renaowen.com - Taun We

The new Star Wars movie, Episode II: Attack of the clones has now been in the theaters for some time.

It was great news that Rena Owen was asked to portray a character named "Taun We" in Episode II. She joined the film crew in Australia in july 2000 to do her scenes.

**NEWS**

Watch Rena on the Star Wars set, performing in the documentary feature 'From Puppets to Pixels' on the new Star Wars Episode II -Attack of the Clones DVD. Also you can see a still photo of Rena wearing a hardhat in the stills gallery from the exclusive production photos.

Interview done in December 2002 with Mark Dermul, for the Belgium Fan Club

Kamino, the watery world just outside of the Rishi Maze, is the homeplanet of this gentle, fragile-looking but very intelligent creature. She’s the right hand of Prime Minister Lama Su and bids Obi-Wan Kenobi a warm welcome when he arrives.

Although the character is completely CGI, it does have one very human factor, perfectly performed by a voice artist.

This is our chance to get some answers from Taun We’s alter ego: the acclaimed New Zealand actress and very sympathetic (and poetic) lady Rena Owen.

Mark: Rena, thank you for taking the time to talk to the Belgian fans. How does it feel to be approached by us? It proves that Taun We appeals to audiences all over the world, no?

Rena: I've always given my fans top priority, for without an audience, I do not have a job! It is a pleasure, and part of the priviledge of been in the public eye. Indeed, Taun We has proven to be very popular around the world which makes me happy!

I must back track though. You said "she is completely CGI....performed by a voice artist." True voice over work is when an Actor goes into a sound studio, well after the film has been shot, and lays their voice onto the images. Or uses only their voice only for the likes of radio commercials.

They shot me doing all the scenes, walking and talking, projecting Taun We's essence etc. Then they go away and do CGI. I'm still in the middle of her, those are definitely "Owen" hips swaying!Allow me to also say, Taun We is a Babe! I think she is sexy! A computer can't create that, or the energy and spirit of a human being. When a computer can, I am out of a job!!

Mark: In the US, you have found fame as well. It is said that the American fans are quite different from others. Do you have a perspective on that? Did you notice at recent conventions you attended in the US?

Rena: Every country comes with it's unique culture. To me, who has travelled extensively, the only thing that really changes with people, are the accents, language and the food! But I haven't done any conventions outside of the USA, so I don't have anything to compare with.

Mark: Back to your work on Episode II. When and how did you land the part of Taun We?

Rena: I got the phone call July 2000 in New Zealand. My Australian Agent said they were interested in me. I was on my way to the Phillipines to be on the Jury of the Manilla Film Festival. Fortunately my flight went via Sydney, and I had a 3 hour stop over. This allowed me the time to travel to Fox Studios to meet with the Casting Director, Robyn Gurland. We talked, ate noodles, and put a few versions of Taun We on tape for George Lucas to watch. I then went straight back to the airport and caught my connecting flight.

Whilst in Manilla, I prayed a lot!! I will never forget the moment I found out I got the role. On my second to last day in Manilla, I used the business center in the Hotel to check my e mail. And there it was, an e mail from my Agent saying I had got the role. I screamed and laughed loudly, I even kissed the floor! Grateful to God!! They asked if I could go and see them again on my way back to New Zealand, which i did with great pleasure!

Mark: On the set, while shooting, you were wearing a blue hat, similar to the Jar Jar headgear Ahmed Best wore during shooting. How did that work?

Rena: We wanted to give Ewan a proper Taun We eye line. I couldn't stand on a box as I had to walk, and stilts were deemed to dangerous. A clever crew member came up with the idea of putting Taun We's cardboard cut out head on top of a helmut. I had so much fun with it!!

Mark: I guess there was a lot of blue screen involved?

Rena: All our scenes were done against blue screen.

Mark: Is there a lot of Rena Owen in Taun We, or the other way around? Or did you try to come up with a whole new ‘personality’ for the Kaminoan aide?

Rena: George Lucas was very clear about the essence of these beings. I worked with the insights he gave me. I enjoyed projecting love and light, and a soothing quality. There is definitely a lot of me in Taun We up on that screen, and I believe we all have an essence of her within us. In fact, the world would be a better place, if our race was more about grace and love!

Mark: What was your impression on the end product? Did you like Episode II and if so, what did you like best of it?

Rena: Enjoyed it tremendously. Favorite scene is when Yoda kicks butt! I love Yoda!!

Mark: Were you familiar with the saga before joining the cast?

Rena: Yes

Mark: Any chance you’ll be in Episode III?

Rena: Only God knows??

Mark: Has it affected your other work? And can you tell us anything else of your other (previous and upcoming) projects?

Rena: It is a priviledge to be a part of the Star Wars legacy, and fares well in our Industry! Check my website for my working life. It always involves a lot of travel, and a diversity of work. Theater, film, television, sometimes teaching, writing and community outreach work. too Wherever the force leads me!

Example, this year, I did 3 feature film, one theater show, a role on the television series; Angel.

A Graduation speech at Berkerley university. A week in Seattle to help Charity Organisations,

who support abused woman and children, to help raise money and awareness.

Mark: So what are your plans for the immediate future (except devouring the box of Belgian chocolates we have sent you - if they get through customs)?

Rena: I'll let you know about the chocs! I board yet another plane in 3 hour, destination; New Zealand. Purpose.....a much needed holiday, and some quality family time!

Mark: If fans want to see what you are up to, can they point their browsers in your direction?

Rena:Check out www.renaowen.com

Mark: In the private e-mails we shared prior to this interview, you always sounded high spirited, happy and humorous. Even poetic at one time. Is that the influence of the New Zealand weather or are you often in such a good mood?

Rena: The poetic comes from me being an Artist. The 3 h's come from; I got God! Having a relationship with God, is fulfilling, and helps me to live in faith as opposed to fear. Life is so precious, that is why it is called the "present", it is a gift! So I don't believe in wasting it, but have always wanted to live my life to the fullest.

Mark: Lastly, we are offering one of your beautiful signed photos to a lucky reader. Can you present our readers with a question? The lucky reader who gets the answer correctly will get the photo.

Rena:How many "Kiwi" actors appear in the cast of Episode II?...or....What authority commands the 'Clone Army'?...or....Where is the Planet Camino located?

Mark: Rena, thank you so much for your time. It’s been a privilege! Hope to see you in Episode III and best of luck to you and yours.

Rena: I gotta get to the airport.....but I have to say to you all; "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Have a wonderful 2003!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interview done by Star Wars Homingbeacon issue 35, May 2001.

The audio layers of Episode II are currently under construction as the film continues its post-production phase. This includes the re-recording of dialogue in a process commonly known as "looping." Last week, actress Rena Owen stopped by Skywalker Ranch in Northern California to perform her character of Taun We once again, picking up where she left off when principal photography wrapped last year in Australia.
"It's the first time I've been to Skywalker Ranch," says Owen. "It was very exciting for me to be able to come out and visit. Here is where these things are birthed. I had a lot of fun. George Lucas was so easy to work with. You instantly feel very relaxed, and you just want to do your best for him."

Owen has done plenty of voice-work in the past. Her distinctive timbre has been used to voice-over many documentaries. "It's a blessing and a curse," explains Owen. "Sometimes when I do accents, people still hear the distinctive voice. So, it can go against you. Most times it goes for you."

Owen affected a soothing, mellow tone for her role as the alien Taun We, a character who will be brought to life as a computer-generated creation by Industrial Light & Magic. "I'm not sure how to describe it. She kind of flows, and talks the same way. The two operative words that George uses -- he used them on set as well as in looping -- was flowing and kind. They're creatures of love and light. It's good, as a person, to play that because you tap into that part of yourself. As an actor, when you're playing those characters that are angst-ridden, it's not much fun. Taun We's a free-flowing creature. I'm kind of the opposite side. I'm out of my head all the time! I live in Los Angeles! I work in the film industry! I think that says it all," laughs Owen.

To tap into an unrushed mindset, Owen turned to her upbringing. "Outside of work and professional situations, that's very much me, because I'm a farm girl," she says. "I grew up on a farm, and it's very laid back, with an ordinary country family. When I'm not working, I'm very good at chilling out. You've got to balance the introvert and extrovert."

Owen was not deterred by the fact that her face will not appear in Episode II. Only her voice and the energy of her performance will stay intact in her scenes. "There are a million actors in the world who'd love the opportunity to be in Star Wars," says Owen. "It's knowing that you're part of history, part of the Star Wars phenomena, and the opportunity and the privilege of working with someone like George Lucas, to be able to sit there and watch how they work, watch them do their thing. That's what it's all about."

Adds Owen, "I've always based my choices on not whether it's one scene, three scenes, five scenes, voice, face or whatever. It's the talent you're working with."

Rena's First Star Wars Interview done by webmaster Stein - Oct. 2000

1. Have you seen the previous Star Wars movies? If so did you like them?

Answer: I had seen the first Star Wars movies when they first came out. At the time, like most people, I was fascinated by them as they were very ahead of their time. I had not seen the last one, but once i found out that I was going to do a role i Star Wars: Episode II, I watched it! To be honest, I did not have the same fascination with it, as films with computer effects are now so common.....and I am also older!!

2. How was it like to work with George Lucas?

Answer: The best part of the gig, was having the opportunity to work with George Lucas, whom I believe is a genius, and a very nice, real, decent human being. I also had the pleasure of doing scenes with Ewan McGregor, a consummate professional, and a really great guy. It was also good to do a scene opposite my co-star from Once Were Warriors, Temuera Morrison, within a totally different context.

3. What was the best part of being involved in the Star Wars: Episode II ?

Answer: The opportunity to have worked with the above talent, a privilege and pleasure. And knowing, even though my role is small, that i have become a part of the Star Wars legacy.

4.Did you get to work with Temuera Morrison on the set of Episode II? If so, how was it working with him again?

Answer: Commented on above. I always enjoy working with my buddy Tem, another consummate pro.

5. Do you have any favourite Star Wars character?

Answer: Yes, the little wise one, with the big ears, name escapes me. (Editors note: YODA)

6. Is there any chance that the character you played in Episode II will also be in Episode III ?

Answer: Don't think so, I would imagine that they will have new characters for the third episode.

7. How much of your role was revealed to you before you got on the set? We have previously heard that Lucas keep the actors informed on a need to know basis.

Answer: I was informed of the exact nature of my role and given all my scenes to learn, so I was very clear about my purpose on set.

8. Could you share with us your feelings on how it was to be asked to play a part in Episode II?

Answer: I felt so very excited, I screamed very loudly when I read the e-mail telling me I had been offered a role. A huge buzz!! I felt incredibly blessed, such an honor to be part of history. Much gratitude to Robin Gurland, the Casting Director and George Lucas.