How did you get the role of Danni in The Tribe? If there was an audition process, was it difficult?
I had just gotten an agent, she knew they were casting for series two and asked me to do an audition on tape to send to Cloud 9. I did it, then got a call to audition at one of the casting agencies. I went through about three call backs, then Cloud 9 asked me to come out to the studios and meet with the producers. It was then that they offered me the part.
Did you watch The Tribe or hear about the series before starring in the show?
No, I hadn’t heard anything about it. It didn’t screen in NZ then.
Danni had a major storyline pivotal to the premise of The Tribe, namely her father's involvement with the virus that killed the adults. How did you get into the mindset of the character Danni? How did you relate to the character Danni?
It was quite difficult actually considering neither of my parents in real life have ever killed anything – let alone the entire adult population. Up until I received the scripts for that particular storyline I really didn’t know much about Danni’s past so it came as somewhat of a shock to me too. It did change my perception of how I saw Danni and made me understand her and her actions a little better.
When Amber died in the beginning of series 2, the character Danni was scrutinised by fans against Amber as they both shared similar altruistic qualities, they both had relationships with Bray and both worked for the ultimate good. What are your thoughts on the whole "Danni was an Amber replacement" remarks and do they annoy you? Do you feel resentment towards Beth Allen/Amber?
Haha no! Beth is awesome. And I’m pretty sure Danni and Amber would have gotten on pretty well had they had a chance to meet. Who knows maybe they would have both snubbed Bray and run off together! I guess the audience picked up on what the producers were trying to do in order to keep the original dynamics of The Tribe working.
It felt like every girl, and the Aunt were chasing after Bray in Series 2. What are your thoughts on the relationship of Danni and Bray? Did part of you want Danni to be different and go with someone else? Someone less conventional maybe?
Maybe. I think they were together because they shared a lot of common goals and had a lot in common. I mean I can’t see Danni going after someone like Ryan, can you?
There is a lot of ambiguity about whether Danni died or not in The Tribe. In Series 3 we got lots of "Danni may be alive, but may not be". There was never a definite conclusion to whether she died or not. Did it bother you that the character was left in limbo, and never fully resolved?
No. The producers make the script decisions.
You came into the Show wielding a crossbow; you left being stabbed with an Axe. Danni was certainly a feisty, and strong character, was it exhausting playing someone like that?
It was great fun. Danni didn’t have many scenes that didn’t involve her arguing with someone, physically fighting, crying, or glaring so that made it somewhat of a challenge. It would have been nice to smile more haha
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The core cast had already been established in the first series of the show, were you nervous joining the already established cast and did find it easy to settle in with them?
I wasn’t nervous about joining the already established cast – I was nervous about joining the show. It was my first real acting job and I didn’t know what to expect. As it turned out everyone was wonderful and very welcoming. Jen broke the ice on the first morning we were picked up for filming with a very cheery ‘Hi I’m Jen. We can be new together!’
You joined in at one of the craziest years of The Tribe. There was the recording of the album, the music videos, the open day and various events in New Zealand. Did you find it over whelming and what was it like working on those extra bits for the show?
It was great! There was so much going on all the time it made it difficult to find time for your school friends at first but once I found the balance it was fine. They were all new experiences that I took something away from.
In certain scenes with Dwayne did you either feel like taking a wax strip to his chest? Do you prefer smooth guys or hairy guys?
Hahaha I’m not really sure how to answer that! I guess I like natural so whatever goes is fine.
You recently went to The Tribe reunion, meeting cast members you worked with in the past as well as those from other series, and how was The Tribe reunion experience for you?
It was fantastic! It was really great to catch up with everyone all in one space. I see a lot of them separately when we catch up but it was nice to all be there for the same reason. Toni, Tori and Beth did a great job of organising it.
After leaving The Tribe had you met any of the cast prior to the reunion?
Yes. I’m still friends with most of them. And it was amazing to see Sarah again since she moved to England after she finished filming. It’s nice having most of us in the same city again albeit Auckland this time.
You also got to meet Beth Allen, who played Amber, at the reunion did you have a mini tug of war over Dwayne Cameron aka Bray?
Haha no! I’ve known Beth since our tribe days. I think the only thing involved in a tug of war would have been the last chicken satay stick.
What was it that led to your departure from the series?
I know there has been a lot of speculation about this over the years. Ultimately it came down to a decision made by the producers. Possibly it could have been handled better off screen as well as on.
Was it an emotional experience leaving the series after being involved in so much of the series?
Of course it was. It was hard going back to school and some form of normalcy after spending every waking moment living, breathing tribe for 7 months. I think most people would find it hard going from being one of fifteen to one of two thousand (as it was at my school) but I had amazing friends – both at school and members of the cast who made it easier.
Are there any regrets about your departure from the show? Would you have liked to return?
It was what it was. It would have been fun to return at a later stage and see where Danni had been.
What is your most memorable moment from working on The Tribe set? Any funny stories?
So many! Some great out takes, huge bouts of hysterical laughing on set – the kind you can’t control no matter how much you want to. I remember a great line from Dwayne which obviously didn’t make it to screen.. I think it was supposed to be ‘what’s this all about Danni I’ve got things to do’.. but came out ‘what’s this all about Danni I’ve got people to do’. That was pretty funny – especially the look on the sound recordist’s face.
Looking back, on the whole, how was the experience of working on The Tribe?
It was fantastic. As with anything in life it’s had its highs and lows but overall it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I got to work with some amazing people and spend 7 months doing what I love most.
Prior to The Tribe you starred in plays like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Squabble" . What sort of roles were you playing and what do you remember from that time? Do you prefer the stage to the screen?
I think I generally prefer screen because you get to move onto something new faster… but I also love the stage! The challenge with stage is trying different things night after night. You can play with the lines or the actions in every different performance of the same play. Those were school plays and were great fun! They made me want to act.
In an interview for Tribeworld you said you enjoyed singing for The Tribe album. Personally what sort of tastes do you have music wise? And do you do much singing nowadays? Would you ever rule out performing in musicals?
No I would love to do a musical! My music taste is quite varied.. I like most music – except rap. The singing I do nowadays involves quite a few wines, a microphone and a screen with words on it, but who doesn’t like a bit of karaoke torture every now and then? I would love to do more singing in future.
It appears you love travelling, Peru and Fiji for example, what has to be your best travelling experience? Whats your next goal?
Oh so many! I’m very fortunate to have a mother who loves travelling so from a young age she has taken me on wonderful holidays around the world. I realised the other day I only have to hit Antarctica then I’ve made it to all the continents haha. At the moment I’m gearing up for a driving trip around Europe with my father in late April. Africa was one of the most memorable places I’ve been. The poverty over there is so overwhelming, but the people are so strong and beautiful in the face of it.
I've heard The Tribe was not as popular in New Zealand as it was in other countries globally. You are well known and loved amongst fans, has your global popularity fazed you in any way?
No. It’s really nice to know fans out there enjoyed the series and my character (love or hate) but living in NZ means I haven’t come into much contact with fans. My friends here find it hilarious that there are websites out there about me.
What are you currently up to?
I have just finished my BA degree in English literature and theatre so for now I’m taking a break for studying… Right now I’m trying to earn as much money as I can for my European trip.
What are your future plans and what lies ahead for Ella Wilks?
I am hoping to learn camera at film school in the future, and I would also love to continue with acting. As you get older your goals change but I love the film industry and hope to find a job in it somewhere.
Is there a fan/agency address your fans can write to you at?
Sure. You can write to me via my agent Auckland Actors. They send everything on to me. I have had some really nice letters in the past. [The address is: Ella Wilks, c/o Auckland Actors, PO Box 56 460, Dominion Road, Auckland, New Zealand]
And finally, do you have a message for your fans out there?
Thank you for your support over the years. I’m glad you’ve gotten something out of The Tribe. We had a blast making it!
Many thanks to Ella for participating in the interview, as well as the fans who put forward questions to Ella.
- Shabbs.
