Thora Birch
Thora Birch spoke about her role as Morgan, a software engineer with a conscience, on the USA Network hit series Colony.
It was interesting to listen to Birch discuss her mindset going from film roles to television, something she hadn’t done in a long time. I was also very curious to hear Birch share what her experience was like joining the Colony cast midway through the season.
Unfortunately, due to connectivity issues, I was unable to hear Birch’s answers to my questions and anything that came after. So I’m more than excited to see what else was discussed during the call.
Keep reading to see my questions, followed by the remaining Q&A of the call.
Colony airs Thursdays at 10/9c, only on USA Network.
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Megan: Hi everyone. Thank you for participating in the conference call today. We’re happy to have Thora Birch here who stars in the USA Network drama series, Colony. So at this time we will turn it over for the first question.
Operator: Our first question comes from the line of Greg Staffa with, Your Entertainment Corner. Please proceed.
Greg Staffa: Thanks for taking our questions today. You’ve done a lot of movies over the years but you haven’t done much TV. What was it about Colony that made you take the leap into something that might have more of a time commitment? And, did you have any reservations in doing it?
Thora Birch: Well I think when somebody is considering TV they always have a few reservations because number one, there’s a time commitment that is always an issue.
But at the same time the premise of Colony was so interesting to me because it’s right in – it walks that very fine line of being completely Sci-Fi, but at the heart of it is a family drama.
And so marrying the two worlds of the interpersonal relationship with the big, high concept was something that I was really interested in.
Greg Staffa: Thank you. The switch from film – to TV, we’re seeing a lot more actors and actresses make that move.
Is that something that now that you’ve kind of broken through and done it, is that something that you’re looking forward to doing again?
And can you tell us a little bit about what else you’ve got going on in the near future?
Thora Birch: So I’m in San Francisco right now. I’m on production on a film called, The Etruscan Smile with Brian Cox, Street Williams, Peter Coyote, and J.G. Field and me.
So – and that’s a lovely little – it’s based on the book by (Juan Luis San Pedro). It’s a Spanish novel and it’s really fun. It’s a small little ending but it’s got a story with a great heart.
And what’s nice is being able to go back and forth between a small, intimate little story like this, and something much more high-concept which is Colony. And, I love being a part of it because I don’t exactly know where I’m going.
They’re literally just like, show up here, say these lines today and tomorrow. Something could be completely different.
Greg Staffa: And given your busy schedule, were you able to watch Colony from the beginning as a fan, or is it kind of, I’ve done that and now I’m moving on to something else?
Thora Birch: No. No, me and my boyfriend we make a point to watch Colony every Thursday. Like that’s our thing, like no matter what we’re doing or where we’re going, we always find time to just catch the new episode.
It’s nice because I actually had advanced copies of the script, but I didn’t read them. Like I’m only just watching as a fan. So, I’m right ahead with you guys.
Greg Staffa: Thank you.
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Operator: And our next question comes from the line of Agatha. Please proceed.
Agatha: Hi Thora, I’m such a huge fan of you ever since Hocus Pocus and Monkey Trouble.
Thora Birch: Wow, thank you. I’m glad you like my (unintelligible). Not a lot too, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Agatha: It goes way back. But I’m your age so I was just kind of like watching you grow up.
Thora Birch: Right.
Agatha: And I was just such a huge fan. You play Morgan, a laidback software engineer with a conscious. How did you prepare for this role?
Thora Birch: So, I don’t have a lot of experience in the whole tech world, but I responded to my character’s determination to have an impact and to make her presence known in one way or another.
And so she’s got – she’s kind of the complete package. She’s got the know-how and she’s got the balls to pull off some amazing stuff.
Agatha: Very cool. Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Mary. Please proceed.
Mary: Good afternoon and thanks for taking the call. You said that your character is a software engineer. Besides that, what more can you tease about your character and how she’s going to fit in into the overall show, starting in Thursday’s episode?
Thora Birch: Okay, so I’m not 100% completely clued in as my character’s trajectory, either. But she is working on the resistance side of things. She is not a collaborator. She’s definitely a resister.
And her journey is only just starting. Like these two episodes that you’re going to see this coming week and next week, it’s only the beginning.
Mary: Okay, so it’s more than just a recurring role? Should we possibly expect to see the character more in…
Thora Birch: No, it is recurring. I have no idea how it’s all going to wind up. But it is a recurring role.
But she’s playing a part in a major operation that kind of wraps up the season really nicely and kind of leaves the audience, you know, really wanting more.
Mary: Okay, well great. Really looking forward to it. And thank you.
Thora Birch: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Mike. Please proceed.
Mike: Hi Thora, thanks so much for coming on. I appreciate the chance to talk to you.
Thora Birch: Thank you. It’s good to be here.
Mike: What is it like for you as an actress coming in to a show towards the end of its season?
Thora Birch: There’s two major benefits. One is everyone, by the time I’ve got on set, everyone had a really good feel for what they were doing and where they were going.
The other thing is, as I come in at a story point which is, it’s the tail end of one era in the show and it’s the beginning of another. So I really get to come in, in that transitionary section where things are really shifting and really changing.
And I don’t know that much about where my character is going, but I can’t wait to find out.
Mike: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Jorge. Please proceed.
Jorge: Hi. I was wondering, what do you find similar to your character Morgan, and what do you feel are you different from your character?
Thora Birch: So Morgan is a little bit more Type A. She is – you know, she’s got this whole knowledge in a world that I personally don’t share. I don’t share here set of skills.
But, she does have a determination. And she’s very passionate, which is something that I can completely relate to.
Jorge: Thank you very much.
Operator: And our next question comes from the line of Donna. Please proceed.
Donna: Hi Thora. I’m a real big fan here. I’m glad to talk to you today.
Thora Birch: Thank you.
Donna: With (unintelligible) dead, this is a different sell. What do you believe they can accomplish?
Thora Birch: I think they’re kind of limitless. They – it’s a trifecta of skillsets. So you’ve got me as a software engineer. You have an Avionics guy, and you have more – even more of a tech person.
So we really are a unit. And without going into what happens too much, I’ll just say that probably our characters could not exist outside of each other. Like the three of our characters and ourselves is pretty – like we rely on each other big time.
Donna: Okay, in a real world invasion by aliens or otherwise, do you think that you would be on the invaders side or the resistance side, and why?
Thora Birch: I’m going to have to go with resistance on this because I don’t know, it’s just a personal thing. But seriously, nobody invades my country or my city. Like that just doesn’t happen on my watch without me doing something about it. Like that’s just kind of how I am.
Donna: Would you ever be a double agent?
Thora Birch: Oh, hell yes. In a heartbeat.
Donna: That’s good to hear. Well we’re looking forward to seeing you on Thursday night.
Thora Birch: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Jackie. Please proceed.
Jackie: Hi, how are you doing?
Thora Birch: I’m doing pretty good. How are you doing?
Jackie: Good. My question is actually, what did you enjoy the most working with the cast? And do you have any behind-the-scenes funny moments that you can share?
Thora Birch: Yes. So I kind of love this whole thing that’s very new to me and which is, just being thrown in the middle of something, not really having a great sense of where I’m going with the character.
Usually I’m pretty well informed. I know where I’m going and what I’m doing and how it’s all going to wind up. This time I don’t have that. I really don’t know what’s going to happen with Morgan.
And also, on the first day, my first day was the worse first day ever. They literally just throw me – threw me in like a pile of gravel. I was rolling around in rocks and like running. Like I haven’t run in forever.
So I get on set and I’m like great, here’s your kneepads. I’m like, okay sounds good.
Jackie: And as a quick follow-up, would you say that you’re a Sci-Fi fan? And if you are, what shows, movies, or books bring out the nerd in you?
Thora Birch: Okay, so I’m a little bit more of an intellectual like (unintelligible) kind of science fiction fan.
My favorite story ever – my favorite short story is Harrison Bergeron. So that’s kind of where I live, just emotionally. But getting to work on something like this is so much fun because like I said, it’s completely unpredictable. You never know what’s going to be hitting you.
Jackie: Definitely. That’s a great choice too. I love that short story.
Thora Birch: Yes, it’s great. It’s phenomenal.
Jackie: Well thank you so much.
Thora Birch: Thank you.
Operator: And our next question comes from the line of Kathryn. Please proceed.
Kathryn: Hello, I’m Kathryn Sanders. I just saw that you have done a lot of work in movies, TV, and some like plays and some in theater. What would you say is like different and similar about the three, working in the three of them?
Thora Birch: I mean every single medium is completely different. So television has its own world. Movies have their own life, and then something like this, the theater where you’re blessed to be rehearsing, mainly the bulk of your work is rehearsing.
But on something like Colony, it’s really fun because I have no expectations. I have to come in with no game plan. I don’t know where I’m going. The character is built behind me and I have to constantly play catchup.
So that’s one thing that’s really fun about working on Colony. Like you just don’t know where you’re going.
Kathryn: Thank you. And as a quick follow-up, do you have a preference on any medium?
Thora Birch: It’s all an exercise. So for me it’s about variety more than anything. Like kind of changing it up is the best part. I’m really lucky to be able to do that creatively.
Kathryn: Yes, variety is the spice of life.
Thora Birch: Yes, it’s just the unexpected, you know. Yes.
Kathryn: Thank you.
Thora Birch: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Lisa. Please proceed.
Lisa: Hi Thora, good afternoon.
Thora Birch: Good afternoon.
Lisa: I appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. Again, much like many others, I’m a long-time fan of yours so, it’s such a pleasure to have the opportunity. And of course to see you here on Colony.
Thora Birch: Thank you. It’s good to be here.
Lisa: Well my question is, what you really have kind of taken away from your experiences being a part of this project, and what it’s kind of meant to you.
Thora Birch: So my character is completely – she’s immersed in a collaborative process. She does not exist on her own. She really, heavily relies on the other characters to be there.
And for me, working on the show has actually been quite the same. You know I come in, I don’t really know where I’m going or what the next day is going to look like. But you have the support team of Carlton and Ryan and Sarah and Cory, and just these amazing people that, even on your first day they kind of make you feel really welcome.
And so that sense of community has been really nice. You don’t always develop that on a project. And on this one, I did.
Lisa: And I know that you’re a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback and connection through that as well, for the episode?
Thora Birch: I kind of avoid it. I kind of avoided the whole social media aspect for many, many years. I kind of enjoyed not being a Twitter member.
And it was explained to me that that outlook just really needs to end. That you can engage with your fans more directly and it’s actually a really fulfilling thing.
So I’m enjoying being new to that whole world. I’m kind of just getting started and I’m loving it.
Lisa: Thank you so much.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Carissa. Please proceed.
Carissa: Well of course all my questions have been asked by now, but – so I’m going to ask you…
Thora Birch: I’m sorry.
Carissa: Can you come up – that’s okay. Spit balling, do you have any theories on what’s going on with the goings on in…
((Crosstalk))
Thora Birch: Oh, my theories would be so dangerous. Like if I actually – if I actually shared every thought that I have about where this could be going, I’d probably get sued. Like it…
((Crosstalk))
Carissa: Well you don’t have to share everything.
Thora Birch: …would be legal action taken against me.
Carissa: Just give us…
Thora Birch: I just know – I know one thing.
Carissa: A fun one.
Thora Birch: I know one thing. Whatever I think – whatever I think right now, it’s not going to be that. Whatever I think, it’s going to be something completely different. So I could tell you my theories, but they’re all going to be wrong.
Carissa: Yes, but that’s pretty much how we see it too.
Thora Birch: Yes.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Mike. Please proceed.
Mike: Hi again Thora. Can you say how it was that you came to get this role in the first place? And also, a quick follow-up to that, what is it that you would say makes Colony unique?
Thora Birch: So the script just appeared in my inbox one day. It was hey, take a look at this part. Take a look at the show. And I saw that Carlton and Ryan were involved and I was like completely, immediately interested.
And getting into the script, it’s one of those things where it seems really simple. It seems really simple when you first look at it. Like oh, it’s an invasion. Los Angeles is completely cordoned off.
And the further you get into it, the more elaborate it gets. But at the end of the day it’s still a family drama and, I love that. I love that it’s still about an emotional, real house of people. So it has this huge, high concept but it’s still all about people.
Mike: Cool, thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Kathryn. Please proceed.
Kathryn: Hello again. I was just curious on your thoughts of, how do you compare Colony to other occupation narratives such as like World War II narratives or other types of like alien invasions like District 9 or some such?
Thora Birch: Okay, so District 9 – District 9 was a video game correct, that was – it was a completely different…
((Crosstalk))
Thora Birch: It was – no I know the movie, but it was based on a – originally it was based on a video game I think. Maybe I’m wrong. But that was so – I mean it was high concept in a different way. You literally have people turning into cockroaches you know, right in front of your very eyes.
This story is so much more focused on how (unintelligible) impact the individual? How does this colonized post – nearly post-apocalyptic really, scenario, play out in your everyday life? And that’s what this show focuses on, which I think is a refreshing take on it.
I mean we always see World War II stories that are all about the war. They’re about the war and nothing else. This is about, how does somebody wake up in the morning, comfort their children, send them off to school, and then go carry out their like everyday lives? How does that happen in an occupied world? It’s kind of fascinating.
Kathryn: Yes, definitely. And as a quick follow-up, do you have a favorite type of alien? Personally mine are…
((Crosstalk))
Thora Birch: No, the ones that…
((Crosstalk))
Thora Birch: The ones that you never are completely fine with me. Like I have a theory that aliens completely exist, but they’re so busy they just don’t care about us and, I like it that way. They can stay out of my life. I’ll stay out of theirs. It’s all good.
Kathryn: Yes, that’s true. That’s true. But then we don’t get people like Superman.
Thora Birch: Yes, I don’t think we really need them though. Like I think we can take care of this stuff on our own.
Kathryn: That’s fair; that’s fair. Thank you so much.
Thora Birch: Thank you.
Operator: And we do have a follow-up question from the line of Jackie. Please proceed.
Jackie: Hi again. I was wondering, besides your character, who is your favorite character on Colony and why?
Thora Birch: For me it’s really all about Katie. I mean she is just – she’s not only completely following her gut as far as just being the mom; the matriarch. Like she’s totally in control of the entire situation. You are not messing with her, ever.
And I love that strength. That feminine power that she has. I mean she manages to be vulnerable and powerful all in one second and, I love that in a female character. But also she actually really embodies that in real life.
Jackie: Yes, and I think she does too. I mean all of her roles, I think she plays – she manages to portray…
Thora Birch: She’s one strong cookie. She is a tough woman. I love her. Can – are we going to be able to see any scenes with Katie and Morgan in future episodes – in upcoming episodes?
Thora Birch: You know, I mean Morgan doesn’t exist without Katie. So I’m sure that that’s going to be the way it is.
Jackie: Okay, thank you so much.
Thora Birch: Mm-hmm.
Megan: I wanted to thank Thora for your time today. We really appreciate it. And thank you to everyone else for participating.
Thora Birch: Good to be here.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen that does conclude the conference call for today. We thank you for your participation.
END
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