Spencer Locke Talks Tarzan and Working with Kellan Lutz – Interview

BSCkids recently got the chance to talk with actress Spencer Locke who recently starred with Kellan Lutz in the CGI-animated reimagining of the classic tale Tarzan. Locke starred as Jane Porter opposite of Lutz as Tarzan. She spoke with us about working on motion capture for the film as well as her other favorite projects.

Spencer Locke has appeared in several much-loved films and television shows including Sony Pictures Monster House, Spanglish, and the role of K-Mart in two films of the “Resident Evil” franchise. Locke has appeared in various television shows including “Cougar Town,” ” In Plain Sight,” “Vampire Diaries,” “Cold Case,” and “Love Bites.”

Tarzan releases on Blu-ray, DVD and Video On Demand August 5.

BSCkids: Spencer Locke

You recently provided your voice to Jane Porter on Tarzan opposite Kellan Lutz, what was the process that goes into voice acting?

We provided a lot more than voice! The movie was shot in motion capture, similar technology to Avatar. Which means we performed all the scenes, wearing body suits with seniors all over them, and head cameras to capture our every facial expression and movement. Then, they put the animated characters on us in post!

Did you and Kellan do the voice overs together?

We did all of the scenes together in the motion capture studio. Face to face. Aside from all the high-tech stuff, it felt like any other film.

What was your favorite moment when working on the project?

My absolute favorite moment was the scene where I first speak with Tarzan. “Me jane, you Tarzan” saying those words always felt surreal. Never got over, still haven’t, never will! 🙂

Were you a fan of the tale of Tarzan before you took the role?

YES! What little girl doesn’t dream of being Tarzan’s girl/ I grew up with the story like so many of us, and am so grateful to have gotten to play Jane! It’s still crazy to me.

The DVD and Blu-Ray release of Tarzan will feature a behind the scenes featurette with you and Kellan, can you give our readers some insight as to what that might include?

The behind the scenes featurette shows what this weird “motion capture” world is really like. Everyone assumes it’s just voice acting but seeing where it really took place and how it came to life is really freakin’ cool. People will be shocked!

What is the biggest difference between acting in a film or show versus voice acting?

The difference between acting in regular film and motion capture is we don’t have the outside distractions. No hair and makeup, no wardrobe, no sets. 100% imagination. Plus NO cheating. The mobcap cameras capture it all!

You have also been a prominent character in the Resident Evil franchise; can we expect to see your character in the next installment that was recently announced?

I certainly hope so! K-mart is still alive out there somewhere, so I’ve got my fingers crossed they bring me back.

Working on such a widely popular franchise like Resident Evil seems intimidating, were you nervous when you first signed on for the role?

Absolutely. I fought for it because it was unlike anything I had ever done before! I remember being a little teenager and calling the casting director to say “I’d do anything to get this role. Tell them I do tae-ho!” Ha! and noo my Tae bo didn’t make it in the film but I did 🙂

What interested you to want to be an actor at a young age?

I was always playing pretend. I mean, always. My name was rarely Spencer. It was always Ashley or Sarah or I was a postman who invented everything. I remember watching tv one day and saying “HEY I WANNA DO THAT!” and begged my parents to let me take acting class. I never looked back!

How supportive has your family been about the career choice?

So supportive that they moved a crossed the country to let me pursue my dream! They’re my rock. I live two blocks away from them and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What project that you have worked on has been your favorite so far?

I recently shot a film called “Landmine Goes Click” in the beautiful country, Georgia. Our location was STUNNING. “Working” in the Georgian mountains everyday was such a blessing. But aside from that, the story is incredible. It was a real challenge. Stretched me in every way – emotionally and physically. Which I can’t seem to get enough of these days. If it scares me, I wanna do it!

Do you have any advice for teenagers or young adults who are looking to get into acting?

Don’t let negative people, or the industry discourage you. If it’s your passion, don’t stop. Find a good theater, or class, and keep working. Whether you make it a career or not… Stay in love with it.