Random Quote

Random Image

Random Merchandise

Random TV/Movie Quote

"Sarah Clarke" Cut Japan (December 2004)

by Tomoko Ariizumi
[translated by Mink]

As Jack's former lover at CTU, Nina was season 1's greatest betrayer, criminally connected to the assassination attempt behind a presidential candidate. In season 2, she made her appearance as a key element to the story and villainously manipulated the events of the story. Sarah Clarke has undoubtedly raised her career profile with this work, and has also achieved great success in her personal life, marrying one of her costars. What kind of behind-the-scenes "24" will the down-to-earth, friendly, and cute Sarah talk to us about?!

QUESTION: The series progresses within 24 hours, but how does the actual filming progress?
SARAH CLARKE: Basically, we shot 2 episodes at a time while we were on location. In the beginning, we had planned on filming each episode in the same time frame it takes place at in the story, but that ended up being too difficult and costing too much money, so we ended up filming whatever we could at each place.

Q: You received scripts for two episodes at a time as well?
SC: Yes.

Q: So while you were filming your scenes, you had no idea what was going to happen to your character or who would become the villain?
SC: That's right (laughs). For example, remember how Jamey died in season 1? Well, we had all heard that somebody else was going to die. Only she knew because of her script. So different people knew about different things.

Q: At the end of season 1, your role of Nina takes on a huge turn. When did you find out about that development?
SC: I believe about 6 episodes or so before the end.

Q: So you truly believed you were just a CTU worker up until then?
SC: Of course. Not only did I think that was the case, but I believe the writers also wrote her like that because they had thought so as well.

Q: Oh, is that so?
SC: When they were talking about who they wanted to make the mole in the middle of the story, it seems that they picked Nina because they wanted to go with the character who seemed the least likeliest to be one. After all, she seemed like a person who seemed by nature a very trustworthy person.

Q: Were you shocked when you found out?
SC: Very (laughs). After all, I thought, "She loves Jack, so she would never do this." But at the same time, it was very fun acting while knowing [the twist]. I was able to show a completely different side to the character.

Q: Did you feel any pressure knowing that your character was a key part of the story?
SC: To be honest, I really did feel the pressure, especially during season 2. In season 1, it was like we were all in the same boat. It was a series with a brand new format, and the script was being written while the program progressed. The story was developed with the writers asking for opinions from the actors and in turn being inspired by the acting. But because there was that big development in season 1, the pressure I felt when season 2 first started was huge. Even with the scene where Jack and Nina meet again, Kiefer [Sutherland] and I both said to each other on set, "This is a really critical scene."

Q: What was it like being on set?
SC: Especially during season 1, we received many changes to the scenarios while we were filming. The only thing that stayed the same was the general plot, and there were many times when we had to make up the conversations. There were many instances when they left the dialogue up to the actors. So in a sense, it felt like we were filming a documentary or something.

Q: You mentioned before that some people know who will die and others don't, so it seems the actors keep secrets from one another. Did you feel any nervousness or a sense of thrill from that?
SC: Yes, now that you bring it up, it seems that way (laughs). When there would be a big surprise in the story, we'd say to one another, "You did it, didn't you?" or "No, it was you!" It did seem like everyone was a spy (laughs). But it's a fact that the crew and cast got along very well.

Q: As a result of "24," you ended up getting maried to Xander Berkeley, who played George Mason. Was the bond between actors very strong?
SC: I think it really was. I didn't have any scenes with Penny [Johnson Jerald], who played Sherry Palmer, but we got to be very close and we'd go eat out together. Same with Reiko [Aylesworth], who played Michelle. Everyone's very close to one another, and we respect each other.

Q: In season 3, it seems they profitted from cooperation from the American navy and now has created what seems like a publically phenomenal climax. [Mink's note: I believe this may be a reference to the fighter jets at the end of the season when they capture Saunders, and was erroneously reported here as the "American navy."]
SC: Cooperation with the American navy? I didn't know about that (laughs). But I think they were able to film it on that kind of a large-scale because they were able to keep it a secret. There was a scene we had inside an airplane, and I thought it would cost quite a bit of money, but then I thought, oh, I see.

Q: Why do think "24" has hooked so many people?
SC: I think there are many reasons for it. "24" is a brand new kind of series in many different ways, and of course each episode gives an adrenaline rush. Also, this is a very unfortunate thing, but three years ago when we first started filming this, the fact that terrorists could attack us was something that seemed unimaginable, but today they have become a part of our reality. That's why I think to the people who watch this show, part of their worries regarding the real situation of the world today is eased a bit by seeing this show. Seeing Jack Bauer fight these terrorists eases those fears a bit.

Q: You play a terrorist. What are your thoughts on this position?
SC: I was deeply interested. That is, I don't think Nina became a terrorist because she wanted to be one. I think she faced many experiences, wherein she followed one decision, but that decision was the wrong one. In reality, she regrets it, but that's the path she's laid out for herself so there's no profit if she doesn't face it. So ambition and desire had cornered Nina in that position, so I think she has become desperate to escape from it. So that's why I think it will be fun to see her in season 3, mulling over what she should do.

Q: I see...
SC: Do you kind of understand what I'm saying? (laughs) If I can say a little bit about season 3, this time, we are dealing with a biological terror act in the form of a virus. And in the first part, the stage is set in Mexico, and at that point, Nina makes her appearance.

Q: What happens to Nina?
SC: I can't tell you that (laughs). Or actually, want me to say?

Q: No, no, don't tell me anything (laughs). The filming for season 4 has already begun in the States, right?
SC: Yes, it's just begun. I want to tell you a little bit about it... but it wouldn't be fair to the people who haven't seen season 3 yet (laughs).

Q: Indeed (laughs). We look forward to it.
SC: Thank you. I'm looking forward to it as well (laughs).