Nov 99 Interview: Nia Long

R

Why did you take the role Myra in In Too Deep? (See In Too Deep Review)

NL

Partly the director, partly the story and partly the fact that Myra was not as sophisticated as some of the other characters that I've played. She was a little bit more "Midwestern." I liked her peacefulness. I liked what she brought to the whole story. She kind of took you out of the mess.

R

What are some of the things you did to prepare for In Too Deep?

NL

I took a ballet class and listened to some music. I was doing two films at the same time. I was trying to find things I could identify with, to bring me back to each character. It's hard when you're doing two [movies] at once.

R

What was the other film you were doing at the same time?

NL

The Best Man

R

Who did you base your character on in The Best Man?

NL

I have a girlfriend who is a producer and another girlfriend who works in Publicity. I combined the two. The producer speaks really fast and that's her thing. Over the phone she can tell you 50 things in 30 seconds. And my other girlfriend who works in publicity is just always carrying stuff. She is always moving and has fifty things going on. I just wanted to create a girl who was always doing something and never really took the time out to relax. That's probably why she didn't have love in her life.

R

Did you have a body double for the nude scene in In Too Deep?

NL

No, I didn't. As hard as that was to do they need to take that out of the production. (laughter)

R

Was that the first time you had that kind of nudity even though it was a silhouette?

NL

No, I've done it before. As long as it is done tastefully I don't see personally what the big deal is. I mean, You'll never see me just all out there but if it's done tastefully it's OK.

R

How did you like the director?

NL

Loved him, I thought he was really a kind guy and very sensitive to the process and I think that's most important. He had a different perspective because he was European and didn't really know the Black experience. He wanted to make sure he did it right. He had a lot of respect for our story, our personal story.

R

So you were able to ad lib?

NL

Yes, we were. There were times when we had to stick to what was on the page. But what makes it tangible for the audience was that we were able to ad lib.

R

Was this the first time you were given the freedom to ad lib?

NL

No, I kinda insist "Don't make me say this line like this please, you know?"

R

What is the one thing you look for in a script?

NL

I look for a good story. If a story is good you can work on the character.

R

Outside of acting what are your interest? What sort of causes are you passionate about?

NL

I'm extremely passionate about our youth. I'm putting together a couple of things in the next couple of years.