KZ: Hi Ilai! Can you share a secret from behind the scenes of 100% Wolf: The Book of Hath?

I: Usually each episode takes about an hour and a half, or two hours tops. I am directed by our lovely director, Jacquie Trowell, and for Season 2 Les Turner also directed a bunch. Many funny quirky, little adlibs you may catch in the series are usually improvised by myself, in the moment. Sometimes just offering a different line completely makes it in the actual episode, so that’s always a nice feeling to see. Oh yeah and Episode 8, ‘Taming Of The Sloth’, there’s a scene where I’m eating strudel. LOL! To achieve that effect – I ate my peanut butter protein ball snacks for real, for multiple takes. Worth it!

KZ: Which subject at Howlington Academy would you find the most fun?

I: Potions and chemistry.

KZ: What do you think is the coolest thing about being a wild dog?

I: I think the keen sense of smell is surely handy. Also, running faster than humans.

KZ: Do you have any traditions or voice exercises before a recording session?

I: Just loads of mouth warm ups, trills. I’ve got special touchstone lines I keep in my phone that I play back to myself and imitate to jump back into character. I’m always drinking herbal teas during records. The production team knows that I love eating fresh strawberries during my records (good for the voice), so they’re often on hand.

KZ: Do you have any hobbies or unusual abilities?

I: I can walk on my hands because I used to be a state champion gymnast growing up. I’m a decent singer too, on a good day. LOL.

Watch 100% Wolf: The Book of Hath on ABC ME and ABC iView!

Want to read our full interview with Ilai Swindells? Grab the August 2023 ‘Game Changers’ issue of K-Zone, on sale now!