From appearing alongside Lucy Lawless and baby ‘Stanley’ in the 90s ASB Bank ads, to headlining the hit Aussie drama Packed to the Rafters, actor Erik Thomson has built a solid career and a loyal fan base.

He has appeared in TV shows such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, All Saints and The Alice, short films (Snap) and the features We’re Here to Help, The Black Balloon and Somersault.

In this ScreenTalk interview, Thomson talks about:

• Spilling wine over himself on his very first TV shoot on Marlin Bay

• Playing a US soldier in Bread and Roses

• Bringing a ‘Woody Allen’ touch to playing Hades in both Hercules and Xena

• How presenting the Australian travel show Getaway was not as glamorous as it sounds

• Why Packed to the Rafters has been a huge hit due to its ‘everyman’ approach to characters

• How a TV critic had to eat his words after claiming the show would not work

• Never dreaming he would have the career path he has had

This video is available on YouTube to embed and distribute via a Creative Commons licence.

NZ On Screen: Interview, Camera & Editing – Andrew Whiteside