. Eubulon saw that his actions were tearing him up, and being wise and forgiving, gave him a another chance. In the end it paid off, for Adam eventually rebelled against Xaviax and helped the others defeat him.

The world is never black and white. We wanted to show kids a ‘shades of gray’ scenario and help them understand that it doesn’t pay to be judgmental. As Eubulon told Len and Kit, there are always two sides to every story.

At the same time, I would loved to have shown Adam making greater sacrifices to redeem himself for his actions, and if we’d had the budget and time, we would have shown all of his reunion with Sara, and what he did to make things right on Ventara and Karsh.

Between episode 39 and 40, Eubulon took the Ventaran riders to Karsh and freed the Ventarans like he mentioned in ep 39. It took quite a long time and there were many battles with new Karsh enemies before they succeeded. In fact, we wanted to make this the story of season 2, but near the end we decided we’d better wrap up the story cleanly due to uncertainties about the future of the series.

3 – Was the decision to make the final episode a clip show planned from the beginning, or were there other plans that were scrapped for budget reasons?

NL – Well, yes, it was for budget reasons, but it was planned from the beginning. See my earier clip-show answer.

4 – And if it were a budgetary concern, was the decison to mindwipe the Earth riders and put them back to where they were before the war a part of that? I ask because it seemed to disappoint some people that the other riders were mentioned off in a few lines, especially Chris, who seemed to had become a big part of the characters’ lives for the episodes he was in, even going as far as Kit avenging his venting, but it’s heavily implied that Chris doesn’t even remember Kit and Len exist.

It also seemed like the coda of “For Ventara and Earth, Part 2″ were setting up the finale to show the riders getting the transporters and taking them to Karsh.

NL – This is another, “I would have loved to.” I would have loved to have shown what happened to all the other riders once they had been put back in their old lives, but as you correctly surmised, it was a budget problem. Having spent the money bringing back all the actors for Episode 39, we didn’t have the money to bring them back again and shoot new scenes of them returning to their old life in Episode 40. It was felt that telling all their stories in voice-over with no images to back it up wouldn’t have worked, so we dropped it. I wish it could have been different.

As to the “bringing the people of Karsh back to Earth,” well, yeah. We had grand ideas way back at the beginning of showing the Ventarans appearing in their thousands back on the streets of their home world and hugging each other joyfully, but… not in the budget.

5 – In your last interview, you also made it clear that this show would be an action drama rather than an action comedy. Naturally, Ryuki doesn’t really lend itself to a wacky sitcom, but in a time where live-action children’s shows are almost ENTIRELY wacky sitcoms, do you feel the more serious nature of the show was one of the reasons the show never got off the ground in the ratings?

NL – There’s no reason an action drama shouldn’t have flown. I think that, if the show had been promoted as what it was, there would have been a bigger audience. I think there was an opportunity missed there. One among many.



6 – If you were given the opportunity to do another Kamen Rider (or any tokusatsu) adaptation, would you skew it more comedic to better fit in with the current kidvids on the air today?

NL – That really depends on the source material. I personally am more comfortable with drama, but if the fights and costumes are more on the comic side, then you’d have to go with comedy. The reason KRDK was dramatic, was we couldn’t figure out a way to make a Green Guy shooting and Red Guy point blank in the stomach funny.

7 – Naturally, I don’t expect you to have a full series bible for any of these, but what were some of the other backstory ideas that you and the Wangs came up with before going with the one we saw on the show?

NL – Hmmm. I don’t know the answer to this one. I was brought into the project after the pilot, and by that time Steve and Mike had already settled on the backstory as you know it. I did a lot of adding to it, but no alternative ideas were being discussed by the time I came on.

8 – I’ve noticed a few people feeling that the Ventaran riders Chance, Price, and Hunt, were not as well-defined as their Earth counterparts. How much more was there to their characters, and how much just didn’t show up on screen?

NL – You’re right, those three weren’t as well defined as their earth counterparts, but that was because the primary focus of the story in those episodes was Adam, Kit and Len. Given another season, they would have had a lot of room to expand.

Dami-chan:

1 – Were there any standards and practices issues?

NL – I know there were a lot, but I wasn’t very involved in this, as these came up after the shows were shot and passed on to 4Kids. I can remember we were told we couldn’t say, “I’m going to tear you to pieces.” Apparently that’s too violent. I can’t remember what we changed it to, but it was fixed in ADR.

I remember a bigger one too. In Episode 19 when Chris got vented, 4kids thought it played too much like a death scene, and wanted Steve and Mike to recut it. They didn’t want to do that, and so offered to add some off-screen dialogue of Len telling Kit, “We’ll try to bring him back.” 4kids accepted. I know the Wangs were not too happy about this, but it was the lesser of two evils.

Keith Justice – Aaannnd, I remember hearing about a shot of Kase’s rear that also didn’t make the final cut during her introduction. Apparently the censors thought her arrival in the scene was juuuuust a bit too sexy. In the final cut it was unnoticeably scaled back.

********

Okay, that’s it. Thanks to Keith for compiling these questions and sending them on. I hope I answered them to your satisfaction. Thanks also to Keith for maintaining HJU and talking up Kamen Rider Dragon Knight throughout the year. He did a great job and has been a great friend of the show since before the beginning.

Keep the faith!

Now, time for Justin Nimmo (Zhane from Power Rangers in Space). The last big project he was in was Pleasantville in 1998, and then we hadn’t heard from or seen him since. That’s because he got married, moved back to Oklahoma with his wife, and now is a co-owner of Just-in-Time Rent to Own. Here him talk about his business in the video below:

(Courtesy: RTO Online)

[youtube width="480" height="295"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqLEtO7RNpo[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQOxwEsCk_M[/youtube]

[myspace]http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=101468341[/myspace]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acIzMclRd8k[/youtube]

For those who are still unaware, Thuy passed away September 3, 2001 in a car accident. She was 27.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDyYZ_SJAnA[/youtube]

(Courtesy: Top of the Cahill)

(Courtesy: The Emperor via Starpoints Rangercrew)

(Photo Credit: Patrick Kerney)

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: To start off with, how did you get into acting?
A: I played a thug in a play in grade three, begged my parents to get me an agent, but they said no. They didn’t want me to get involved in the industry at such a young age. Years later, I was asked to try out for the lead in my high school’s annual play. I got the part. The rest is history.

Q: You’ve done pretty much everything under the sun in the industry, whether it is writing, directing, composing, producing and acting. What advice would you give to people aspiring to get into those fields?
A: Just do it. Things have changed rapidly since I started. Computer programs are available for almost everything now. You can get a cheap camera and shoot, edit and screen your film to a massive audience thanks to YouTube, etc. Find someone in your city that does what you want to do, pick their brain and maybe shadow them for a while.

Q: Speaking of doing everything under the sun, what would be your favorite field to be in and why?
A: My absolute favorite is writing music, especially the songs I write for my daughter.

Q: What is your favorite character you’ve played and why?
A: I really enjoyed playing a character in a short film called Broke Body Saints. He was a street kid. It’s a character I rarely get to play because I’m often typecast as the “quirky” character.

POWER RANGERS QUESTIONS

Q: Let’s launch into the Power Rangers questions. How did you get the role of Bridge Carson in ‘Power Rangers SPD’?
A: I auditioned. My flailing around was apparently fun to watch. Actually, Bridge’s dialogue was written in a very particular way. Somehow I was the only one that made him sound like a real person.

Q: What would be a standard day for you on the Power Rangers set?
A: 5 a.m. – wake up. We all pack ourselves into a minivan. Arrive on set. Get into our wardrobe. Shave. Eat some avocado, Nutella, eggs, green tea. Block the scene. Block the scene again. Laugh at a Styrofoam monster. Laugh at Cruger as he accidentally walks into a wall. Pass out on the set as they light. Shoot it from MULTIPLE angles. Lunch. Do the whole process over again. Be taken home. Go for a run. Sleep.

Q: Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories you would like to tell us about?
A: There was one time we were shooting our training scenes where an extra stunt performer kept wiping out (purposely) in the background. We found it very hard to keep from laughing.

Q: Do you wish in any department that Bridge was developed differently?
A: Sure. I wish he could have had an episode where he lost his powers so he could touch people without his gloves on. That and I wish he and Boom had had their own spinoff.

Q: For fans who don’t know, you created a documentary on the Ranger fandom called Mor-FAN-ominal. What is it about the Ranger fandom you find so interesting?
A: I find it so interesting that unlike many other cult/sci-fi stuff, you guys are fans of something specifically made for kids, but I totally get it. I’m a big kid at heart and often find myself completely entertained by stuff my nine-month-old daughter watches!

Q: Where you a fan of Power Rangers before getting the role of Bridge and if so, what do you think of the newer seasons compared to the older seasons?
A: I wasn’t a fan, to be honest. I liked my season cause I felt like I was an X-Man. I always wanted to play Speedball from the New Warriors. This was sort of, kind of close. I think people are missing out if they think of Power Rangers as it was 10 years ago. The episodes that came just before and after me have wicked effects, awesome stunts and some great talent.

DOCUMENTARY QUESTIONS

Q: To segue a bit, can you tell me a bit about your newest documentary Don’t You Forget About Me?
A: It’s about the lasting impact John Hughes had, why his films resonate deeply with people compared to other teen flicks and why he retreated from Hollywood. We cut to wicked interviews as we (the filmmakers) take a trip to Chicago to try to get the missing interview for our documentary, Hughes’s.

Q: What inspired you to take up the calling of creating this documentary?
A: Teenagers are much more of a product now and aggressively marketed toward. I look around and feel like there has been an innocence lost. I felt like Hughes’s films were so important to building my character. I was sad to think that didn’t exist for current teens in the same way.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say about the documentary?
A: The documentary really starts at the end of our journey. Going to Hughes’s house. I wish we would have shot the ups and downs of trying to make the film for four years, but we didn’t. Read the blog for more insight, it’s like a prequel to the doc.

WRAPPING UP

Q: To conclude, career wise, what are you currently up to?
A: Trying my best to get one of three features off the ground (one of them being the Power Ranger documentary). You know anybody with cash lying around?

Q: Any last words?
A: Be courageous.

Thank you Matt for taking the time to have this interview conducted. You can check out more about Matt’s new documentary at Don’t You Forget About Me The Movie, which of course then links onto the production blog at Don’t You Forget About Me – Blogspot. The DVD is being released in Canada on Tuesday, November 3rd. While it is not currently available in the United States yet, be sure to check out the Blogspot (linked above) for more news on when wider distribution will occur. Thank you for reading.

(Courtesy: Evangelion via Rangerboard)

What was your favorite episode to write?

Jeez, I wrote close to 50 and helped (as we all did) on countless others. Over the years, the tone changed because of different showrunners and notes from Disney (make it funnier, now it’s too funny, make it scarier, now make it more exciting, wait, why isn’t it funny anymore?)… Even though it wasn’t well received by many on RB, the first draft of Ocean Alert was hilarious and a blast to write. I even stuck a review on my refrigerator that referred to me as “Craptacular” — It’s become part of my lexicon.

You can read the interview in its entirety here.

(Courtesy: Rangercast)

[flv]http://www.theupandcomers.com/videos/brandon-jay-mclaren.flv[/flv]

(Courtesy: the light via Rangerboard)

[audio:danewing_excerpt.mp3]

You can listen to the rest of the interview here.

(Courtesy: The HeroPower Show)

[audio:show_682188.mp3]

(Courtesy: MMA Madness Radio)

[audio:http://media.podcastingmanager.com/63297-83270/Media/vol%20359-TLOS.mp3]

(Courtesy: The Lights Out Show)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik_iQnlJ7H8[/youtube]

[flv width="425" height="344"]http://www.bakitwhy.com/bw-assets/videos/copon_interview.flv[/flv]

(Courtesy: BakitWhy.com)

[audio:http://knightsoftheguild.podbean.com/mf/web/bcmrs/KOTG_Microcast_6.mp3]

(Courtesy: Knights of the Guild)

Hear the whole thing below, but I do warn you that there are a lot of expletives. A lot. A. lot.

[audio:http://media.libsyn.com/media/rangercast/rc135.mp3]

(Courtesy: Rangercast)

Weatherman Mark Thompson visited the Sideswipe martial arts troupe in Glendale, as they practiced for live shows they were holding at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, CA over the weekend.  Matt gets time enough to mention Dragon Knight, airing Saturday mornings on The CW. For more on Sideswipe, visit their official website.

(Courtesy: MyFOXLA.com)

There’s also an interview with Peter Shinkoda (asian guy with long hair standing near Masked Rider guy) from Up & Comers, but honestly, it wasn’t a great interview (not Peter’s fault, of course). Peter did talk about the cast, so that’s always a plus!

(Courtesy: the light via Rangerboard)

Below is an interview from a “Saturday morning teen variety show called ‘Scratch’”, and Karan…uh, I mean Ashley Jackson in this clip, is all over it!

(Courtesy: Rangercast)

How did it feel replacing Amy Jo? Did you feel any pressure, or did you not think about it?

I did feel a lot of pressure replacing Amy Jo and coming onto an already established and very popular show. Kimberly was such a popular character. I didn’t become the pink ranger right away which was a smart choice by the producers because I think it got people used to seeing me before the changing of the zords. I think a lot of fans were very disappointed when Amy Jo left the show but they learned to accept me over time. I think the producers did the right thing casting someone very different from Amy to help people accept the change.

You made a return to Power Rangers for the special episode “Forever Red”. What made you return? (There were rumblings that you were suppose to return onscreen at the end of the episode with Tommy.)

I did a voiceover for Forever Red. Doug Sloan asked me to come back but I guess due to money and time restraints they changed their minds. I would have definitely come back. I guess Tommy and Kat were married in the end?? I never saw that episode.

Was that something Doug and crew brought up? Because there was an episode in Zeo where it flashes way into the future where Kat and Tommy had children…and grandchildren!

I think the the Tommy and Kat marriage was Doug’s idea. Not 100% sure.

You did mention working on the movie “The Cell” after Power Rangers? How did you come about working on that movie? (And did you meet Jennifer Lopez?)

The Cell was one of the best experiences of my life! I auditioned for Ann Marie Vicksey and got the role. At one point they almost switched me to play Julia Hickson but they had already flimed so much with the other actress that it would have cost production too much money to reshoot. Bummer! My role was cut down a little when the movie was too long. You can see a little more footage in the deleted scenes on the DVD. They took such good care of me on that set. I did meet Jennifer Lopez a few times. We will just leave it at that :)

[The Cell was one of the best experiences of your life?] How so?

The cell was amazing because it was such a big budget film and they spoiled me. I got to a chance to really act which I loved (even though most of the footage used was me dead as a doornail :) )

There was a particular prank pulled on the set of Zeo that involved your couch. Does that ring any bells? What was the deal with that?

Yes Jason Narvy (Skull) was the instigator of removing the couch and all my furniture from my dressing room. It was very funny. He is a prankster that one. :)

HA! I can see that from a mile away! Speaking of, what was it like working with Jason Narvy and Paulie Schrier?

I was good friends with Jason and Paul. We actually did a production of Hamlet together that Paul directed and produced. I adore both of them. Jason and I recently got back in touch. His is married and a professor! All grown up :)

Give a few words (rather, a lot of words ;-) ) about the following folks. If you’ve got any anecdotes, feel free to share those as well:

Karan Ashley

Karan is a sweetheart! She took me under her wing when I first arrived and didn’t know a soul. I was really sad when she left the show. However we did gain my beautiful friend Nakia.

David Yost

David is great. I probably knew him the least of anyone but he was always very kind to me. He was the quietest of all the guys that is for sure. I saw him once a few years after I left the show and he was producing. He seemed really happy.

Austin St. John

Austin has a big personality! I became friends with him before he came back to the show through my friend Danny who was one of our stunt guys. I always got on well with Austin. He was always a gentleman.

Recently Blake has joined the board Star Points Rangercast to answer fans’ questions, and one of the first questions he answers over there (that I forgot to ask) was what was it like working with Patricia Ja Lee, Selwyn Ward, Tracy Lynn Cruz, and Roger Velasco?

Selwyn was the homie!! Always smiling and laughing. Tracey was like a sister and she used to come over to my house. I’ll post pictures of that some other time, Roger was way cool. He REALLY taught me soccer, and Patty was always studying or riding a longboard skateboard!!!!

Then the following questions are from the wonderful folks from Rangerboard, and I shot Blake a quick email:

From Buzzs_Room: You got to keep your helmet and ranger suit with adult boots, how did the crew/staff allow you to keep it, and why did you sell it on Ebay?

I never sold it. I still have it. I had a manager named ken, and he ripped off some of my stuff, but that’s another story. He tried to sell it!!!!!! The reason I got to keep my costume was this. Shuki and Haim really liked me a lot. When I got the part, My folks and my sister and myself went to Shuki’s house for dinner and to meet the other Rangers. In Shuki’s entrance to the house, He had all the Rangers in costume standing at his fron door ( Inside).. The [mannequins] were so cool with those costumes on, and I ranted all night about how cool they were. Shuki finally told me, that when my Ranger days were done, I could have my costume, so it was put into the contract!

From Splush and Lisa J: Did you get to work with Austin [St. John] and Amy Jo [Johnson] while on the Turbo movie set? If so, how was it?

Yes I did! They were both great! As a matter of fact, Austin taught me some karate stuff, and Amy Jo and I did our ADR work together at Saban headquarters on Wilshire Blvd. I have pictures, and when I can dig them out, I’ll post them. Austin also jumped into my Limo at the [premiere] of Turbo a Power Ranger movie which was at the Grahman’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd where all the famous hands and feet in [cement] are. All the news stations were there to cover my being introduced as the NEW BLUE RANGER, and Saban had hired limos for all the Rangers individually, but the other cast members just were suppose to show up and be there. As our driver was coming around a corner onto Hollywood Blvd, I saw Austin walking, and I yelled out to him and he jumped into my limo!! Austins a great guy. He almost died because of his diabetes once while doing PRs. He didn’t show up for work, and didn’t answer the phone so production sent someone to his house and they found him in his back yard [unconscious] with his dog licking him. Amy was short. I was as tall as Amy Jo back then, I’d probably tower over her like she were kid now days.

From Buzzs_Room and Lisa J: What was it liked to return to In Space for that one episode “True Blue to the Rescue”? How did you end up returning to the show?

We got a call one day from my agent, and my agent said I was gonna do another episode. I said, “cool” and we did. After that I went on to do Casper with Hilary Duff. It just happened like that. Maybe they had to bring Justin back to leave it open so that one day he COULD return. “Well, if you ever need me, once a Ranger, always a Ranger”

When I went back to do that episode, all the OG Rangers were gone, and it was never the same. It was like Tracey, Patty, Roger and Selwyn were in those Power Ranger costumes, but the thrill was gone for me. They never had the “It” factor working for them and the magic that made the show what it was gone. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked all those guys, but when I cam back for In Space, I hung out with my homies on the set that had been family to me since I started. Banner, Lisa, Koichi, Taka, the alpha stunt guys, all the crew. Andros (Chris) was cool, I guess, but he was NEVER Tommy! And while I was doing that episode, Jason came on set to see other people, and I think Johnny did too. Roger was always cool with me and he was happy to see my return. I actually liked my episode, cuz it gave me a chance to do the Justin thing “One more Time”.