How did you get the role of Mega in The Tribe? Was it a difficult auditioning process?
I actually auditioned for Tom's role but didn't get it (obviously) and then a few months later I got a call from Cloud Nine asking if I was interested in playing Mega, and that's how it began, I'd done some work as an extra a few times before.
Before you began work on The Tribe were aware you of the series?
I was, from being at my agency I'd heard about the series.
You played Mega with a very cold emotionless front. Was it difficult to play someone who lacked emotions?
Ha-ha not really, it kinda came easily when reading the dialogue and the situations he was in. I just put myself in his shoes and it came naturally, I hadn't planned on making him an asexual robot but it came out that way in the end.
Many fans picked up on “gay” vibes between Mega and Jack, and at times it was almost like the scripts were slyly hinting towards this. Were you aware of this, and did you try to play it up on screen?
Mikey and me are good mates and at times it did feel funny reading our lines for the next episode and seeing that it could be construed as being intimate but no, we just both did our jobs and sometimes it looked that way to some people. Maybe they want something to be there that isn't??
Hahaha…
How Did Mega's death come about? Were you sat down and told by the producers beforehand, or did you just get the script and think “Oh so I die today”?
Hahaha pretty much! I got the script and was like: Oh! Ok cool! It was a very hard scene to do and I'm glad I got the chance to try it.
What are your thoughts on our dependencies on technology, do you think the scenarios of machines controlling humans are realistic?
I'm pretty sure they do control us at this very moment! I'm sitting at a computer listening to music from my stereo, in clothes made in a factory.
You joined the series midway in series 4, was it hard coming into a series which had already been going for 4 years before you joined? Was it hard to fit into an already well bonded cast?
Not at all, everyone I worked with there was wonderful, they made it very easy for me to relax and I've forged life-long friendships with most of them.
What is your most memorable moment from working on the show?
The laughing. I don't think I've laughed that hard, for so long, at so little, ever before. I was constantly in hysterics. Those dudes can make me laugh till I pee.
Since starring in The Tribe have you watched the series?
y'know, aside from the screenings at the studio, I've never watched an episode.
I can't stand watching myself.
You were in a few online videos with Morley Pictures on YouTube, what was the story behind that?
That was me and a very good friend being a pair of weirdoes, we got hold of a camera and just made silly stuff that made us laugh. Very fun.
Do you prefer working behind or in front of the camera?
I wouldn't call acting working... Just kidding, umm...I like being in front cos it's easier, it's very stressful working behind the scenes so to speak, I have a huge respect for all production crews everywhere.
You are known as being an artist amongst fans, doing art and sculpture. How did you get interested in art, is it something you've always done?
I've been drawing ever since I can remember, it's something I love, that relaxes me. I can draw for HOURS hahaha.
Currently you are a tattoo artist. What interested you in getting into this job?
I have always loved tattoos and always wanted to tattoo people, it's just such a hard industry to get into. When I finally managed to weasel myself an apprenticeship with one of the best tattooers in the world I was over the moon. I will hopefully be doing this for the rest of my life.
To date, what tattoo have you done that you are most proud of? Also have you done a full body tattoo? If so how did you find the process of doing it?
I'm most proud of tattooing my family, my brother, sister, mother and father have all received ink from my machines and they mean more to me than anything.
No body suits yet. Yet.
As you played a Techno, what is currently your favourite every-day gadget?
My PS3 and XBox360, I try to use them everyday! Hahaha but my tattoo machines are my mistresses.
Looking back, how would you sum up the past five years since working on The Tribe?
Another chapter in an interesting story.
What challenges lay ahead for Calen?
Ha-ha the next chapter...
Is there a fan/agency address that fans can write to you?
Umm, my studio website (www.trinityink.co.nz), or facebook I guess.
And finally, do you have a message for your fans out there?
Not really, haha, I'll end with my favourite quote:
"When you've no idea where you're going, every road leads you there."
- Alice 's Adventures In Wonderland.
Thank you Calen for participating in the interview.
Also thanks to SQT, Paul, Jay, Imma, and Anna whose questions were put forward.
