Interview with Katarina Ziervogel from “Echo”
Alex (Daily Moth): Hello, Katarina Ziervogel! You had a big role in the series, “Echo.” You were the mother of young Maya Lopez.
[Video clip from “Echo” showing a scene of the mother telling young Maya, “Sorry lovebug, we’re out. But I’ll go to the store.” ]
Alex: Your character’s name is Taloa. Nice. You had a big role in the first episode. Can you explain how you got the role?
Katarina Ziervogel: Yeah. I saw a casting call for an Indigenous Deaf female in her late 20’s to early 30’s. I was unsure because at the time, I was 25 or 24. I think 24. I went ahead because people were telling me to go for it. You never know what could happen. So I sent in my information and didn’t hear anything for six months. Then one day, out of the blue, they contacted me asking if I wanted to audition for a role. So I did the audition and I didn’t hear anything for three weeks before I finally got a message that I got the role. I was shocked but happy that I got it.
Alex: What was the experience like working on the set of “Echo?” You driving the truck, the kid, that overall experience? Any good memories you’d like to share?
Katarina: On the first day on the set, when I arrived, they were already shooting for a couple of months. I showed up in the middle of a shoot. The people I met already knew sign language. The crew and everyone were already able to fingerspell and introduce themselves. I was like, “Wow!” I’ve never seen that before. I’ve worked on film sets before, not as an actress, but on other projects. This is the first time I’ve seen people take the time to learn and it was very accessible. When I was taken to my dressing room, there was a flashing light alert provided. I was amazed. They were prepared and it was a very accessible set. It made me feel at ease and comfortable. I knew it would be a good experience for this show because everyone was prepared to work with Deaf actors.
Alex: Wow, that’s nice that you felt welcomed and that communication was easy.
Katarina: Oh yeah.
Alex: I saw your Instagram post after the L.A. red carpet premiere. You said it was amazing to celebrate Indigenous and Deaf representation on the screen.
[Instagram post by @katarinaziervogel: “There are no words to describe how amazing it was last night to celebrate Indigenous + Deaf representation on the screen. So, so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible cast and crew. Beyond proud of everyone who worked hard on #Echo!”] (The post includes images of Katarina posing for pictures with her “Echo” crew)
Alex: Can you expand more on why that was a big and important moment?
Katarina: It was a really big moment because growing up, I’ve seen Indigenous representation and Deaf representation separately. It’s cool but I’ve never seen both in one. So it’s amazing. It’s one of the first instances of everyone, both communities collaborating. These are my communities and I know them. So it was a very special experience to see it happen and I’m happy that I got to be a part of that.
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Alex: You’re a Canadian.
Katarina: Yes.
Alex: You had two screenings, one in L.A. and one in Canada.
[Instagram post from @katarinaziervogel: “Thank you @imaginenative + @marvelstudioscanada for hosting a special screening of Marvel’s #Echo with the Indigenous and Deaf community in Tkaronto!”] (The post includes images of Katarina posing for pictures along with members of the “Echo” crew and the Indigenous and Deaf community.)
Alex: Can you describe what the experience was like in Canada?
Katarina: The event in Canada was hosted by a collaboration between Disney+ Canada / Marvel Canada in Toronto and the Imaginenative Film Festival. It is an Indigenous film festival. I used to work with them as an accessibility coordinator. So it’s nice to see that partnership. To go there and to see everyone that I used to work with and also the Deaf community who I know because I used to live in Toronto, it was really nice to see everyone. Old and new friends. We watched it together. It was an amazing collective and it felt at home as well. It was a very special experience to do that with everyone there in Toronto.
Alex: Thank you so much, Katarina. It’s really nice to meet you and congratulations on your big role!
Katarina: Nice to meet you, too! Thank you.