During our time on the set of The Mortal Instruments we had the opportunity to interview Jemima West. See what she had to say about working on the film and why the book appeals to both teens and adults.

What was your reaction when you got your role?

I was very surprised. I wasn’t really expecting it. But after the moment of thinking “really?..wowwww” it was a amazing. I was so happy, so happy. Working on the adaptation of a book was really a great surprise and then getting to do some work in English and getting to do something with this great team – I was super excited and I couldn’t wait to start.

The costumes are really fun for your character, so how much did it influence bringing the character to life?

Oh massive, a massive influence. I think for every role as an actor, costumes, hair and make-up help a huge deal. On this movie in particular we have an amazing costume designer called Gersha Phillips who’s just fantastic. And she came up with the most brilliant ideas. I had no idea it’d be so cool.

It’s very contemporary and very avant-garde in a sort of way. Like she’s come up with a whole load of accessories and things that I think really sets a huge trend. I mean the second I put my leather on and really high boots I feel like I’m someone else and that’s good. I’m definitely Isabelle when I’m in those heels.

What was your first impression of Isabelle when you read the book or script?

Her love for people around her I think. How faithful she is and how strong and determined, but in a way there’s just simple reasons and all that matters to her is her family. I share the family values so I was immediately drawn to her. And I thought she was really funny as well. Sometimes she’ll get pissed off about things and she’s very spontaneous, and that I love, I think it makes her really funny. That I grew fond of her even more-so as the books go by and I thought “Wow, there’s so much to do.”

If there’s one word that could describe you as a person and the same word that would also describe Isabelle what would that word be?

I’d say loving.

What’s your favorite part about the series?

I think it’s kind of what Kevin was saying. The fact that we get all these very strong and complex characters in a world that’s our world today and a fantasy world. I think it’s the mix of all these things and as an actor I feel very lucky to be able to play a character that I like. But, also to be a part of this whole mysterious new world. The runes, having tattoos, and all these weapons; it’s a mix of all of this that’s really exciting and this is what I really love about The Mortal Instruments. I get everything in one.

Isabelle’s such a strong independent character. What’s it like getting to play her in a predominantly male environment?

It’s fun. As a girl, yes, she’s probably quite hard to get through to, but the boys she’s with are just as tough so I don’t take it as she’s different to the others. I feel like they’re all tough in their own way. She grew up with them so they’re hers, their blood.

What were you doing when you got the call to join the cast?

It was 2 a.m. so I was about to go to bed. I saw an email from my agents and that was after about a few emails back and forth asking where are you, and I was like “uh-uh.” After that, I stayed up for a little while.

The books appeal to both teens and adults, so what do you think the movie will appeal to teens and what to adults?

I answered that same question not that long ago, actually, and I think it’s a movie that will appeal to teens just as much as adults because, as we were saying there’s a lot to do with the characters, the characters are very important. And the acting aspect is important so I think that’s what will draw the more adult people towards the film. And then the world of fantasy, fighting etc. will be to teens and adults too, because who doesn’t like a good fight?

Check out the other interviews that we’ve done with other cast members of The Mortal Instruments.