This was just one small part of my thrilling experience on XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS. I was on location for one month in New Zealand. There is a principle theme that applies to all facets of this country. It is such a fascinating mixture of climates, topographies, animals and, of course, peoples: they collectively adhere to an essence of harmony. New Zealand is just plain harmonious.
This essence prevails on the show as well. In the morning, the caterers (three of'em, all sheltered within a small truck) slave away over a hot stove and a sink full of dishes. The en- tire cast and crew are furnished with the best home-cooked meals I have ever sampled on a set. And everyone is like family. "Good morning. How ya gain', matez" Even the grumpy ones have a good vibe. When it's time to go to set, there's a nice way and a not-so-nice way to round everyone up. I must say that the notorious title of A.D. (assistant director) is one to be celebrated on this show. For the most part, they decline the Hollywood routine (i.e. banging on the trailer door and frantically spurting, "How much longer?" which draws the traditional reply, "Just give me five minutes you pain in my ass"). Instead, New Zealanders opt to nag the cast and crew in courteous fashion: they politely tap on the door and say, '"thanks, Sheeri." That's it! None of this hysterical L.A. crap."
Okay, okay. So you want to know about Lucy Lawless, huh? Yeah, she's tall--about 5'11" tall. Her blue, crystal eyes slice through long, dark locks of hair. She's beautiful and, sorry ladies, she's nice. Sorry guys, she's smart. Lucy is quite the athlete on this show, but she marveled at my attempt to do my own stunts. It was only after I heard a few of my bones crack that she told me I didn't have to act that naturally. I guess she was more amazed by my stupidity. Anyway, we haba great time knocking each other around.
Warning: PETA members might want to abstain from reading this particular paragraph. The volatile appearance of our battle scenes was definitely emphasized by the makeup and wardrobe departments. Before awarding accolades to anyone else, I would initially like to give costume credit to all the sheep, deer and possums of New Zealand. Without the overpopulation of these animals and their by-products, raw materials would be unavailable for the show's period attire. I definitely think the critters deserve credit in the sustenance department as well, seeing as there was a "venison this" and a "mutton that" on almost every street corner.
The wardrobe headquarters is located inside of this large ware- house. When you walk in, you get smacked in the nose with the scent of leather. Hides, hides everywhere!! You are then led up the stairs to the room where you try on your wardrobe for the bigwigs (i.e. the director, costume designers, sometimes the producers). I gotta tell you, these designers are so meticulous: adorned with little ties, buckles, straps and beads, these authentic outfits can be a bitch to get on and off, but they sure take you back in time. Like every other aspect of the show, they're are a challenge but definitely worth the effort.
When it comes to makeup, not a day goes by where you don't see a can of "dirt" or ajar of "blood" being applied to some appendage of an actor's body. Come to think of it, the blood is quite tasty. I'm guessing that there's a little more raspberry syrup in the show's blood than the domestic product (but don't try this at home. It's the creative mixtures of coloring, chemicals, and probably a few things from the kitchen cabinet that give all of these substances their realistic appearances).
Now in the U.S., my experience after shooting a day's work is limited to stopping at a drive-thru en route to home, and purchasing a hamburger from a cashier who looks slightly unnerved because I'm still caked with dramatic makeup or fake blood. In New Zealand, you get special treatment, baby! After shooting, the makeup artist will gently cleanse your face with a smooth moisturizing cream, and massage your cheek-bones and temples with the circular motions of her therapeutic fingers. This "quick-bliss" is then followed by a warm, moist washcloth laid across your face to relax your skin and clear your pores. By the very end of the night, you go home feeling refreshed and you receive a Big Mac with a genuine smile. I love New Zealand!
I have every intention of staying in touch with the guys (or the "kiwis" as the natives call themselves over there). And next time you all watch XENA, pay attention to the shoes, the weapons, the special effects, the lighting, the sets, the blood, the love. They're all the creation of an incredible team. They might be behind-the-scenes, but they couldn't be more in your face.
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