- Tell me what made you wish to become an actress?
I guess as a child the only one thing I enjoyed was performing in school plays. I loved being able to escape into these other characters, because I wasn't really comfortable in my own skin. But, even when I matured and liked who I was as a person, it was fun to be able to think, do, and say things that I would never do as myself. I went back to school a few years ago to study psychology, and by my second semester, I added a theater minor. I had hoped to "grow out of it" but finally resigned to the fact that it IS a part of who I am. With the Pill, I actually branched out. I wrote, produced, directed, and acted in it.
-What other films have you had an acting role in?
When I was younger I acted in a lot of independent films that never got distributed or even shown in festivals. I just wanted to act, and didn't care if I ever made any money. I got my SAG card after getting cast in a Roger Corman film (Uncaged). A friend of mine worked with a guy that worked for the studio. He saw me in an acting class, and called me in for an audition for the lead in a movie shooting in Brazil. I completely blew the audition, and ended up with one line in another film.
- Regarding "The Pill" can you tell me a little bit about the film? and the characters?
The Pill has a lot going on in just 16 minutes. First there is Rachel, who is feels literally everything. She is a very empathetic person; and, when she finds out she is pregnant, while taking the birth control pill, she feels it is meant to be. Her husband Mike really has a hard time accessing his feelings. He tends to push them away and deal with the world on a logical level. Not that he is one dimensional, but that he is afraid of losing control. Control is everything.
When something goes wrong with the pregnancy Rachel's inability to control her emotions and Mike's need for control strains an already distant relationship. There is another pill (Inderal/Propanal) that possesses the ability to eliminate traumatic memories. Manipulating memories could have consequences, but perhaps there is no other way to retain control. That begs the questions...how can one be in control at all?
- When will "The Pill" be released?
The world premiere is tomorrow (7/25) at Dances With Films @ the Laemmle's Fairfax in Hollywood. And, the East Coast Premiere is at the Rhode Island International Film Festival on August 10th.
- Besides the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Are there any other screening dates scheduled?
Yes, after Rhode Island and Dances With Films, "The Pill" goes to FAIF at Grauman's Chinese theater in Hollywood on October 6th.
I have submitted to other festivals that happen after that as well, so I'll have to wait to find out what's next. But, Rhode Island is a top 10 Academy recognized festival for short films, so I'm focusing on that right now.
-Where will my readers be able to find out more about you and upcoming films?
Well, if they want to met me in person, they can come to Laemmle' Fairfax tomorrow at 5:00pm and see the WorldPremiere. I will be answering questions after the block of shorts. I have a web site with an e-mail contact www.thepillmovie.com and on MySpace www.myspace.com/thepillmovie
-Thanks again Michelle for taking the time to write in. Best of luck!
