Matthew Ferguson on hackers, stilts, and walking in another's mocassins

Yes, I had seen Luc Besson's Nikita. Loved the film. I was at first worried about bastardizing the story, but after meeting the cast and creative team I became excited about the possibility of taking the characters to new places. The part of Birkoff (originally called "Hacker") was barely touched upon in the film, so I looked forward to discovering him.

Which medium do you enjoy more? Theatre, film, or television? How is television different, or is it similar in any way in terms of how you prepare for a role, the nature of an on-going role versus one that is all wrapped up inside three hours?

Luckily, there are aspects of both film and theatre to love. The long rehearsal process in theatre can be the most rewarding aspect that is more or less absent in film and TV. Film is such a visual medium--almost more like dance, so the challenged in portraying a character realistically rely heavily on so many other people (the Director of Photography, Director, Editor, etc.). In theatre, the words become much more important, and of course the interaction with the audience and the "live" performance create an experience unto itself.

Why stilts? How did you develop this particular hobby?

I have participated in Caribana (Toronto's carnival) over several years and learned stilt walking with a theatre group "Shadowland" who organized mass camps and entered bands in Caribana over 10 years. The stilt walkers have since created their own company "Swizzle Stick Theatre", the swizzle stick in the Caribbean being known as a tool to mix many spices together. Our company incorporates many people with different backgrounds, so the title seemed fitting. I have not had time to be up on stilts for the last year, but I am still involved with the company.

Is Nikita your first Gemini nomination, and how did you feel when you were nominated?

Yes--first Gemini nomination. Totally surprised and honored.
(Pam's edit: He's also been nominated twice for Genie Awards--the Canadian "Oscars"!)

What motivated you to become an actor? What made you decide this was exactly what you wanted to do with your life? What has been your most rewarding experience as an actor?

Trying to become another person--"walking in another's moccasins"--I find so exciting, and such an intense way of learning about other people --and by extension, myself--that I would not know another career I could find equally rewarding. I have discovered this as I've been an actor--and can't believe how lucky I am.

Do you have any affinity for computers? Do you ever find yourself looking at a script thinking "How the hell am I going to say this and make is sound like I know what I'm talking about?" Do you have any trouble with the spy-technobabble, or is that not an issue?

I know very little about computers. I have friends and advisors who help me with technobabble.

How much do you and Birkoff have in common in terms of interests, goals, personality? Would you say you are more similar or dissimilar to Birkoff?

I love to be outside, where Birkoff is agoraphobic. I am more physically active than he is, and have developed more social skills. He has been living in Section for 7 years--I would have gone nuts.

What is your favorite episode of Nikita, in terms of Birkoff's part, the story you thought worked best, and you think is the best of what "Nikita" can be?

"Rescue" was actually my favorite episode from season 1. Roy and Nancy Beatty's performances were great and the opening montage and music were great. Birkoff has some good episodes coming up this season.

Do you think Birkoff knows how to drive a car, and if so, do you think Michael, Madeline, or Ops gave him his first driving lesson?

Good question.

What is it like being a member of an ensemble cast like this one? What's it like working with Don--who has, near as I can figure, done just about everything? Likewise, Alberta, Gene, Roy and Peta? Is the cast close?

The cast are fantastic. Peta has such incredible energy, one can't not love her. Roy's work I have respected for years and he's equally a joy to work with. Alberta I think is one of the best actresses I have had the chance to work with; I learn from her choices every week. Don and Gene I get to spend the most time with off-set, and they make coming to work a joy.

Do you ever look at the fan websites the show has spawned for feedback on your performance?

I have seen the websites. They're great. I'm floored by the responses.

What was your first reaction to the 'Birkoff Babes?' Amusement? A sense of unreality? Stark raving terror?

It seems a little unreal, but I'm just glad people are watching the show.

Anything you'd like to specifically let the fans of the series--and Birkoff in particular--know?

We get to see more Birkoff this season than last.