Working on The Walking Dead really taught me the power of intimacy, how stillness, subtext, and small moments can be extremely powerful, especially when you’re acting in such a high-stakes apocalyptic world. Even though there are zombies everywhere, the show still explores true fracture lines in humanity up close, so that intimacy is really important. Given the global reach of the show, I thought of it as storytelling with both a microscope and a megaphone.

Armorsaurs is another large-scale global franchise, but it serves an entirely different audience. The world and tone of the show is meant to delight young kids and families. It brings big bright characters, color and battle sequences. There’s also a whole line of toys that go along with the show so that kids can expand on storylines from the show in their own living rooms. 

It’s truly an honor to work on shows where the world-building is so epic, the stakes are so high and the audiences are so international. 

I’d been playing dramatic, grounded characters in more gritty worlds, and Paloma felt like this fun, feisty, brazen character that was completely different than anything I’d done. The world of Armorsaurs is so energized, fantastical and colourful; I knew I’d enjoy acting in an entirely new universe. Plus, I was drawn to the challenge of working on an entirely virtual production – everything was imagined and shot on green screen.

The tempo. In drama, tension simmers. There’s this calm, focus and steadiness involved. In a kids' sci-fi show like Armorsaurs we’re playing more exaggerated emotions, comedy and whimsy. There’s this larger-than-life feeling, whereas, drama feels much more zoomed in.

Living in South Korea was transformative. I fell in love with the rhythm of life there — karaoke nights, Han River sunsets, discovering new food, new music, and feeling completely safe exploring the city at night (that’s not always the case as a woman in the US). I really believe that living immersed in another culture stretches you in the best way. It makes you braver, more observant, more adaptable. I value it so much as a person, and an actor!

Professionally, our Korean film crew really inspired me. They moved with such precision and pride. It really elevated everyone’s game. I started to understand more about Korean entertainment and I bring those lessons and influences with me today.

Absolutely. It reminded me how universal storytelling is. How so much of what we experience is shared across cultural and country lines. Our emotions and life experiences have so much common ground. I approached filming with more curiosity about how to delight global audiences too, not just folks in the US. It changed my POV for the better. 

I was struck by the warmth and generosity of our South Korean colleagues. The whole American cast felt so welcomed, cared for, and safe to explore our artistry while filming. I was also really struck by the focus, craftsmanship and pride in the work. From camera movement to set design to the rhythm of production, our South Korean collaborators were meticulous. It was incredible!

We had long filming hours, so the role definitely required stamina. I would weight train whenever we had time off and take long walks around Ilsan Lake Park to memorise my lines. Movement really helps me retain dialogue. It also keeps my mind sharp and body energized.

Technically, there was a lot to consider, being that we filmed on green screen. We had to develop a deep understanding of the Armorsaur's world – the mechanics, how our dinosaurs moved, what rooms looked like, and how ships would fly. Then we had to turn that understanding into consistent eyelines. We had to consider continuity within each scene and between scenes, as we often filmed out of order.

I try to hone into the emotional truth of a moment. When the world is so big and fantastical, like it is in Armorsaurs, I turn my attention to the present moment, to the humanity. That helps ground me, even when dinosaurs are flying by. ;)

Yes, seeing the first draft of the pilot episode with all the CGI added in absolutely shook me! I processed the magnitude of it all. The epic armor-up sequences, snowy battle scenes, and underwater missions – it all came to life in a way that exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t just a show; it was a whole universe.

Paloma is very fashion-forward, so I got to explore how those outfits affected her in a number of situations. For example, when Paloma is recruited into the Armorsaurs program in the pilot episode, she is in high heels and a tight dress! It’s hilarious. She’s being recruited to be trained as an elite pilot and save the world, yet she’s marching around in the most impractical attire. So I tried to let her wardrobe inform the comedy of the show and how I played her. Wardrobe really does shift your POV, your posture, and your gait, so it ended up being an incredible tool in building the character.

My personal style is more fluid! I love building a look based on how I feel that day. I love mixing and matching patterns, playing with texture, and experimenting with colour. When I’m playing a character, the wardrobe aesthetic is typically more fixed (which tends to serve the narrative), but in the real world, I’m switching it up daily – dressing to my mood, a feeling, or a creative inclination! I find so much freedom in that. :)

Even if a franchise grows large, the character should be intimate and specific. As we continue to film this show, I’d like to focus more and more on Paloma’s contradictions, her humor, her flaws. The toys and brand live around her; the humanity lies at the core. 

Audiences are more connected, sophisticated and globally aware than ever. I hope the future of television lies in projects that honor cultural nuance while embracing universal appeal.

I’d say, cultivate (1) adaptability and (2) a life outside of acting. Become someone who can adapt to any environment with positivity, confidence and creative freedom. Be the artist that can step into any room with an open mind, prepared to deliver ideas with humility and cultural awareness. And building a life outside of acting, gosh, that serves everything. Depth in your own life breathes directly into your characters.

This chapter is exhilarating.

I went from surviving zombies in the woods to saving the world with an armored raptor, that’s not a sentence I expected to say about my career, but here we are. Ha ha!

This Armorsaurs chapter has been a blast! And an honour. I was watching kids at NYC Comic Con jump up and down to the Armorsaurs song, clutching our toys and planning sleepover watch parties. I stood there in awe, just so humbled by the joy bubbling up in them.

Living in South Korea, working across cultures, seeing this show translate globally – that’s been remarkable. It’s broadening my horizons and expanding my sense of self. I truly can’t wait to go back to South Korea to film season two this year!