Samantha Ivers first came to our attention by
stealing a number of scenes in Spike Lee’s top
notch heist thriller “Inside Man” as the feisty
bank hostage with a penchant for obnoxiously
loud cell phone conversations and zingy
one-liners that stop ogling men dead in their
tracks.
Stealing scenes from that talented cast of
actors is no small feat. Ivers manages to
stand out while sharing the screen with Clive
Owen, Denzel Washington & Chiwetel Ejiofor.
She was kind enough to accept an interview with
us about how she got started in the business,
getting her first big break with Spike Lee &
what lies ahead in her future.
Question:
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us.
Let’s start with the basics. When and how did
you get the acting bug? Have you always known
that this was a career path for you?
Samantha Ivers: --
I was nine years old at a New Jersey summer
sleep away camp called Cejwin. There was this
fantastic director with all the passion in the
world that told me I was a star. I was playing
Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan. Haven't given it up
since and don't plan to.
Question:
Did you study acting in school? I presume that
acting is something that no one outside of the
Meryl Streep’s of this world ever really master…
How are you continuing to improve your skills?
Do you have an acting coach or mentor?
Samantha
Ivers: -- My most extensive and specific
training was done at Mason Gross School of the
Arts at Rutgers University. There I studied
Sanford Meisner's acting technique in addition
to many other classes necessary for building
tools for acting, and life. We spent a semester
abroad in London studying at Shakespeare's
reconstructed Globe theater, where I received
the best classical training of my life. Before
Rutgers I was involved in a few theater
companies, taking classes and doing as many
plays as possible. There is a phenomenal woman
that has stuck by me by the name of Allyn Sitjar.
She is the spine of first theater company I was
ever a part of. She has acted as a coach and
friend throughout my years.
Question:
Before “Inside Man”, what were you doing as an
actress looking for a big break?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Mason Gross puts on a showcase of
scenes and monologues in New York at the end of
our final semester for casting directors,
agents, and managers. I was very fortunate to
have gotten a number of calls, and finally
settled down with my current agency; Independent
Artists. Two auditions later I landed Inside
Man.
Question:
Was there ever a time when you doubted that this
was the career for you?
Samantha
Ivers: -- No.
Question:
The Internet Movie Database has “Inside Man” as
your first credit. Are there any other projects
that you have been involved with that you would
like to share with us? Have you ever done any
stage work? Is that something you’d like to do
or would you prefer to remain in film?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Having been trained in theater my
entire life, of course I miss it. The thrill of
working through the process of a play is really
unparalleled to anything else. Working on Inside
Man, however, was the best experience of my
life. As far as other projects? I worked on a
play called Beirut at Mason Gross. It was
amazing.
Question:
How did you get involved with Spike Lee’s
“Inside Man”? What was the audition process
like? Did you read in front of Spike or with any
of the stars? How many times did you get called
back? Were you nervous at all?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Like any audition, I went through
the NY casting director first, Kim Coleman from
Inside Man. She had such a fun and easy going
personality. I found it easy to walk into the
room and bring ideas that allowed me to have fun
with the character. That's where the Brooklyn
accent came in. I believe it was the dialect
that had Spike bring me in 2 more times, to
finally hear that 2 weeks later he decided to
cast me in the movie. As far as being nervous,
yes my first time walking into that room,
unexpectedly seeing Spike, made my heart drop.
But, part of my job as an actor is to let that
happen to me, and let it feed me. Then let it
go. Auditioning is just as much of a skill and a
craft as acting. It takes practice! Throughout
the filming, Spike was open to experimenting
with the character, and improvising the hell out
of it. Any director that has a specific idea for
what they want, still letting the actors bring
their own creative freedom to it, like Spike did
gets my vote. It was ideal!! I remember at one
of the parties he threw, he came over with
a big smile to tell me that he and some others
had been watching the dailys and cracking up at
some of the things that came out of my mouth. I
don't care what profession you're in,
encouragement like that made me want to give him
my all, and I did!
Question:
Once offered the role, who was the first person
you called?
Samantha
Ivers: -- I was in my NYC apartment with my
roommate, also an actor, Sebastian Stan and my
mother, Sandy, at the time my agent called me
that I got the part. I remember screaming and
hugging the room (I tend to get dramatic with
good news) and calling my dad, Norm, first. From
that moment on, my dad has been my biggest fan!!
Question:
How was your first day on set?
Samantha
Ivers: -- My first day on the set was not
the first time I saw the unbelievable talent I
was working with. Spike had screenings of films
for the cast and crew of various movies that had
been filmed in NYC having to do with similar
topics that were in INSIDE MAN. That's where I
met Clive Owen. Wow! I also developed an
immediate bond with Cassandra Freeman and Ashlie
Atkinson there. Such talented actresses and
awesome people! Then there was the reading of
the script. I remember Denzel walking in wearing
a grey suit and white sneakers. He has been one
of my favorite actors for as long as I can
remember. I was awe struck. The reading went on
and Denzel was laughing and joking, improvising
and throwing jokes back and forth with Spike. It
really set the environment and eased everyone
into the fun and laid back adventure we were all
about to embark on. My first day on the set was
in Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy yard.
That was the day I shot my interview scene with
Denzel and Chiwetel. It only took a few takes
and it was done in a flash. I really loved
working every minute on this film!!
Question:
There is a general buzz that you were able to
steal the scenes that you were in. Did you get
any comments or compliments from the cast or
crew? What was the feedback like from Spike?
Samantha
Ivers: -- One of the biggest lessons learned
at Mason Gross School of the Arts acting
conservatory at Rutgers University, where I
studied, was to commit 100% to any choice I
made. Positive choices, clear ideas and a
positive attitude made everything go very
smoothly. I did have a wealth of wonderful
things said to me from the cast and crew members
on the set. Working in such a friendly and
family type environment made it all so easy!!
Question:
I heard a rumor that some of your dialogue was
improvised, most notably the cell phone
conversation in the bank. Was that your choice
or did Spike just tell you to go for it?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Both really. The day we shot the
scene on line at the bank Spike and Mike Ellis
were giving out different props to the actors. A
newspaper, a briefcase, an i-pod. I got the
cellphone. In the first couple of takes, Mike
told me just to mime a conversation to someone
on the phone. Then Spike had me miked and told
me to go for it! Luckily I had extensive
training in improv. I knew who this woman was so
within each take I took her further and further.
And so, Nancy Mann was born.
Question:
You have to tell me about your character’s
accent and attitude. It seems like you had fun
playing that part.
Samantha
Ivers: -- I had an absolute blast. Before I
had any classes in dialect training I had an
idol. I think I was about 8 or 9 years old when
I started impersonating Marisa Tomei's character
in My Cousin Vinny. Also, I was in a play called
Beirut (my favorite character to date) where I
used a variation of the accent. Now continuing
on the same path of this type of character,
there are 8 episodes of the Sopranos left. I
would love something there before they finish.
I'm a huge fan of the show and had a couple of
call-backs for 2nd auditions , but has not
worked out so far.
Question:
Did you shoot any scenes that didn’t make the
final cut?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Unbelievably, only one. I didn't
have any lines in that scene but was thrown into
the mix. Remember when Denzel and Willem Defoe
are planning to take over the bank using force,
taking all the bad guys out. Well in a brief
moment they consider killing off Kim Director's
character in a fantasy sequence and because all
the hostages were masked they accidentally kill
me. You see me slumping against the safe deposit
boxes after being shot in that sequence but in
the end they took of my mask to show they killed
the wrong person. That part was cut but a blast
to shoot. Nothing like getting killed.
Question:
When in a supporting role, is it still necessary
to ‘build’ a character from the ground up? Did
you feel the need to create back-story?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Funny you should ask. There is no
way to really know if you'll need all kinds of
back story. But, it's always a good idea so
you're prepared for anything. Luckily I knew
about my character's job, family and sex life
before they said action!!
Question:
Did you get to consult on your own wardrobe,
hair & make-up for the film?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Not really. Hair, make up and
wardrobe are all hired because they are so
professional. As a matter of fact, I just
finished shooting a Chris Rock film with Steve
Buscemi and Kerry Washington. Anita Gibson did
the makeup for both of my movies. And, one of my
best friends on the set, Kenneth Walker, did my
hair.
Question:
What was the overall experience like? Was it a
friendly set?
Samantha
Ivers: -- I couldn't have asked for a better
experience!!!
Question:
What did you learn from that experience that you
didn’t know before?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Aside from the acting experience,
everything was pretty much new to me. I learned
how many people it takes to put a great movie
together. I learned how much time and
preparation is involved and that this is what I
want to do right now in my acting career.
Question:
Are there any funny stories you would care to
share from the shoot?
Samantha
Ivers: -- There's a scene when the robbers
are transferring hostages from room to room.
We're blindfolded and Carlos Andres Gomes was
leading me and accidentally smashed my head into
the door going into a room leaving me with quite
a welt on my forehead for the remainder of the
shoot. Everyone was concerned but I was fine and
it kept the cast and crew laughing for a long
time. Anita Gibson brought that memory back to
me in the honeywagon of I Think I Love My Wife
(Chris Rock Movie) and she's still laughing, as
am I. Carlos felt so bad he came to the set the
next day with an adorable apology card. No hard
feelings!!
Question:
What has been the reaction from friends & family
since seeing the film? Have any old friends come
out of the woodwork?
Samantha
Ivers: -- My family and friends have been
amazingly supportive and I love and thank every
one of them for that. As far as old friends
coming out of the woodwork, a few have
reappeared with congratulatory messages but
nothing crazy. Some friends get their kicks
messing with me. I'll get a call from some
friends saying, Oh, big superstar now, can't
return a phone call? when it's only been a day
but all in fun. Everybody really loved the
movie!!
Question:
What has been the reaction professionally? Have
you noticed an influx of phone calls to your
agent based on the performance?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Here and there I have gotten
calls. Comments on the internet have been
overwhelming and extremely flattering. (and I
thank you again for your wonderful comments)
When it comes down to it though, it is still a
very difficult and intimidating business. It's a
fine line for actors. We walk a fine line. We
have to be tough as nails with the business side
and yet always emotionally available and
vulnerable for the art. Luckily, I always love a
good challenge.
Question:
What’s next for Samantha Ivers? Are there any
cool new projects on the horizon?
Samantha
Ivers: -- I've got some call backs in the
works. I just finished shooting the Chris Rock
movie, I Think I Love My Wife. A comedy, also
directed by Chris Rock. I played Steve Buscemi's
secretary in the movie, talk about being in the
presence of great actors. And, Chris Rock is a
sheer delight to work with. Next, I've got a bit
part in an upcoming Disney film, Enchanted, with
Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams.
Question:
Spike Lee has often had the inclination to work
with the same actors and actresses multiple
times? Have you been in contact with him since
the shoot and is there a chance that you’d work
with him again?
Samantha
Ivers: -- I would love to work with Spike
again, it would be a honor. I got a call from
him a while ago with an invite to a party he
threw on the Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the
Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. It
celebrated 20 years of film making for his
company, 40 Acres and a Mule and was a blast.
That's where I first met Chris Rock. Some
incredible people were there including Samuel L
Jackson, Magic Johnson, Dave Chappelle, Wesley
Snipes, Dave Winfield, Reggie Miller and John
Leguizamo. I can only hope Spike will consider
me for another role is his films.
Question:
My last question reminded me of something that
one of your co-stars once said. I heard Jodie
Foster once refer to herself as an actor rather
than an actress? Do you prefer one term over the
other?
Samantha
Ivers: -- I am too inclined to refer to
myself as an actor. Though I am a supporter of
feminine equality, I am no feminist. However,
when asked by others why I call myself an actor,
I usually explain that as a society we don't
feel the need to separate the sexes when
referring to such professions as lawyers and
teachers. The only reason I see fit for the
sexes separation in this business is for the
awards. Best actor-actress etc. And until there
is an equal division of leading and supporting
female and male roles, I understand the
different titles.
Question:
Your character in the film is often objectified
by the male characters. Do you find that is
something you have encountered in the infamously
sexist ‘movie-biz’? What is it like for a woman
while trying to break into the business?
Samantha
Ivers: -- You know there is a lot of denial
in this business with both men and women saying,
I don't like or feel the need for type-casting.
I give a lot of credit to people who try to go
against the sexism and change the way the
business views women. But I'm here to act!! I
understand what attracts people to the box
office. I don't feel objectified as an actor
simply because my character is. People need to
lighten up. If 2 cops staring at a big breasted
female is going to create some laughs in the
movie going public, then why the hell not? There
are people who are shallow and sleazy, no doubt.
It's disturbing in everyday life, but hilarious
in the film! I'm not big on disrespect and never
one to stand for it. And as of yet, working in
the business I've never felt threatened or
objectified.
Question:
Okay… let’s lighten things up with a few ‘get to
know you questions’. What are some of your
favorite films? Classics and recent releases?
Samantha
Ivers: -- My friends get upset with me
because of my limited movie repertoire. But,
here are a few of my favorites: A Bronx Tale,
Donnie Brasco, Casino, (love the Mafioso and
DeNiro) Requiem for a Dream, The Negotiator,
Half Baked, Love Jones, The Hurricane, Pay it
Forward, Glory, Schindler's List, Streetcar
Named Desire, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest,
Primal Fear, As Good As it Gets, Awakenings,
Marathon Man, Million Dollar Baby, Rain Man,
Lean on Me, Crash, Shawshank Redemption,
Rounders, Pulp Fiction, Gia, sleepers American
History X, The Recruit, See No Evil Hear No
Evil, Scent of a Woman, and many more!!
Question:
What did you think of the Oscars this year? Did
‘Crash’ deserve to win? Can you see yourself on
that stage someday?
Samantha
Ivers: -- I was all about Crash winning., My
god, the acting, the story, the direction! I was
really blown away. It's such an important film.
I saw it twice in the theater and I don't ever
do that. Can I see myself on that stage someday?
That question made me well up a bit. How do I
answer without sounding kookey? Hell yes. My
lifelong dream is already coming true. I don't
want to get ahead of myself but I don't plan on
ever giving this up.
Question:
In terms of your career, what would make you
happy?
Samantha
Ivers: -- To continue on this path without
ever losing sight of who's important to me. I'd
love to keep learning and growing as an actor.
I'd love to keep working with the most talented
people in the world. I want to be stretched to
my limits and take as many risks as I can. I
want to see it all. I hope I will never lose
this passion I have for theater. Financially, it
would be nice not to have to cocktail waitress
anymore. I don't ever want to feel like I have
to starve myself to meet Hollywood / societal
standards. I want to make people laugh and I
want to make people cry. Wow! Tony, this
question is too much, I want so much, ask me
again in 5 years.
Question:
Go ahead… burn a bridge… What is the worst film
you’ve ever seen?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Worst film I've ever seen? Who the
hell am I to say? Can't answer that question.
Question:
Do you have any role models? Are there any
career paths that you would love to emulate?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Role models, too many. My
grandparents, my parents my sister, Ellen
Burstyn, Meryl Streep, Phylicia Rashad, Cate
Blanchett, Rachel McAdams, Dave Chappelle,
(watch him on inside actor's studio, he's
inspiring) Lucille Ball, Sanford Meisner and so
many more. Career paths' I like Marisa Tomei's
body of work, Meryl Streep's not doing to bad
for herself.
Question:
Who would you most like to work with in the
future?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Robert DeNiro, Edie Falco, Steven
Spielberg, Spike Lee.
Question:
What kind of music do you listen to?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Brought up on hip-hop love to
dance Have a thing for Marshall Mathers.
Question:
Actor’s Studio Question – What is your favorite
word?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Nudyun Seretzlek (Hungarian for I
love you--that's for grandma) and I love saying
bumper to bumper Say it fast as it rolls off
your tongue.
Question:
Actor’s Studio Question – What is your favorite
curse word?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Fuck!! Can't go wrong with the
word. My Dad would call me a truck driver!!!
Question:
What makes you the happiest?
Samantha
Ivers: -- Sharing a good laugh with good
friends and I'm learning that happiness is a
choice and..persistence is key!!
Q: Thank you very much for taking the
time to answer all these questions. Is there
anything else that you would like to share with
our readers and the growing group of fans who
will undoubtedly be keeping an eye out for the
scene stealing Samantha Ivers?
Samantha
Ivers:
-- Tony, thanks so much for the interview.
END INTERVIEW
