Nicole G. Leier about A Score To Settle

(photo via A Score To Settle)

Hello Nicole, it’s been a while since our last interview.
How have you been?

"To be honest, I'm pretty upset with how long it’s taking to arrest Breonna Taylor’s killers. I hope the world will take a look at some of the infrastructure that needs to be changed, so that we can live in a world where nobody feels that they are better than anyone else because of background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or otherwise. 
Also, I’m very excited to be working with my writing partner, Indira Lorick, Indira and I are working on a feature film that I hope will show a new perspective on human trafficking."

Hopefully things change for the better!
Heard you got a Leo Awards nomination for your role in A Score To Settle,
how do you feel about that? 

"I feel very honored to be nominated among such a very talented group of artists. All of the Artist in this group have worked extremely hard. I am honored to call all of them my friends and colleagues."

Did you get to pick up the outfit for the event?
Can you tell us a little bit about it?

"I do have a special dress picked out for the evening.   The live stream of the Leo Awards will be on July 30 at 7 pm on YouTube. Join us if you can."

Now back to the movie, how was the casting process? 

"I initially auditioned to play the part of the daughter of Benjamin Bratt’s character in our film. However, casting had me read for another part that was written for a man. Then, in an exciting turn of events, they ended up giving me the role. This gives me a lot of hope that our industry is headed in the right direction of equal representation and is working towards change."

I would also like to know, what was your reaction
when you found out you got the role? 

"Shock. Total shock. The fact that the writers, producers and director decided to change the part for me was so impressive. I was beyond thankful and so proud that they did this."

Is there anything you can disclose about the movie
without spoiling it too much for the people who haven’t seen it yet? 

"It’s definitely a film for Nicolas Cage fans. Audiences will be very surprised by my character who is strong, unforgiving and takes over the family business after her father is killed."

(photo via A Score To Settle)

How was it playing alongside Nicolas Cage?
Did you get to learn anything new from him? 

"Mr. Cage is absolutely an amazing actor, so professional. He works on projects back to back to back and I definitely learned a lot from working with him. I learned I have to have more empathy. We, as actors are always putting on another’s shoes it is a crucial people skill that I hope I cultivate. Nicolas is enormously non-judgmental and an amazing team player and I hope I am as much as a team player as he is."

What can you tell us about Sleepy’s Daughter? Who is she?

"She is strong, independent and unforgiving in her strength. She is unapologetic for the fact that she is A BOSS. She does not scare easily. She definitely curses a lot more than me. This character smokes and I do not.   She is definitely somebody who most people would say is very rough around the edges but she has a heart of gold and loyalty that is unmatched by others."

At some point, you were saying ”women can be just as intimidating as men”,
do you think we should see more characters like that in movies and tv shows?

 "I think we’re always striving for more females, transgender women, and voices from people of color etc. We 100% need to hear everybody’s voices and yes, I hope and wish that we will continue to move forward and absolutely we should see more of these characters in television and film and everywhere… The world is made up of everybody and we have to hear everybody’s stories, hear everyone’s voices. It’s a must as we move forward and work towards making the world a better place for everybody."

If you could swap characters with anyone from the movie,
who would that be and why?  

"I’m very honored that I got to play this character and that they rewrote it for me. I would not change any character with anybody in the movie. I’m very thankful for my part. As an artist if you are right for the part, then it should go to the best actor.  I would never want to take anything away from any other artist. We need to lift each other up and celebrate each other’s wins."

(photo by Brendan Uegama)

Could you tell us what was like behind the scenes, on set? 

"It was very chill, Nic and I both work in a very method way so we were in character in between scenes. Off set we we are extremely lucky to be filming in wine country so that was amazing! Kelowna, BC has some of the most amazing wineries. Some of my favorites are Quails' Gate, The Hatch, which has amazing artwork on each and everyone of its wine bottles, and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, my favorite."


I know I asked you this last time too,
but is there anything you would like to say to the people that support you? 

"PLEASE VOTE. We all have to vote and keep educating ourselves and helping each other rise up. We all have a part to play in the improvement of our world. Recycle and reduce waste and open your hearts, take care of your self and be safe."

Not really a question, but good luck at the Leo Awards,
or as they say in theatre "break a leg"!!!

"Thank you for helping to amplify our voices as artists on your outlet. Thank you!"

Always!