Lilimar + Savannah May Talk Knight Squad Series Final
Knight Squad on Nickelodeon airs its final episode of the series tonight at 9:00 pm Pacific Standard. We caught up with two of its stars last week at Grey Stone gardens to talk about the show and to ask them a few Baltisoul style questions. Lilimar (left) and Savannah May (right) seemed to fit into the scenery perfectly. With striking looks, authentic laughter, and warm personalities it was obvious why they as well as their characters Sage and Buttercup are so loved by fans around the world. Below Lilimar and Savannah May talk more about the experience of filming Knight Squad, what authenticity means to them, and what makes a strong person.
What does authenticity mean to you?
Lilimar - I think it’s crucial to be completely real and true to ourselves. It’s also a way that leads us to be truly happy in life. As we strive to be authentic, we must be conscious of the masks that we put on for the world; how we can strive to get rid of them and only show our true selves.
Savannah May - This means being unapologetically you. I know there’s so much pressure on our generation to try and fit into this mold of who they should be. They look on social media and see people with millions of followers and think “If I do this too then maybe I’ll be considered cool”. When in reality being you is cool enough.
What does beauty mean to you?
Lilimar - Beauty to me is internal. Yes, we should all appreciate our beautifully unique physical features, but we should also appreciate inner beauty. The kindness in our hearts, our selflessness, our want to make others laugh, our desire to do good things for people without expecting anything from them, etc. That’s beautiful. A person with a unique personality and a sweetheart is absolutely radiant. Aside from humans, there’s also beauty in the world around us. Nature, animals, castles-built centuries ago, small quiet coffee shops, etc. We shouldn’t forget to appreciate the beauty we see everywhere, no matter how big or small.
Savannah May - When I say someone is beautiful, I don’t mean just their appearance. Sure, there are some strikingly gorgeous people in this world but if they don’t have a beautiful personality to go along with it, I don’t consider them truly beautiful.
How was it filming the series finale of Knight Squad?
Lilimar - It was a bittersweet feeling - I always saw the positive side of it all though. In the end, I was just grateful I had the opportunity to even be on the show and work with such a lovely group of people that were always so attentive, lively, and worked as a big happy team. It was definitely an emotional day for a lot of the cast and crew, but seeing the story all wrap up and come together, was something very sweet.
Savannah May - Everyone who worked on set became my second family so having to say goodbye to them was really tough. The pilot was my first job I had booked and knowing that Buttercup was written in the show just for me, it was even harder to say goodbye to her. I adored playing Buttercup. I’m not really an emotional person but during the last week, I was crying non-stop. Our last table read, our last run through, our last day filming in tasty trunk and then our last day, that was rough. The last scene we filmed is actually the last scene in the episode and not to give too much away but it’s what the audience has been waiting for. I sort of held it together all day but when we did our last take and our director kind of gave us this look of “that’s it” I just burst into tears. The show gave me my start and I will forever feel blessed to have been part of it.
Are there aspects to either of your characters on the show that you personally relate too?
Lilimar - Sage is a girl that knows exactly who she is and what she wants. She’s determined to achieve her goals and make her dreams come true no matter what stands in her way. Personally, I’m quite the same way. I’m very passionate about my career and the things that I love to do, and no matter what happens I’ll always work hard and try my best to make myself proud and accomplished.
Savannah May - I definitely relate to Buttercups sunny disposition! I always try to make sure everyone is having a good time and I think having a bright personality helps with that. I also believe in the fact that every day could be your last so why live it with a poor attitude.
Where in the world are you happiest?
Lilimar - Honestly, I love to travel and have a break our daily routine. Whether it’s a small road trip away to Big Sur or a 13-hour flight to Malta, I love going somewhere new and embarking on an adventure with my family. I feel happy looking at all the historical landmarks, admiring ocean views, and even entering all the tiny little souvenir shops in the middle of nowhere.
Savannah May - This sounds cliché but its whenever I’m performing. I started dancing when I was 3 and then began training in Musical Theater when I was 11. I genuinely grew up performing on the stage. Even though TV/Film isn’t technically “a stage” it still gives me that same exciting feeling. When I’m acting, dancing or singing, that’s when I’m the happiest.
What has been the best part of your Knight Squad journey?
Lilimar - Getting to meet and work with such a beyond-amazing crew! I’ve honestly learned so much from every person that was part of the production, not to mention all the hysterical moments that happened on the day-to-day. It’s always so great to work with a group of people that are understanding, professional, and really form a beautiful bond with you over the years.
Savannah May - There are so many best parts it’s hard to pick just one but I think it’s making lifelong friends within the cast. We are great friends in real life and we got along so well on set, it's kind of insane! I’ve been told that’s very hard to find especially when you have a cast as large as ours. Having such a close relationship with each other, we were able to really play around with the scenes and have fun with each other. What is something about you people may not expect?
What is something about you people may not expect?
Lilimar - I absolutely love challenges. I was taught by my family that in this life we should be afraid of absolutely anything. We should not let fear, doubts, or insecurities stop us from doing what we really want to do, from trying new things, from going too far-away places... So, because I want to challenge myself and keep learning new things, I’m currently learning my third language which I’m ridiculously excited about! I intend to learn more after that. Even though I might sound a little funny when speaking them, I’ll be getting that chance to speak to different people & hear their stories!
Savannah May- A lot of people know I’m also a dancer but not a lot of people know that I’m really big into music. Like I said, I grew up in musical theater but I would love to have another career as an artist. My grandpa was a country singer and my uncle can play all kinds of instruments plus sing so we would always have jam sessions at the house. Music has always been a huge part of my life. Right now, I’m really focusing on my acting career but hopefully, in the future, I’ll have the opportunity to start a music career.
How was it learning to portray warriors and what do you believe makes a strong person?
Lilimar- It was so thrilling! I really loved getting to learn stage combat, some simple but super fun stunts, etc. It gave us the opportunity to not only obtain new, useful skills, but also meet some of the coolest people ever. Especially the women in the stunt industry, who are so incredibly talented, fearless and dedicated. I believe strength comes from deep within. It’s emotional and mental strength. I believe a strong person is someone who defends their own rights, is not afraid to stick up for themselves, yet is also not afraid to take on whatever the world throws at them. It’s someone who has a positive outlook on the world, maintains hope and is willing to keep on trying no matter how hard it may get.
Savannah May - It was so much fun! I’ve always wanted to learn stage combat so being able to learn all of these really cool stunts was so exciting! Not to give away any spoilers but we actually have a huge battle sequence in the series finale and they let me do this one stunt I’ve always wanted to do! I was so happy and I can’t wait for everyone to see it! I think to make a strong person; you need to have confidence. I know that’s a lot easier said than done but it’s the truth! Everyone is made in their own special way and you need to let it shine through.
