Actress Veronika Slowikowska stars in the new highly anticipated FX show What We Do in the Shadows and we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with her. According to the synopsis, “the self-appointed leader of the group is “Nandor The Relentless” (Kayvan Novak), a great warrior and conqueror from the Ottoman Empire, who has taken the helm of the group despite many of his Old World tactics resulting in what some might politely refer to as bupkis. Then there’s the British vampire “Laszlo” (Matt Berry) – a bit of a rogue and a dandy and a fop, he might say. He’s a lover of mischief and a great soirée, but not as much as he loves seeing Nandor fail miserably in every attempt. And then there’s “Nadja” (Natasia Demetriou): the seductress, the temptress, the vampiric Bonnie to Laszlo’s Clyde. Her wisdom and provocative tales from times past allow us insight into the many ups and downs of living an immortal life.
Also cohabiting in the vampire household is “Guillermo” (Harvey Guillén), Nandor’s familiar (a.k.a. servant/protector during the daylight hours), who wants nothing more than to be made a real vampire just like his master. Also lurking about is “Colin Robinson” (Mark Proksch), an energy vampire and day-walker of sorts — he feasts on humans, but not on their blood. A frequent visitor is Nadja’s new friend, “Jenna” (Beanie Feldstein), a student at a nearby community college. She loves LARPing, boys, and art history, and for some reason has been rather confused lately as to why it is she so ravenously craves the flesh of the living.
After an unexpected visit from their dark lord and leader, “Baron Afanas,” the vampires are reminded of what they were initially tasked with upon their arrival in Staten Island over a hundred years ago – total and complete domination of the New World. But what exactly is the best way to go about achieving said domination? Our vérité camera crew follows along as the vampires set out to answer this query.
Clement created the 10-episode series. Clement, Waititi and Paul Simms are Executive Producers with Scott Rudin, Garrett Basch and Eli Bush. What We Do in the Shadows is produced by FX Productions and stars Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén and Mark Proksch.”
Veronika plays Shanice. She chats with us about her role. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Veronika! Thank you for granting the interview. Congrats on starring in the upcoming season of the highly anticipated comedy horror series, “What We Do In The Shadows,” premiering March 27th on FX. What should the audience expect to see?
Thank you very much! The audience should expect to see vampires, flying, and more vampires.
Tell us about Shanice. Who is she? What is her personality like?
Shanice is the “nerdier” type. Nothing wrong with that, so am I! She’s insecure yet sassy.
What role does Shanice play in the series?
Shanice is most definitely mortal. I’ll say that.
Was it a challenge to play Shanice?
Shanice and I have many similarities, so it wasn’t too far of a stretch. But there are also a lot of things that I would never do, and Shanice would totally do, so that was always a little challenging but more fun.
How did you get the role?
They filmed here in Toronto, Canada and I was lucky enough to audition. I’m a huge fan of the movie so it was very exciting just to even audition.
The subject matter of the series is unique. How does the production bring something new to the industry?
Vampires in the modern age have been done before but never like this. It’s a comedy so hopefully, it’ll bring people joy! Also, we have amazing female comedians/writers onboard!
What is going to surprise people about Shanice?
I think people will know someone like Shanice. Whether they went to school with her or saw her at the movies. She’s relatable.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue of the series and why?
Hm! Well, we got to improvise so that was epic! Probably something weird I said that might get cut. The script is also hilarious and honestly all of is great.
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When looking back on the production, what resonated with you the most and why?
Well off camera, being on set was the biggest learning experience. Working with some of my favorite writers, comedians and actors I learned that it’s all possible. As a creator seeing them have creative control having a good time made it seem like it wasn’t a far-off dream.
In your opinion, what scene involving your role is going to blow people away and why?
All of them! Kidding, you’ll have to see. I don’t want to spoil anything.
What do you enjoy most about your character and role?
She’s an underdog.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the series?
Watch it! It’s going to be epic!
You’re also at the 2019 Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival where you will be performing alongside your troupe, My Chemical Bromance, at the Comedy Bar. Tell us more.
My Chemical Bromance is a sketch comedy troupe my best friends and I created. We all grew up in a small town in Ontario where we met while doing community theatre. Sam, Emma and I play three theatre boys who pretend to improvise an entire musical. There’s lots of singing, dancing and sword fighting. It’s a very silly time but you’ll have a lot of fun.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your career?
Yes! Our teaser for the web series we’re developing is on Facebook/YouTube under A Boy’s Memoir. We play the same three boys, and we see what happens after their high school musical gets canceled.
Also check me out on Instagram for upcoming shows: @veronika_iscool.
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