BATGIRL RISES - AND NOW A WORD FROM BARBRA GORDON

Over the following two weeks I will be carrying out an exclusive two-part interview with two of the lovely actresses associated with the new indie film, 'Batgirl Rises'. You will be happy to know that this week I'll be talking to the great lady who plays the title character in this production: Barbra Gordon. Lindsay is her name, and this is what she had to say to me about Batman's female counterpart. 





1) What are your own origins, Lindsay? Plus what path did you take in life prior to getting to where you are today?   I think "path" is too exciting a word for my origin story. Unwilling to pick one profession I pursued acting to get a taste of them all. There wasn't much going on in Ohio so I moved to California. I left a lot of people I love behind and I am doing my best to make the move worthwhile.

2) How would you describe your version of Barbara Gordon? And how did you train both physically and mentally for the part?   I see Barbara as an intelligent, reserved young woman who spends most of her time cooped up with her books. I think that's why she loves her brother so much -- she can break out of her librarian shell and counter his calculating demeanor.

To hone in on Barbara's maturity and new found grief I had to tone down my natural awkwardness. That involved watching a lot of movies about sad victims of circumstance. Mainly Harry Potter.

3) From your characters perspective, how would they describe this story?   Barbara is just trying to keep her family intact. In the beginning that involves tip-toeing around her estranged parents, but much more sinister forces begin to pull her life apart. We see Barbara learn that she may have to enter some gray areas in an attempt to set her life straight. 

4) How much knowledge of Batgirl did you have before you started this project? And do you have a favourite story of hers?   Before this project I knew little about Batgirl outside the context of Batman. I'm happy this project is helping an otherwise side character stand on her own two feet. I will say, I appreciated Barbara's resiliency when I learned of her taking on the Oracle persona after becoming paralyzed.

5) What song would you say best represents your character and why?   One might assume a hardcore, ass-kicking anthem would suit Batgirl, but I'd disagree. I believe she craves normalcy and security after all she's been through. That's why I chose "Lights" by Ellie Goulding. It outlines her fear of the unknown and her struggle to find strength in opposition.

6) If you could get a known celebrity – either living or dead – to promote this flick, who would you choose, and why would you want this particular person?   I would lose all feeling in my arms if John Green of 'The Vlog Brothers' and 'The Fault in Our Stars' fame endorsed Batgirl Rises. Both he and his brother Hank are beacons of positivity, and liking nerdy things un-apologetically. The main goal of "Batgirl Rises" is to promote female empowerment, which I think goes along with John's message of decreasing "world suck".

7) What were the main obstacles you had to contend with along the way?   My main obstacle was fending off goons. Literally.

While Barbara isn't an expert, I was highly concerned about making the fight scene look seamless. Vincent and Matthew Simmons, the fight choreographer, were abundantly patient with me. Not to mention my bomb fight partners, Joe and Kevin. It's not easy making my ineffectual fists look furious -- but they did it!

Batgirl Rises - Teaser (2014) Lindsay Heath, Constance Brenneman from vincent tran on Vimeo.

8) If you have a personal credo, what would it be?   There isn't any one mantra that I adhere to. Inspirational wall decals really aren't my thing. I fight everyday to make sure my life isn't ruled by fear and anxiety. Working with such lovely people as those on the set of Batgirl Rises helps combat those doubtful thoughts that pop up. But I've yet to find a solution for making business phone calls less stressful.

So there you have it, dear reader. My pal Lindsay and her role on 'Batgirl Rises'. When you have the time please check out there vimeo account and facebook page for more details on this captivating project.  Go on. Click-Click. And then come back here for the next part of this exclusive two-part interview.