How long have you worked in the film industry? What was your first experience making a movie like?
I have been taking acting lessons for about three years now, but Ingloda was my first feature film. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. It was awesome being surrounded by so many creative people so often. I got really lucky working with everyone on set, cast and crew, and it only motivated me to go on to do some more great projects. As cliche as it sounds, I learned a lot about myself as an actress.
Can you tell us a little bit about your character in Ingloda?
From the first time I read the script, I felt as though Kelly was a relatable character; I think a lot of people feel what Kelly goes through in the film. She is just an extreme version of anxiety and depression gone very, very bad.
Are there any movies/books that you drew from for your performance as Kelly?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I drew from any other specific movies or books; I wanted Kelly to be original, since the story line itself is very unique. My acting coach, Donald McKenna, and I actually sat down, even before I auditioned for the role, and thought about what type of character Kelly would be. When I was offered the role and read the script, we came up with every aspect of Kelly, from nervous ticks she had right down to the way she walked. Brian Targett and I also came up with ideas for how we wanted Kelly to be presented to viewers. We met up at Starbucks one night and talked for almost two hours, going over every idea we had for her character development.
You worked on the script as well, did this make you less likely to ad-lib your lines?
Not at all. We all did a LOT of improv throughout the film. I think that’s what made the characters as developed as they were; we knew them well enough to know what they’d say, how they’d react in situations. I think it’s a factor in what makes the movie so authentic.
What are your favorite types of characters to play?
Although I loved the role of Kelly and bringing her character to life, I truly love comedic roles. Playing an extremely depressed character was a really cool experience and of course I’d do it again, but I think for comedies the energy is a little more upbeat and fun on set. Plus, I like making people laugh.
When you’re not acting, what’s your favorite thing to do to pass time?
I like staying busy, but if we’re talking in terms of not being productive, I watch Friends and Sex & the City reruns without shame. I’ve recently become a Netflix junkie, as well. Of course, I also love to read and write. I’m finishing up my BA in English right now, and I love my classes. And in the summer I’ll be at the beach — a lot. Oh, and I love drinking coffee. Clearly, I love a lot of things.
Do you have any funny stories from the shoot?
Yes, a ton. But one that sticks out in my mind is when we were shooting a really serious scene with myself, Rachel (Kacy) and Amber (Nikki). Let me preface this by saying I have an obsession with Dave Grohl. The girls were supposed to be giving me the number to a psychiatrist. In the midst of me completely in character, Rachel hands me a business card (the “psychiatrist’s” card) and when I flip it over it says “Dave Grohl, 867-5309”. I was crying from laughing so hard. There were a lot of times I almost peed myself from laughing on set. It was a really fun group.
Are there any frustrating stories from the shoot?
Of course. There always are, but they don’t stand out to me. We were all there for the same reason: to make a movie. Without the frustration, we wouldn’t have done the great job that we all did.
Ingloda comes out on May 6th, tell us why we should check it out.
Ingloda is a story that most of us haven’t seen yet — especially a horror. The characters are relatable and the plot holds a lot of depth to it. You’ll get much more than what you were looking for when you watch it. You will laugh, cry, be scared, shocked. It brings out a ton of emotions. The hard work that was put into it by every single cast and crew member shows so prominently. And if I didn’t convince you enough with that, the soundtrack is also absolutely incredible.
Can you tell us your favorite joke?