Why I Nauta! Judge David Johnson talks to newcomer Kate Nauta, the blonde bombshell from Transporter 2

Judge David Johnson

January 16th, 2006

Kate Nauta plays the svelte, prone-to-violence villain from Transporter 2, where she goes head-to-head with Jason Statham, seeing who can inflict the most collateral damage on his or her surroundings. Recently, Judge David Johnson chatted with this newly minted femme fatale about her experience on Transporter 2 (her first acting gig), how her background as a model helped her ease into the realm of film, and the battle wounds that accompany being in close proximity to pyrotechnics.

DVD Verdict: You started modeling at a young age. When was it you decided to pursue acting?

Kate Nauta: I didn't pursue acting, it pursued me. Luc Besson (the writer/producer of Transporter 2) saw one of my pictures and we met in New York, where he told me he had a character he thought I'd be perfect for. I told him I hadn't done any acting before but I guess he saw the character in me. So I went from having no experience in acting to a tremendous amount in a very short time!

Verdict: Do you find any similarities between modeling and acting?

Nauta: Well, you have to perform. You have to be a certain way in front of a camera, whether it's taking still pictures or moving pictures. Though I wouldn't say it was an easy transition, the skills I learned from being a model, specifically communication, greatly helped me. I started modeling at 15, so culture was my education as I traveled all around the world. That communication ability helped me get through the shoot.

Modeling was a big part of my life but not something I felt passionately about. First of all I wanted to sing and modeling was a means for an income. But it also opened the door to acting, and for that I am thankful.

Verdict: So is your first love music?

Nauta: I appreciate music so much, but I also appreciate what it is to be an actor. It's fun. It's pretend. It's like being five again!

Verdict: Except you sometimes dual-wield Uzis?

Nauta: (Laughs) Sometimes!

Verdict: What was your experience like on Transporter 2?

Nauta: It was amazing. We shot in South Beach in Miami. I had arrived early to train with Jason (Statham) and the FBI. So when I stepped foot on set a month later I felt at home. The team of people was great and made me feel so comfortable. I got really lucky for my first movie.

Verdict: Your character does a lot of physical stuff. Did you do any of the stunt work yourself?

Nauta: I did most all of the stunts except for some of the car sequences. I got hurt when Jason and I shot the final fight scene and had to have stitches. Some shrapnel cut my leg from an explosion. Production stopped for three days and they were talking about going ahead with filming, using my stunt double. But I pleaded with the director and he allowed me to finish the shoot, for which I was very grateful.

Verdict: What was it like working with Jason Statham?

Nauta: I love him as an actor. He's so talented. When I saw him in the original Transporter, his demeanor just draws you in. Of course he's different from the character in that film--he's a lot more personable and funny as hell.

Verdict: And about that last fight scene...

Nauta: Unfortunately, it had to be cut down because of our shooting schedule, which is why it may seem brief.

Verdict: Are you a fan of action movies?

Nauta: Oh yeah, I love action movies! When I was growing up I loved all the Die Hard films and Arnold Schwarzenegger's movies.

Verdict: Are there any other film genres you'd like to explore as an actor?

Nauta: Of course I'd want to do different things. That's what acting is all about, trying to do everything. But I certainly wouldn't mind doing another action movie. I'd be open to that.

Verdict: So Kate, what lies ahead?

Nauta: I'm working with Sony Records on my album, which hopefully will come out this year. As far as movies, I just came out to L.A. There are a couple of movies I'm looking at. The future looks bright!