End of Watch arrives on Blu-ray and DVD January 22, and I will be reviewing the Blu-ray this weekend. Directed by David Ayer, the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera, Frank Grillo, Michael Peña, and Natalie Martinez.
This week I had the chance to interview the lovely Natalie Martinez (The Baytown Outlaws, Death Race, Broken City), who plays the role of Gabby in the film. Martinez has worked as a model and has starred in numerous TV shows, and films.
Here is the interview:
Natalie, you got your start doing modelling. What was it like making the jump to television and then into films?
It was just moving from one job to another. I was very fortunate. I was able to go directly from one opportunity to the next, there was no down time for me.
Do you have a certain type of project you look for when deciding to take on a role?
I kind of lean towards strong female roles. I like working with different people, and look at the people that I am working with and the characters and just see if I can bring anything different to the table on that.
In Death Race there was some intense action sequences, and in End of Watch there are some intense dramatic moments for your character. Which of these types of scenes do you prefer shooting?
I love action, because i love getting my hands dirty and love being active. I also love the feeling you get after letting the walls down for a dramatic scene. The feelings are very intense.
How did you prepare for your role as Gabby - especially that of playing a pregnant wife of a police officer, one you worry may not return home each day? End of Watch takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Well I've played a cop before, so I had the opportunity to meet a lot of cops and their families. I also have a friend of mine who is a cop, and I have been friends him and his wife. I have had the chance to speak with police and their wives. I also put myself into that position, the mindset of what it would feel if every time my husband went to work, if he would be coming home alive.
How did you channel the appropriate emotions for some of the dramatic sequences?
I was being in the moment, and had such a special bond with the cast. It was also helpful that really dramatic scene was filmed at the very end. So we had each built some great bonds with one another, and that made it easy for me to call on specific emotions. I also really loved the script and how it was written, so the story really had me. I also have had someone that passed away so I used that to help me get into the right mindset.
It looked as though you had solid chemistry with Michael Pena. What was it like playing his wife in the film?
It was so much fun, we put a lot of time into that. We went out to lunch and dinner and spoke a lot on the phone getting to know each other. That really made it comfortable for both of us.
You have had the chance to work with some fantastic directors, which has been your favorite so far?
I love them all, they all have done something different for me that they all have a special place in my heart.
Are there any special memories or funny stories you have from filming End of Watch that you can relate to us?
The entire End of Watch filming process, because everyday was so much fun. Everyone got along so well that everyday was a lot of fun.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Broken City opposite Russell Crowe, Mark Wahlberg and Catherine Zeta-Jones. What other projects do you have lined up? If not, is there a type of movie or television show you would like to work on?
I would like to do a romantic comedy, kind of a little quirky comedy. I am in talks right now for a new film, but nothing is finalized now.
Be sure to pick up End of Watch next week on Blu-ray, and stay tuned for my review!
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