Melissa O’Neill is a canadian actress, actually recognized for playing one of the principal roles of SYFY’s new hit series Dark Matter.
In a new exclusive interview, we have been able to speak with her about her now show and her experiencie on television.
– Hello Melissa. Thanks for your time.
– Dark Matter is your first major role on television. How has the experience been so far?
The experience has been such an eye-opener. Aside from what I have learned about this side of the industry and all of the ways that it is different from theatre. I think that the greatest and happiest surprise is how important every single person is to the process of creating a television show. From the very beginning with writers and producers to agents and casting directors to set designers, crew members, camera operators, lighting designers, wardrobe, craft services, transporters! The world of television is filled with passionate and talented people and being able to share this experience with all these artists has been incredibly rewarding.
– Dark Matter is a space adventure full of action, mysteries and twists. What are your favorite elements about the show?
As the show is airing, I am watching the finished episodes for the first time with everyone else as they are tuning in! As a viewer, I think what I’m enjoying the most (besides for watching what all of my new friends have come together to create) are the surprises. Dark Matter surprises you with it’s characters, with the alliances that are formed and then shift suddenly. The relationships evolve and grow and then can turn on a dime. It may feel like these 6 people and unassuming android are already a tight knit family but they are, essentially, still strangers and anything can happen at any moment.
– Why would you recommend people to watch?
It’s an excellent show to follow right from the beginning because of the over-arching story lines but there are also some great adventures that stand alone inside of a single episode. Which means you can get your friends to tune in with you at anytime, they can always catch up on the episodes they have missed later!
– Your character, number two, has been the group’s leader since day one. What do you think makes her so determined? Do you think her attitude can cause her future problems or issues with her travel companions?
I believe that what makes Two so determined is a product of who she was prior to this mind wipe. Her sense of self, her confidence and instinctual ability to lead seems to fit her like a glove. That said, one cannot lead without those that follow. Her power is given to her by those who respect it. So far, it has only been challenged a couple of times but I would be willing to bet that this will continue. It would be a little too convenient and a touch unrealistic if everyone just went along with everything she said, don’t you think? All that said, it would be remiss of me to not add that this is one of the bigger themes that we grapple with on our show. If you wake up with no memory of who you are, are you able to be someone else? Are you destined to repeat your history if you have no recollection of it? And, specifically, with our crew of mercenaries, are these people capable of redemption? Are they capable of setting their lives onto a different path when everyone else still knows them as who they were?
– The show’s characters are so unique. Each of them seems to have a story to tell. Will we explore their back stories?
Absolutely. Without going into too much detail we definitely see little snapshots of who these people were – who they are. Keep an eye out for the episode with ‘Three’s’ backstory. It’s one of my favorites.
– Trust has been perhaps the most important concept on the series in these first episodes. Do you agree? Would you highlight anything more?
Trust is definitely a huge concept that we work with on Dark Matter. And, for Two, there is nothing more paramount. The best chance they have at survival is to work with each other as they face the challenges that they can only imagine will be coming. If you don’t remember who you were, or the crimes you committed, or the people you hurt. How can you possibly know who to trust? At least with the other crew members on the Raza, they are in the same situation. There is a strength in numbers and establishing trust in each other right off the bat with a bunch of strangers may be difficult but, as far as Two is concerned, it is absolutely necessary.
– What about answers? Are they coming soon?
The answers will come trickling in here and there for some of our crew. But even after some initial questions are answered, you can be assured, that that will not be the end of the mysteries. The ship is vast and by the end of season one we will have only seen the tip of the iceberg. I know that our show runner Joseph Mallozzi has an entire world of mysteries and answers for season two. I think people will be very satisfied by what is revealed and totally captivated and eager to hear about what happens next, throughout this season as well as, what we hope, will be the second
– Dark Matter is getting popular in our country (Spain). Episodes air just three days after the original telecast in United States. Would you like to say anything to Spanish fans?
Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned in! I hope to meet you all soon! Please log onto twitter and let us know what you think. The team at Dark Matter love to have a dialogue on twitter and we would all be very happy to hear from you. Especially with the handy translator that is built into it!
You can follow us at @Dark_MatterTV. I’m @MeL13oneiL and don’t forget to follow our show runner Joseph Mallozzi @BaronDestructo. He is your backstage pass to everything Dark Matter! Go check out this blog! https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/
– Thank You Melissa, it’s been a pleasure. Best wishes from Spain!
Thank you so much for reaching out and for these great questions!
An interview by Chris Patterson for Lovingseries.
lovingseries.com 