Rena Owen joins Shortland Street
Acclaimed New Zealand actress Rena Owen joins the cast of Shortland Street this week, assuming the exciting role of Hine Ryan.
Perhaps best known for her electrifying lead performance in the
local cult-classic, Once Were Warriors, acting alongside
Shortland Street's Temuera Morrison, Owen's other
credits include Star Wars: Episode II and Episode III, Rain of the
Children and Piece of My Heart.
Owen says she was excited to be offered the opportunity to work on
Shortland Street .
"I didn't want to miss my chance to work on New Zealand's most
iconic show," says Owen. "I'm a proud Kiwi, and proud to be a part
of
Shortland Street now."
Playing the part of Hine Ryan, James 'Scotty' Scott's (Kiel
McNaughton) estranged mother, Owen was immediately drawn to the
character.
"I instantly knew that Hine had depth and potential, she was real.
She has an interesting back-story, and I felt like I could really
relate to her," says Owen. "I knew that this character would
stretch me and really make me work. Accepting this role just felt
right. I read the character description and just knew I had to take
it."
Working on
Shortland Street , the fastest
turn-around television show in the world, took a bit of getting
used to for Owen.
"I've never worked so hard or fast in my life! The sheer pace of
the show is amazing," says Owen. "
Shortland Street
has taught me to be a better actor in terms of working at such a
fast pace. You shoot scenes all day, and then learn scenes that
night, it really requires immense discipline."
Owen says that working with her on-screen son Kiel McNaughton and
his on-screen fiancé Sarah Thomson (Tracey Morrison) has
been an absolute pleasure.
"There's a really great dynamic between the three of us," says
Owen. "Working with Sarah and Kiel has been an absolute joy. They
are both extremely kind and generous and as a result, have made my
job so much easier."
Catch Rena Owen on Shortland Street soon.
Remember if you miss an episode,
watch it FREE with
TVNZ Ondemand.
You might also be interested in:
Our Bite-size Highlights of the hottest Shorty Street stories
coming up.
