AJB Interview with Trina Parks

BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
Our next guest is

007.jpg

Trina Parks, who played Thumper in Diamonds Are Forever.

We are limited to three questions only. Please post your questions before Sunday at 21.00 GMT. I realise there will probably be more than three question submitted, so hopefully we can have some discussion about that before I send them to Ms Parks.
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Comments

  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    Thumper!!!!! Unbelievable! :x :x :x

    As a newbie around here I think it’s only fair that I give way to the more ‘seasoned’ (I hope that’s a polite phrase to use!) contributors on the board, but if you can please do let Trina know what a high point Bambi and Thumper are in DAF - my favourite scene of the film! thanks!

    Looking forward to reading what she has to say! ;% -{
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    I certainly will pass that on, AB, but please feel free to ask a question. It may not make the final cut but that's for discussion later.
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    Message from Trina Parks:

    007.jpg

    bond.jpg

    I have written an 8-page, SHORT STORY booklet, called ---"AND I'M THUMPER".
    It's about my experiences up to how I landed the role and being on the set, of "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER".
    I'm selling that for, the discounted rate of $15.00 plus $2.00 domestic shipping or $6.00 international shipping (photos attached)
  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    I certainly will pass that on, AB, but please feel free to ask a question. It may not make the final cut but that's for discussion later.

    Thanks Barbel, Bambi and Thumper are the two characters I remember most from watching DAF as a boy on television - they were like superheroes on screen! Every time I watch the film now, their scene is the highlight! Must stop fanboying now, I don’t want to scare Trina away! ;% :x

    Well, I could think of dozens of questions, but if I was to pick one:

    Could you comment briefly on how she went about choreographing the sequence with Lola Larson, how long did rehearsing the scene take and did she and Lola have any input into the scene?

    Thanks!
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    Message from Trina Parks:

    I have written an 8-page, SHORT STORY booklet, called ---"AND I'M THUMPER".
    It's about my experiences up to how I landed the role and being on the set, of "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER".
    I'm selling that for, the discounted rate of $15.00 plus $2.00 domestic shipping or $6.00 international shipping (photos attached)

    Barbel, do we know if these will be signed? And how would we go about purchasing? thanks.
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    Go to http://trinaparks.com - and that's all I know! :)
  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    Go to http://trinaparks.com - and that's all I know! :)

    Cheers!
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • Bond Collectors' WeekendsBond Collectors' Weekends Gainesville, Florida USAPosts: 1,882MI6 Agent
    Trina is glad to autograph these for you, I own one, detailed, with some glossy photographs.
    Seven (007) James Bond Tours! Mission: Mexico!
  • PPK 7.65mmPPK 7.65mm Saratoga Springs NY USAPosts: 1,227MI6 Agent
    Here are my questions:

    1. What was your audition like ??

    2. What was it like working director Guy Hamilton?

    3. What was it like filming in the Elrod House?
  • Bond Collectors' WeekendsBond Collectors' Weekends Gainesville, Florida USAPosts: 1,882MI6 Agent
    1. Tell us about your music and dance background?

    2. You pace and move like a tiger in your scene and move at slo-mo and fast speeds. Why was it choreographed that way?

    3. Is it true you knew Sammy Davis before he appeared in a deleted DAF scene?
    Seven (007) James Bond Tours! Mission: Mexico!
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    Guys, I may not have been clear enough in the OP. Ms Parks will answer three questions only. It's not three questions each.
    On Sunday we have to select the 3 questions to be submitted.
  • hehadlotsofgutshehadlotsofguts Durham England Posts: 2,107MI6 Agent
    Here is my question;

    How long did that scene in DAF take to shoot? There is the actual fight itself, but there is also the scene with yourself and Donna Garrett being dunked in that pool.
    Have you ever heard of the Emancipation Proclamation?"

    " I don't listen to hip hop!"
  • Charmed & DangerousCharmed & Dangerous Posts: 7,358MI6 Agent
    edited September 2019
    My question would be: does Ms Parks have any amusing or interesting anecdotes to share about the filming or casting on DAF?

    (Btw well done Barbel in arranging another fantastic interview!)
    "How was your lamb?" "Skewered. One sympathises."
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    We have 9 questions (so far, still time for more) which we have to whittle down to 3. I'll do it myself if I have to, but I'd rather it was a group activity- any ideas?

    1. Could you comment briefly on how she went about choreographing the sequence with Lola Larson, how long did rehearsing the scene take and did she and Lola have any input into the scene?

    2. What was your audition like??

    3. What was it like working director Guy Hamilton?

    4. What was it like filming in the Elrod House?

    5. Tell us about your music and dance background?

    6. You pace and move like a tiger in your scene and move at slo-mo and fast speeds. Why was it choreographed that way?

    7. Is it true you knew Sammy Davis before he appeared in a deleted DAF scene?

    8. How long did that scene in DAF take to shoot? There is the actual fight itself, but there is also the scene with yourself and Donna Garrett being dunked in that pool.

    9. Does Ms Parks have any amusing or interesting anecdotes to share about the filming or casting on DAF?
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    I‘d go with questions number
    1, 8 and 9
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
    I've heard rumours that Sean wasn't easy to work with due to his bad shape at the time, so something about that would be nice but I've no idea how to phrase that, but it falls largely into 1.

    Questions number; 6, 7 and 9
    a reasonable rate of return
  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    im happy for Barbel to make the decision taking into account anybody else’s thoughts. I’m sure a fair outcome will ensue!

    I’m sure we’re all looking forward to Trina’s response! :)
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • hehadlotsofgutshehadlotsofguts Durham England Posts: 2,107MI6 Agent
    How come she is only answering three questions only? Is she on a tight schedule?

    Keeping my fingers crossed that she answers my question. If she doesn't, i'll still enjoy reading the answers to the questions that she does pick.

    I'll pick questions 3,4 and 9.
    Have you ever heard of the Emancipation Proclamation?"

    " I don't listen to hip hop!"
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    9 seems popular.

    I'm thinking of combining 1&6.

    So one more...
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    How's this for phrasing-

    1- You pace and move like a tiger in your scene, moving at fast and slow speeds. That must have taken a lot of rehearsal. Did you and Lola Larson choreograph it together?

    2. Do you have any amusing anecdotes to share about the casting or filming?

    3- Still to be picked.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    2. Do you have any amusing anecdotes to share about the casting or filming?

    I‘d scratch ‚amusing‘ ;) and leave ‚interesting‘ from the first proposal
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    Fair enough.

    1- You pace and move like a tiger in your scene, moving at fast and slow speeds. That must have taken a lot of rehearsal. Did you and Lola Larson choreograph it together?

    2. Do you have any interesting anecdotes to share about the casting or filming?

    3- Still to be picked. I'm thinking of "What was it like working with director Guy Hamilton?"
  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    Looks good to me, I would be interested in her thoughts on Guy myself {[]
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    Below are Ms Parks' answers. A big thank you to her!


    1- You pace and move like a tiger in your scene, moving at fast and slow speeds. That must have taken a lot of rehearsal. Did you and Lola Larson choreograph it together?

    I was casted because I was/am/have been a dancer since I was 6yrs young. I especially was trained and then danced in the KATHERINE DUNHAM'S Haitian based technique company which is where I also studied the Haitian Karate.
    The scene was, of course marked out for us beforehand. We only worked with the stuntman who, almost like a choreographer, went through every section of moves we were to do. He asked me to show him some dancing moves (he not being a dancer) but knew what Bambi's moves were, because she was in the air mostly and my moves were mostly grounded.
    Lola & I didnt decide what we were to do, just elaborated on our sections, if possible & of course with Sir Guy & Sir Broccoli's approval.



    2- Do you have any interesting anecdotes to share about the casting or filming?

    I was called by my agent Marty Klein, who was called by the 'James Bond' producer, Sir Cubby Broccoli. Interested in seeing me for the role of 'THUMPER'.
    I had 3 auditions. The first, an interview with Sir Broccoli and about 6 others at a round table. The 2nd was the screen test, I had to do a scene on camera. The 3rd was the dance! I just showed them my own choreography, of different karate and strong dance movements.



    3- What was it like working with director Guy Hamilton?

    Sir Guy was the best (I wish he and Sir Broccoli, were still with us, so I could have seen them again). What a joy & an honor, to have worked with such a great director. He really talked through each of the scene's sections, with both Sir Sean & myself, as if we had worked together before.
  • hehadlotsofgutshehadlotsofguts Durham England Posts: 2,107MI6 Agent
    edited October 2019
    ^ So Trina's dancing background really helped her when filming that scene with Sean.

    Thank you Ms Parks for talking to us at AJB007. Much appreciated
    Have you ever heard of the Emancipation Proclamation?"

    " I don't listen to hip hop!"
  • The Red KindThe Red Kind EnglandPosts: 3,119MI6 Agent
    Thanks Barbel {[]
    "Any of the opposition around..?"
  • Bond Collectors' WeekendsBond Collectors' Weekends Gainesville, Florida USAPosts: 1,882MI6 Agent
    Thanks, Barbel.

    I asked a question because I thought Trina might talk about her "animal" choreography where she "stalked" Bond. She once told a funny anecdote also about "Bambi will work up in the air, I'll be down there, thanks."

    I will see Trina in person next month at this event if anyone wants to touch base. Tickets remain available: https://timetravel.events/casino-royale/

    Trina also has a new mini-book about Diamonds Are Forever that she is autographing now.

    Thank you.
    Seven (007) James Bond Tours! Mission: Mexico!
  • AndrewBondAndrewBond Skyfall, UKPosts: 64MI6 Agent
    Ah superb, thanks so much for organising this Barbel, and to the wonderful Trina for taking the time to answer. -{

    Bambi and Thumper really are Bond royalty in my book ... now if only you could track down Lola Larson ...
    ‘Secret Agent?? On whose side?’
  • Bond Collectors' WeekendsBond Collectors' Weekends Gainesville, Florida USAPosts: 1,882MI6 Agent
    Lola lives in California. Trina put me in touch but she is a VERY private person and would not do an interview or most appearances.
    Seven (007) James Bond Tours! Mission: Mexico!
  • Charmed & DangerousCharmed & Dangerous Posts: 7,358MI6 Agent
    Thanks Barbel and thanks of course to Trina! It’s fascinating to find out more about how and why she was chosen, and it’s also good to hear about what a positive experience it was working with the whole crew, including the stuntman, star, director and producers.
    "How was your lamb?" "Skewered. One sympathises."
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