Horror movies &stuff: Andrea Smith - "Morrow Road" Interview
In this interview, actress Andrea Smith talks to us exclusively about her role in director Francis J. Sampier's upcoming supernatural horror pic "Morrow Road". Which is based on an actual, real life Michigan legend.
MR. H:What projects have you done prior to "Morrow Road"?
A. Smith:Morrow Road is actually my first feature film! I'm so thrilled to be apart of such an amazing project. Last year I lived in NYC and had the opportunity to study at TVI Actor's Studio and Actor's Connection. I've appeared in numerous commercials and a spot on All My Children. I received my BFA in theatre from Wayne State University and now perform regionally at venues such as Meadow Brook Theatre, most recently as Belle in A Christmas Carol and Janet in the Rocky Horror Show.
MR. H:Since this movie is based on an actual real life legend instead of being a fictional story...were you scared at all going into the shoot?
A. Smith:Not so much scared...more like intrigued. Ghost stories have always fascinated me, especially real life encounters people have confessed to have happened to them. When I heard about the legend of Morrow Road I was immediately drawn to it. I have an open mind and believe that there are some things in this world one just can't explain, but for some reason I really wanted to get to the bottom of this legend: Was there really a woman who lost her child? Is her spirit still haunting Morrow Road?
The only thing I had were the stories the locals who live on the road have told/experienced themselves- and that was enough to captivate me. So, when I was cast in the movie I decided to take a little journey down Morrow Road. I have to be honest, it was very creepy. I can't explain it, it wouldn't do it justice...just go you will understand. All I can say is when we actually start shooting on location I may need someone to hold my hand.
MR. H:What character do you play in "Morrow Road" and how does she fit into the story?
A. Smith:My character is Ivy Lozon. The story takes place the summer before she goes off to college to pursue art and design. Ivy is the central character who is dealing with 'coming of age' issues with her boyfriend Nathan (Adam DeLucia) and two best friends Allison (Susan Frank) and Olivia (Megan Hartig). They all are forced to come to terms with the ghost of Morrow Road. As early as the audition I felt very connected to the character of Ivy. I just related to her and felt that we shared a lot of the same personality traits. There is a certain depth to her character that I instantly understood and felt I could do justice.
MR. H:Do you consider yourself lucky getting into a project of this magnitude this early in your acting career, instead of having to do a string of endless, C grade slasher movies for a long period of time?
A. Smith:Yes-I feel extremely lucky! It's not very often that actors in Michigan even get the opportunity to audition for feature films. Especially films that have a phenomenal script and that are based on an actual legend that has not only sparked the interest of local news, but national such as Unsolved Mysteries. It's so amazing that most of the cast of the 'Evil Dead' are reuniting on this film as well! I'm proud that this is truly a 'Michigan' project. More films need to be made here.
MR. H:Getting into the acting biz, when you first started...what was one of the most important learning experiences you had?
A. Smith:Just to remember that this is a business and not take things so personally. Always stay true to yourself!
MR. H:How did you come about getting aboard this project, were you contacted first or did you proactively show up for a reading or audition?
A. Smith:I saw the audition notice randomly online the night before the audition date. It immediately caught my attention and I knew I had to go even though it was sort of last minute. The next day I went online to get directions to the place where the audition was being held and realized that we had to have a scene memorized!! I completely freaked out and almost didn't go. My mom just pushed me out the door and said to just give it my best shot even though I wasn't really prepared. Well...I'm glad I listened to her advise! Thanks mom!
MR. H:Are you big on horror films and if so which of the 2006 crop did you manage to see last year?
A. Smith:I like watching horror films, but I'm a HUGE chicken!! I usually throw my coat over my head in the theater during freaky parts. Last year the only horror movie I saw was the remake of the Omen. When I was little the original Omen was one of my favorite scary movies,so I was really excited for the remake. I thought the original was much scarier though.
MR. H:What is the one thing in "Morrow Road" you think genre fans will find absolutely terrifying above everything else in the movie?
A. Smith:Just the fact that this is based on a real life Michigan legend sets it apart from any other horror film out there. The fact that many people have claimed to have had their own encounters with the ghost of Morrow Road is terrifying in of itself.
MR. H:Were you given the full script for the film to read beforehand? If so how long did it take you to finish reading it?
A. Smith:Yes I was given the script and I couldn't put it down--so it was a very fast read!
MR. H:Do you find actually being in a horror film to be scarier than watching one at the movies or on tv?? Or is it the other way around?
A. Smith:They are both scary in different ways. Being involved in a horror film is scary because you have to get involved on an emotional level that is on a completely different plane than just watching it on a screen.
MR. H:Working with director Francis J. Sampier, do you find yourself possibly wanting to direct films someday?
A. Smith:I don't see myself doing that anytime soon; however, I might want to venture down that path one day. Right now my first priority is acting. Working with Francis is wonderful. He is one of the most motivated, determined and hard working directors I've ever worked with.
MR. H:What's up next for you once you're done with your work on "Morrow Road"?
A. Smith:In the spring I'm doing a play called 'The Wedding Band' with Plowshares Theatre Co. It will be performing in Detroit March thorough the end of April.
End.
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