•• In this exclusive interview with AMCtv.com Virginia Madsen, who plays Hannah Durant on AMC’s Hell on Wheels, talks about being a history buff and why you should never drink water while wearing a corset.

Q: You were a fan of the Hell on Wheels before joining the cast. What did you like about it?
A: I’m a big fan of Colm Meaney, and The Swede is such an intriguing villain, such a nemesis. And Anson Mount is one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen in my life and a really good actor. I know I shouldn’t objectify him because he’s such a good actor, but really, ladies, really? I also really love the love story between Robin [Eva] and Common [Elam]. I’m also a Chicago girl, so I’m also a really big fan of Common’s music.

Q: What attracted to you the role of Hannah Durant?
A: I’m a history buff, and so I knew who the Durants were, although there’s not much about [Hannah]. I just thought, “Oh, that’s going to be really interesting, especially the conflict with the fair-haired maiden of the West.” I just loved the idea that I would come and stir the pot.

Q: Since less is known about the real Hannah Durant, how did you prepare for the role?
A: The only thing I could do with this character is go by the script…and research the period that a woman like that lived in, what a woman like that would be like, especially if she’s powerful. Not easy to do that back then.

Q: Hannah makes herself quite at home in Hell on Wheels. Did it take long for you feel welcome on set?
A: I thought, well, if I’m going to play this woman who might be described as Hell on Wheels personified, I knew that I was going to have to really gently take my place in the cast. But it turned out to be effortless. This cast was so excited to have me there. They’re all like family, and they just invited me to be a member of the family. I couldn’t believe it. It was just wonderful. The whole cast went rafting with me. Continue Reading  

•• The first annual Baja International Film Festival to be held November 14-17 in Los Cabos, Mexico has announced the inaugural year’s award recipients. Awards will be presented to two-time Academy Award-nominee Edward Norton, Academy Award-nominee Virginia Madsen, iconic filmmaker and President of the Directors Guild of America Michael Apted, celebrated actor Diego Luna, Academy Award-winner Melissa Leo, acclaimed director Nicolas Echevarria, and Academy Award-nominee Matt Dillon. The Awards will be presented during the Baja International Film Festival’s Closing Night Gala on Saturday, November 17th at the state-of-the-art Cabo Convention Center.

The Baja International Film Festival is also pleased to welcome special guests including Academy Award-Winner Octavia Spencer, 4-Time Emmy Winner Allison Janney, Chad Michael Murray, Billy Zane, Gael Garcia Bernal, Josh Lucas, Adrian Grenier, Natalie Morales, Rachel Leigh Cook, Kuno Becker, Mike Judge, Mark Polish, Maria Conchita Alonso, Jesse McCartney, Marisol Nichols, and writer/director Tate Taylor who will be participating in the week’s festivities.

The Festival will showcase 80 films from 18 countries, including 5 international feature films in competition, 5 Mexican feature films in competition, 5 international documentaries in competition, 5 Mexican documentaries in competition, 30 international shorts, 13 Mexican shorts, 4 environmental films, as well as Special Presentation screenings of 7 international feature films, and 6 Mexican feature films. For more information on the official film schedule and schedule of events, please visit http://biff.festivalgenius.com/2012/ or email info@bajafilmfest.com.

•• Phase 4 Films has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to Sarah Siegel-Magness’ “Long Time Gone,” a drama starring Virginia Madsen, Amanda Crew and Zach Gilford.

Virginia Madsen plays Augusta, a Connecticut resident who has a nervous breakdown after discovering her husband is having an affair. Her son tries to comfort her with the help of his older brother (Zach Gilford) and live-in girlfriend (Amanda Crew).

“We are thrilled to be working with Sarah on her directorial debut after her past success as a producer,” Phase 4 president and CEO Ben Meyerowitz said in a statement. “We cannot wait until audiences see the great performances by Virginia Madsen and the rest of the wonderful cast involved.” Phase 4 will release the film day-and-date in theaters and across all VOD and digital platforms Spring 2013.