Birgitte Hjort Sørensen Talks 'Pitch Perfect 2' DVD & 'Game Of Thrones' Season 5! EXCLUSIVE

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment brings audiences Pitch Perfect 2, the directorial debut of Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), to DVD and Blu-Ray. In an exclusive interview with MStars News, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen talks about playings Bellas rival, Kommissar, and being in the most-talked episode of Games of Thrones.

As we mentioned before, the plot synopsis follows Beca (Anna Kendrick), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and the rest of the Barden Bellas back on stage. After a scandal threatens to derail their careers, the three-time defending champs worry that they've lost their harmony for good. With one chance left at redeeming themselves, they must face off against the toughest competition, German super group Das Sound Machine, and hit the highest notes in order to win at the World Championships of A Cappella.

Before Pitch Perfect 2 arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand September 22, Sørensen discusses performing the musical numbers as Kommissar, working with Pitch Perfect 2 actress/director Elizabeth Banks, and playing the Wildling leader, Karsi.
 

MStars News: Tell me how you became involved in the project.

Birgitte Hjort Sørensen: The regular way I would say. I auditioned for it and luckily, they thought I was the right one!

MS: What was it that interested you about the role of Kommissar?

BHS: I'm always interested in roles, genres, or something that I haven't done before. It was something that was new to me. It required to explore different sides of me. I thought the script was really funny! I thought it was really well-written! I thought I could have a lot of fun with this character!

I could get away with not being completely realistic. I could be a little large with her evil-ness. [Laughs] And then you know, singing and dancing!

MS: Was it because the singing and dancing was part of your background too?

BHS: It was my first job out of drama school. I was in Chicago the musical. It felt like I was going back to my roots.

MS: Tell me about the other half of German powerhouse "Das Sound Machine" (DSM). What was it like working with DJ Flula Borg, who plays Pieter Krämer.

BHS: He's really great! He's a lot of fun in real life as well! He's got a bit more of a crazy vibe. I mean he's not crazy! Don't get me wrong! [Laughs] His mind works differently than mine!

MS: Tell me about building the relationship between Pieter and Kommissar.

BHS: We had a lot of fun talking about how we could use our differences in this relationship. We talked about Cruella de Vil and her butler. If you know the show Veep, Selina Meyer [Julia Louis-Dreyfus] has her helper guy, Gary Walsh [Tony Hale]. We wanted it be like that. I was sort of the leader. And he was my assistant in a sense. I always thought Kommissar is the brains of the operation and Pieter is the heart. He's a little sweeter than she is I think.

MS: For the musical numbers, did you do research on music icons for Kommissar?

BHS: The choreography and numbers were set by the music department and the choreographer. They had a specific style but I looked for my own reference. I looked at Madonna, Janet Jackson, who are great strong performers. I just wanted to see how they carry themselves on stage and see if I can steal any moves! [Laughs]

MS: Tell me about Elizabeth Banks as a director. This was her directorial debut.

BHS: It was, yeah! She's very smart and very aware of what she wants. At the same time, she allows a lot of freedom I think with her people. It's like there is very clear direction and you're allowed to contribute.

For me, this is my favorite way of working because I like to know where I am going. I enjoy it even more when I am allowed to contribute. I am a big fan of hers!

MS: Did you feel the collaboration was different because she was acting and directing in the scene?

BHS: I did remember thinking a lot about it. I thought of her as the director. I think it's kind of implicit that she understands my situation. And I know that she does. I would assume that she does because she knew where I was coming from.

It's very clear in the way that she talks to her actors that she knows what is beneficial for us to hear, where we're at actually on the set.

MS: Because this is a musical comedy, was it more of a challenge hitting the right notes or the comedic timing?

BHS: Hmmm...both are challenging in different ways. I think for the musical numbers, it was about getting everything right for the right moment. Not only was it hitting the right notes, it was also doing the moves. Because we work with a large group, there are a lot of people you need to be aware of.

Getting everything right and making sure you are still telling the story while performing the musical numbers. A lot of elements are at work at the same time. To get it all right at once is a bit of a challenge.

MS: With Game of Thrones winning at this year's Emmy Awards, tell me about playing Karsi in the most-talked about Season 5 episode, Hardhome.

BHS: I don't know if you find this interesting. [Laughs] For most of the scenes, Karsi has big fisherman waders underneath the costume. I had to go into the water and it actually kept me nice and warm! Underneath Karis is a fisherman! [Laughs]

It was a big challenge and a new challenge for me. But I had to say it was so much fun doing it. It was definitely colder, rougher weather. In that sense, it was not exactly comfortable. The crew and cast couldn't have been nicer. I had the best time for awhile immeshing myself in this fantasy world, pretending to be this Wildling and fighting for the lives of my people. It was so much fun!

MS: What other projects are you working on now?

BHS: I am working on a new show for HBO called Vinyl, which will air next year sometime.

Available on Digital HD, Pitch Perfect 2 arrives on Blu-ray , DVD and On Demand September 22.