Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Welcome to Sanditon star Allison Paige speaks to Hypable about her different experiences on the two web series.

It wasn’t long ago that Allison Paige burst onto our screens as Willian Darcy’s meddling but well-intentioned sister in The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Since finishing that series, Paige has starred in the Lizzie Bennet Diaries spinoff, Welcome to Sanditon, which features Gigi Darcy in the (fictional) town of Sanditon, California, testing the new Domino portal with varying success. So how has her experience been different, filming these two Austen web series adaptations?

You can also check out the other interviews in our Welcome to Sanditon series, with actors Joel Bryant (Mayor Tom Parker), Lenne Klingaman (Clara Breton) and Kyle Walters (Edward Denham), and transmedia producer Alexandra Edwards.

Exclusive interview: Allison Paige

Tell us about your audition process back on ‘Lizzie Bennet Diaries’

I actually almost missed my first audition for LBD! I was stuck at work, and my agent told me I had until 5pm to get there… I think I walked in the doors at 4:48pm. Jenni, Margaret, and everyone were literally packing up their things when I popped in.

Thankfully, they couldn’t have been sweeter and let me audition opposite Daniel. He made me feel so comfortable and even joked with me about being late. Not to mention, I was taken a little off guard over how much we looked alike.

The callback I got to read with the lovely Ashley Clements, who made me feel so welcomed from the minute I sat down. I had done a lot of research from my first audition to the callback and it was really amazing getting to addition for such amazingly talented and creative people…. And the I got the part!

And what were the auditions like for ‘Sanditon’ – did you read with all the potential Claras/Edwards/Toms?

Jay, Margaret, and Bernie really made me feel so included in the whole process. I got to read with all the actors at the callbacks and everyone they brought in was fabulous. It was a really fun process and really cool to be on the other side of the casting room.

I definitely think they made the perfect castings with Joel, Kyle, and Lenne! They are not only wonderful actors, but great people to work with.

When were you told that Gigi might be the focus of a ‘Lizzie Bennet Diaties’ spinoff? How did you feel about that?

I was told I believe my first day shooting LBD that a spinoff might be in the works. I could not have been more excited. I really loved the voice and personality we created for Gigi and was thrilled we were going to get to see a little more of her story and perspective.

How has your experience of filming been different from the ‘Lizzie Bennet Diaries’ to ‘Welcome to Sanditon’?

Welcome to Sanditon was a lot more blogging for me than actually having another actor in the frame with me. The Domino layout is different from the way LBD was editing together.

Also, new characters and a new storyline that was about Gigi’s journey and experiences in Sandition. Also, Welcome to Sanditon made a whole community for fans to literally be part of the town and make their own videos…which is pretty awesome!

Gigi in particular has been heavily involve in the Domino videos, which generally involve solo filming. Did you find this direct-to-camera solo work challenging as an actor?

At first yes. I now really love it because every time I do a scene vlog style, I can picture talking to everyone at home at their computers. It’s an amazing feeling while shooting to know when I talk to the camera I am talking to all these wonderful fans and making them part of the experience.

Has your experience of the fandom changed since doing ‘Welcome to Sanditon’?

This fandom just gets better and better. I have always been so blown away with the level of dedication and creativity of our fans. Welcome to Sanditon just takes it to a whole other level.

It makes me so happy watching all the videos people have made and their personas in Sanditon. Everyone is so creative and amazing and I feel even more connected being able to see their faces and hear their stories.

I’ve said this before and I’ll keep saying it… I love our LBD/Sanditon fandom family.

Do you follow your character’s transmedia interactions?

Yes of course! It has always blown my mind how amazing Jay, Alex, and Dana keep up with all the transmedia. They are incredible. The way they time things to release to the public and the voice and personality they have given Gigi through Twitter/Facebook is so perfect.

What was your experience with Jane Austen prior to beginning ‘Lizzie Bennet Diaries’, and with ‘Sanditon’ prior to beginning ‘Welcome to Sanditon’?

I have always been a huge Jane Austen fan. I have read a few of her novels, but Sanditon was a new read for me.

Where else can fans find you?

On Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and IMDB.

Photo: John Anthony Sutton