XT Interview

Brought onto “AWAKENINGS” as script editor, Julie “XT” Ruffell also became the voice of the Witchblade as well as interviewer for the film. Here she sits down and speaks with Julie “XT” Ruffell.

Interview added April 4th, 2006.

Julie “XT” Ruffell: Can you explain what a script editor is?

Julie “XT” Ruffell: Pretty much the equivalent of an editor for a novel. I read the script, make suggestions, ask questions, point out any inaccuracies that may have been missed. Whenever you write something, you stare at it so long and know it so well, sometimes you simply overlook mistakes because you know what SHOULD be there, so you miss it. An editor is a must for any writing endeavor.

It also seems to mean, “Do whatever else the producers ask you to do,” as I’m pretty much doing a little bit of everything and loving every minute of it!

XT: How did you get involved in the project?

XT: Roach is a friend of mine and she asked for my opinion on the script. I loved it so much, I simple HAD to be a part of it, so I just bullied my way in. *g* Actually, I think I whined my way in. “Please, please, please, PUH-LEASE!”

XT: Are you more like Croft or Pez?

XT: I’d have to say Pez even though Croft is my favourite character of the two. I relate to the chip on Pez’s shoulder. *g*

XT: There’s rumours of this being a trilogy. Anything to it?

XT: How can there be rumours already? Oh, right, I’ve been spreading them.

I’ve pitched the idea to Trish and Roach, and I think if time and money allows, it would happen. Course, it would have to be negotiated with my agent. I’d accept nothing less than five figures for me to come on board for that.

XT: Aren’t you working for free on “AWAKENINGS”?

XT: No, Roach paid me with all this coloured money. That’s Canadian, you know.XT: I believe that’s Monopoly money.

XT: What? This isn’t Canadian money?

XT: Afraid not. I’m Canadian, I’d know.

XT: Oh. I guess I am working for nothing then. Well I guess you get what you pay for.

XT: What can you say about the continuing story?

XT: I can only tell you that we have a wicked cool plot idea that ties in very closely to the first film, so pay attention. But, right now our focus needs to be on the current film. I know we’re all interested in the trilogy idea, especially me because I’d get upgraded to writer. Mwhahahahaha!

XT: What does your writing area look like?

XT: Surprisingly like a skytrain.

XT: What the heck is a skytrain?

XT: It’s a subway that runs above ground and above the streets. I find I’m most creative on my way to and from work. Sadly, I still have to go to hell and back five times a week in order to pay rent.

XT: What’s your favourite line in “AWAKENINGS”?

XT: I only get ONE? That’s so unfair! Well, much as I LOVE the line “The bitch is just getting started” I think I have to pick “Cheerio, you wanker!” as my favourite line.

XT: Why are you conducting an interview with yourself?

XT: I just wanted to feel important...

XT: You’re also the voice of the Witchblade.

XT: I sure am!

XT: How were you cast?

XT: I said I wanted to do it and Roach said, “Okay.”

XT: Do you have any acting experience?

XT: Does pretending to like my day job count?

XT: No.

XT: Then just what I did on stage in High School. That and I also make books on tape for my cousins, of the children’s books I write. I’m a million voices and I knew I could find something cool and creepy for the Witchblade.

XT: And did you?

XT: I thought I did, but then I started playing with it more and I haven’t settled on something yet.

XT: Who’s your favourite kick ass female character?

XT: I’m sure everyone would expect me to say Xena, but I’m going to shock you, because my favourite character is from a book. Andrea Flores from the “Tenebrea” trilogy by Roxann Dawson and Daniel Graham. Best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve already read them several times over. Andrea is my favourite character of all time – tough, but deeply wounded, a woman desperately seeking vengeance in an attempt to lose her pain. It’s very moving.