Actress Amanda Zhou chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about being a part of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Season 2 on Netflix.
The synopsis is: A young boy known as the Avatar must master the four elemental powers to save a world at war — and fight a ruthless enemy bent on stopping him.
On her experience in this show, she exclaimed, “It was surreal! Before I became an actor, I was always a fan of the original anime series, so being a part of this world, in a live series version too, was incredibly special.”
She is drawn to her character, Joo Dee — the cheerful Earth Kingdom public servant and guide who welcomes Aang and his friends to Ba Sing Se — for several reasons. “What I loved most about Joo Dee is that there is much more beneath the surface than people initially see. Yes, she serves a specific function within the story but as an actor it was exciting to explore the layers, humanity, and complexity underneath,” she said.
Regarding the lessons learned from this screenplay, she remarked, “It reinforced that I don’t always need to have everything figured out right away. Sometimes things reveal themselves through the preparation process and sometimes they happen spontaneously. It also reinforced that no matter what, a good group of friends is very important.”
On being a part of the digital age, now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent, she said, “There are definitely pros and cons. It’s bewildering how accessible to different stories, ideas and culture it is. At the same time, there is a level of disconnection because of how quick consumption is. I think there’s still something special in slowing down and truly connecting with a story.”
Regarding her future plans, she shared, “Definitely more storytelling. Whether it’s through acting or creating work, there will be storytelling. But for now just focusing on staying present as much as I can and taking it one day at a time while making memories with loved ones.”
When asked if there were any moments in her career that have helped define her, she responded, “Absolutely. While I learned a tremendous amount on larger productions, some of the most important lessons came from passion projects where you don’t necessarily have all the protocols in place because it’s indie. Those experiences taught me to not be afraid of making mistakes, helped me identify areas I needed to grow, and showed me the kind of people I enjoy creating with based on how they conduct themselves. Perhaps most importantly, they taught me where my boundaries are, when to give another chance, and when to not be taken advantage of. In turn, those experiences have helped shape the kind of person I wanna be, both professionally and personally.
For young and aspiring actors, she recommended, “Create your own work. Experiment, learn, and don’t be afraid to try different roles in different areas. Every experience teaches you something valuable and helps you discover your own voice.”
“Celebrate yourself with confidence but also from time to time, check your ego and don’t forget you’re still living in reality. In my opinion, it’s all about balance…having said that though, we only have this one life so you do what feels right for you,” she elaborated.
On her definition of success, she said, “Professionally, it’s creating something meaningful and lasting. Even if the product, idea, business evolves or changes, you’ve built something that has established its own identity.”
“On a soul level, success is being able to achieve your goals while having the humility to fail again. It’s also being able to look back and appreciate how much you have done and how far you’ve come, while feeling a sense of peace and gratitude,” she added.
For her fans, she stated about “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Season 2, “So much heart and effort went into this project from everyone involved and I believe that shows on screen. I also think audiences will continue to see that shine in the upcoming seasons, brighter and brighter.”
“I hope for new viewers and some fans of the anime, that they can appreciate the challenge of bringing a beloved world to life while honoring its essence. It’s no small feat. And for those who have supported us all the way through, thank you, your enthusiasm and continued support truly mean a lot,” she concluded.
For more information on actress Amanda Zhou, follow her on Instagram.
