Robot Fighter – Exclusive Interview with Actress and Producer Tracey Birdsall
Jeff O'Donnell
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Former soap star turned genre regular Tracey Birdsall (Dawn of the Crescent Moon) emerges from atop the sand-doused hills of the Salton Sea, top to toe in black warrior attire, brandishing one big-ass weapon. Her character is on the hunt for droids that have taken over the earth, with Arizona playing host to the future Robot Fighter and the impending clash between stunner and steel. As film continues to roll, we managed to get a few minutes with Ms. Birdsall about her latest production (she’s producing it as well as starring in it) and deadly robot movies (there’s been a swag!) in general.
DC: Where about in Arizona have you filmed Robot Fighter so far? Many of the same locations from Return of the Jedi, right?
Tracey Birdsall: We’ve shot in various locations to stand in for other worlds. We’ve shot a lot in the Salton Sea, Yuma, Arizona – which they used for Return of the Jedi, Trona Pinnacles – which you know from Star Trek and Planet of the Apes, and the back hills of Malibu.
DC: Jedi, very cool. Was it a bit of a thrill being on the same sand as Luke Skywalker and Jabba’s barge?
TB: It’s all a big thrill! Growing up with science fiction, it’s truly exciting. I just can’t wait to see it once they get the effects done. So exciting on so many levels… pinch me.
DC: Star Wars locations aside, the costumes you get to wear in this film likely make you feel enough of a celluloid champion, right? Do you find your personality, even confidence, changes a bit when you put on the Ellen Ripley-like clothes?
TB: Yes. My character is multi-dimensional and strong. She has her challenges and moments though and a huge turning point… of realization. When you put those outfits on, you feel like a superhero. You have to live it in order for the audience to live it, and I would say that when you “suit up,” you believe it. Everything changes… even the terror is real.
DC: Tell us about your character.
TB: Sienna is… a former pleasurebot – unbeknownst to her – with human intellect downloaded into her positronic brain – also unbeknownst to her. It’s an interesting journey as it’s her self-appointed mission to stop the AI from overthrowing the world. She also has some inner struggles that she’s dealing with, which make her character really interesting. Her character has some very challenging issues which make not just the physical journey enticing, but also the psychological aspect of her journey. She’s very badass, yet very human. It’s character-driven science fiction.
DC: The best kind. Robot Fighter isn’t so much Star Wars as it is Starship Troopers, is that right? Or vice versa? Trying to get a feel for the tone…
TB: It would definitely lean more towards Star Wars than Starship Troopers.
DC: Always good for box office. Tell us who else is in the film… a lot of genre vets, right?
TB: Stephen Manley (Star Trek III : The Search for Spock), Daz Crawford (Blade II), Livvy Stubenrauch (Frozen), Erin Bethea (Fireproof), Aaron Jacques (I Might Even Love You), Tim McGrath, and Ashley Park.
DC: Manley? Great! You’re holding some big guns there. Did you have to learn how to handle and shoot them? Weapons training 101?
TB: We definitely had a stunt and weapons guy on set, Michael Martin. This was my second movie in a row with big guns and heavy weaponry so I was feeling pretty comfortable by now!
DC: You’re producing the movie, too. You’ve been involved in the film’s conception, then?
TB: Robot Fighter has morphed over the months from what we were producing. It was an original script by Neil Johnson that morphed into a completely different script after weeks and months of discussions. It eventually became exactly what we were both looking to produce, and that production has come to fruition beautifully.
DC: Actors usually get involved in the producing side so that they can have more say at the table or because they’re the only ones willing to take a chance on their passion projects. Which was it for you?
TB: I love producing, having produced my first film in the late 90’s. Having teamed up with Neil before on At the Edge of Time, we wanted to make another production together – this time where I was the lead. Since I have a passion for robotics, we went in this direction. It’s more about creating.
DC: And the movie has changed titles a couple of times too? Who settled on Robot Fighter?
TB: It was a conglomerative decision for sure. As the film took life through shooting, this was what we decided upon. The film is really about her journey, not just the situation as a whole.
DC: How many robots are harmed during the making of the movie?
TB: Several of the robots built for this movie are sitting around my house on display now! I just love them. That said, I would have to say millions were harmed during the making of the movie. We are very lucky there isn’t a ASPCR!
DC: You just mentioned it, a similar-themed project coming up – At The Edge of Time. Is that in the can?
TB: At the Edge of Time is a time travel movie about a man re-writing history to overtake the world. The only similarities are that it’s science fiction. It’s a completely different storyline.
DC: Favorite screen robot?
TB: In prior movies, I would have to go with WALL-E , C-3PO & R2-D2, Johnny 5, and Robby the Robot. When you love robots, it’s really hard to pick. After the last film (Robot Fighter), it’s Hoaglund… but you’ll have to wait for that to come out to see why!
DC: Favorite movie about a robot?
TB: It’s a tie between The Terminator and WALL-E for completely different reasons! Again, I have a hard time picking…
DC: So, next up, we hear you’re playing Jenna Jameson in a movie? Whaaat!? What’s the deal there?
TB: Prior to doing science fiction, there was another favorite genre of mine, and it’s big and borderline raunchy comedy. I’m really excited to be a part of this film as it’s an amazing script (written by Thomas Baldinger of 624 Productions) about a doppelgänger of Jenna named Jenna, played by yours truly. The cast is sure to be a blast to work with (Bill Sorvino, Joe D’Onofrio, Garry Pastore are listed as cast members). By the time this interview comes out, we will be on the East Coast lensing!
Release dates for Robot Fighter and At the Edge of Time are TBA so stay tuned.
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