Mike introduced me to the world of Independent film when he asked me to join the cast of his Arthouse drama Shadows, scheduled for release mid-2020. His relaxed style on set combined with his passion for the craft inspired all of us to put forth our best. When I decided to write and produce In Your Afterglow, Mike was the first person I called. Could we do it again – 2 summers in a row!?
Tell me a little about yourself
I grew up watching movies and wanting to make them! I graduated from Film School in 1996 and have made a short Loretta, and three features: The Bone Garden, Shadows and In Your Afterglow. I also have a self published book of Halloween short stories and poetry.
What was your favorite experience working on the film?
Working with all the different actors and shooting in several different locations. The historical sites used in the film were particularly interesting.
What is your biggest challenge when directing or directing/producing independent films?
The biggest challenge is trying to “beat the clock” and get a scene finished on time and on schedule. Plus, there are always audio issues to deal with such as cars in the background. Big budget films can shut down the street for a day. I have never had that luxury on any film I’ve done.
What skills improved while directing the film?
You never stop learning on any production; especially a low budget one. Literally with EVERY scene, you grow and get better!
What aspects of In Your Afterglow could you relate to personally?
My daughter Claire has autism and was the inspiration for Trish’s character Claire.
*** Author’s note: Mike’s daughter Claire is the inspiration for the character Claire in the film. Although the real Claire and the character Claire are very different, I had many conversations with Mike and Katie about character development.
What’s next for you?
I have two features in preproduction now, Wood Floors, which will star Bay Watch’s Alexandria Paul and South Pass. I’m waiting to see which one secures funding first. I’m also finishing up the final audio mix on Shadows that will be ready in March.
Click on the link below to view the official trailer for In Your Afterglow:
Click on the link below to purchase your tickets for the premiere of In Your Afterglow: February 23 @ 4pm.
Wyatt plays Max, son of Katie and Mark Watson and brother of Claire. Max is struggling with Claire’s strange behavior and wants it to stop! I met Wyatt while participating in Director, Mike Gutridge’s arthouse film “Shadows” (release date projected for mid-2020). Unlike his character (Max), Wyatt is very supportive and loving to his sister Claire who has autism. (Claire Gutridge was my inspiration for the character Claire.) Wyatt’s exposure to the industry through father Mike and his natural instincts have prepared him well for his first acting role. I’m confident viewers will find his portrayal of Max very endearing.
Wyatt has Tourette’s Syndrome. After casting him in the role of Max, his parents, Wyatt, and I discussed the possibility of his symptoms manifesting during filming. We decided, should that be the case, I would write it into his character. However, despite the natural pressure involved in filming, Wyatt breezed through the scenes, so there was no need to alter the script.
Tell me a little about yourself
I grew up with the best parents in the world. They are very supportive of everything my siblings and I do. I come from a family of creativity, passion, and non-stopping greatness.
How did you get involved with the film?
My dad directed a movie with Trish called “SHADOWS.” She was inspired to write her own movie. And the first person that came to her mind to play the role of Max was me.
How did you prepare for your role in the film?
I read my lines, practiced how to say them, and followed what the grown-ups said.
What is your favorite scene from the film? Why?
Every scene I’m in because I can see how I did it. It’s great feedback on what I need to work on.
What parts of your character/role could you most relate to personally?
Max has a sister with Autism, and I have a sister with Autism.
What skills improved during your participation in the film?
My personality. How I pursue my character.
Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Wyatt In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.
Rich plays the role of Alan the gardener. A dedicated and consummate professional, Rich brought more than just his acting skills to the set. I found myself seeking his advice on a number of issues during filming – he was a great sounding board. His portrayal of Alan is spot on and his humor on set kept us all smiling.
Tell me a little about yourself
One of twelve kids, I am the product of two parents whose energy and commitment was/is boundless. As a result, I find myself grounded as an adult, comfortable in my own skin and very aware of what is really important in life. That includes my two sons, my family, my girlfriend and my true passions, acting and performing among them. I spent 15 years as a a TV Sportscaster, winning an Emmy and interviewing some fascinating people in the process, then landed in corporate America where I was successful, but not fulfilled. A fantastic and important realization. My kids provide me with constant inspiration, as do the people I meet through this third career.
How did you get involved in the film?
Constantly submitting to various online casting services, I was lucky to have been “discovered” by Trish McGee who called me about playing the role of Alan. Trish and I met at a coffee shop midway between York and my home in Lansdale, PA and read some scenes together. A “table read for two,” it cemented my instincts that this was a fantastic role for me and a wonderful script. Fortunately, Trish was equally interested in my being in the film, so I booked the part.
What skills improved during your participation in the film?
Memorization and active listening! This film is all about relationships and the script is more than just a series of lines between people in each scene. The thoughts behind each and every line drove the exchanges, thus getting the text down was essential. What was confirmed, however, is what both of my acting coaches preach all the time: focus on the thoughts and the story and the lines will come in time. Credit to Bryan Fox at the Philly Actors Lab and Melonie Mack at MMAS for that.
How did you prepare for this role?
Alan was a very appropriate role for me. Preparing for it got down to fully recognizing what part of me was consistent with the character. In the weeks leading up to filming, I found myriad similarities between who I am and who this character is, thus bringing those similarities out was the key. Alan has been jarred by some elements of his life, and he’s come to terms with them, and decided to be true to himself, which allows him to be available for others. I felt an extremely similar connection with Leigh/Trish and made the most of that to prepare for the film. This role called for me to be thoughtful, caring and present. Practicing THAT was a gift to my real life as well!
What is your favorite scene from the movie and why?
I love the scene(s) walking along the rail trail talking with Leigh and sitting on benches getting to know one another. For me (and my character) that is when clarity was achieved. The threads of this story, the paranormal, the gifts associated with those residing somewhere along the autism spectrum, and the connectedness of people in general become untangled as Alan realizes he and Leigh have a connection he had not expected. Director Mike Gutridge and Trish McGee invited me to play these scenes in a manner honest with my understanding of the role and reflecting the internal search in which he is embroiled.
What was your biggest challenge when working on the film?
My only challenge with this role was allowing myself to plug as much of myself into it as appropriate. While I felt in my soul that Alan and Rich are very similar, as an actor I felt as though I needed to find a reason to “act,” i.e. seek some aspect of the character that was beyond me or outside of me. The truth is, much of what viewers will see is indeed me, which is why I think Trish McGee cast me for this role.
What other projects have you worked on?
I’ve worked on several films having to do with the paranormal and spiritual worlds, namely The Opening and Masters of Ascension, written and produced by Carona Diop-Davis. I’ve also enjoyed work on short films produced by filmmakers in New York and Philly, namely Unemployed by Jordan Sarf, and Concerned Citizens by John DeStefano. This spring, Sno-Babies, a eye-opening depiction of opioid/heroin addiction in the suburbs will be released. I was honored to play the father of one of the lead characters. Other projects included Designated Driver and Maharshi, a film produced in India, with parts shot in a NYC board room, 45 stories above the streets of Manhattan. Much of my experience has been commercial, including currently running national and regional ads for financial services, residential living, apparel, health food, mental health care services and home improvement companies. The beauty of this business is the daily variety!
What’s next for you?
I’ve recently been cast in a feature film called The Mantle, shooting this winter/spring. I play a role very close to my heart and consistent with my brand, a Newscaster. 2020 opens with a commitment to classes and pursuit of more film and TV roles through engagement with Casting Directors up and down the east coast. Commercial work tends to keep the wheels of my career moving. Film and TV ambition drives me forward.
Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Caroline In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.
In this article, rather than doing an interview with Caroline, I wanted to share my experience with her.
Caroline is the daughter of my good friend Perri Druen (also in the film). Over the course of the last two years, while hanging out with Perri I came to know Caroline. There was something about her that made me think she would be a great candidate for the role of Claire. Although I’ve read it’s not such a good thing to write a role for a particular person, I found myself seeing her in each scene. I couldn’t help it. When I asked Caroline if she wanted to act in a movie, she shyly said yes. I explained to her it was a big commitment and once she was “in” it would be really important to stick with it. Perri and I had several conversations about it and Caroline was steadfast – she was indeed IN.
Without a doubt Caroline took on the most difficult role in the film in her portrayal of a high functioning autistic adolescent. With coaching from her mom – a York College of PA psychology professor and direction from Mike Gutridge, Director of In Your Afterglow and parent to an autistic daughter Caroline blossomed in her first acting role. She was patient and poised on set, she engaged respectfully with her co-actors and was truly a joy to work with. We had some very difficult scenes with lots of food preparation. This required some improv and several takes to get it right. Caroline quickly caught on.
I have a few favorite scenes from the film and several include Caroline. When I saw the first batch of footage of her “talking with the spirits” I got goosebumps.
What’s next for Caroline? After the dust settled from the long days on set, I asked Caroline if she wanted to do it again. I have another role in mind for my next screenplay called “The Feeding Hand.” Again she shyly responded, yes. In the meantime she will finish the 8th grade at York Suburban, York, PA and continue to hone her volleyball skills.
Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Caroline In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.
Robert plays the supporting role of Eric, Leigh Fisher’s best friend. Robert’s depiction of concern for Leigh’s actions shines through with his dramatic verbal expression. He was a joy to have on set as he demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to his role.
Tell me a little about yourself
I am a healthcare consultant and restaurant owner. I have participated in many local theatre projects at DreamWrights and The Belmont Theatre
How did you get involved with In Your Afterglow?
I posted on Facebook it was time for me to start acting again and Patti Stirk linked me up with Trish to explore the role in film.
What was your favorite experience working on the film?
Working with the other actors and directors
What skills improved during your participation in the film?
Understanding how film works differently from live theatre
How did you prepare for your role as Eric?
I studied my lines!
What is your favorite scene from In Your Afterglow?
I enjoyed working at the farmhouse. It was a very hot summer day, but the perfect backdrop for the scenes and we drinking wine.
What was your biggest challenge when working on the film?
Not having prior rehearsals like I was used to in live theatre
What other acting projects have you work on?
Beauty & The Beast, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlee, Cinderella, Heidi, and many more.
What’s next for you?
A new restaurant in Hanover called McAllister’s on York and who knows when I’ll show up on the big, small, or live theatre. I believe I am in an episode of the next season of the Real Housewives of NY.
Mary co-stars as Katie Watson, mother of Claire, a high functioning autistic teen who seems to be communicating with spirits. Mary artfully portrays concern and determination to help her struggling daughter. Despite objections from husband Mark, Katie hires Dr. Leigh Fisher to uncover the truth about Claire’s behavior.
Tell me a little about yourself
I am a Philadelphia native, raising 3 boys with my supportive and loving husband Evan. I worked as a Commercial Interior Designer for over 15 years designing beautiful commercial interiors before changing careers later in life. Many thought I was crazy, others called what I was doing a hobby. It takes a great deal of dedication, training and hard work but most of all passion. Passion is my driving force. Coming from an artistic background, I found that acting is just another way of expressing myself. I also work as a commercial actor and model which I enjoy tremendously.
How did you get involved with In Your Afterglow?
Rich Henkels who plays the role of Alan mentioned the casting to me and encouraged me to submit for the part of Katie. We train at the same acting studio and always support and help one another in getting acting work.
What was your favorite experience working on the film?
Meeting and working with Trish who is so incredibly talented in so many ways was definitely the highlight for me. She gave a relatively unknown actor a chance and it has meant the world to me. (aww gee that was really sweet Mary)
What skills improved with your participation in the film?
Listening, an actor must listen to their scene partner and respond truthfully in that moment. It’s not about just saying your lines.
What other projects have you worked on?
After working on “In Your Afterglow” I worked on a feature film called “The Impact Factor” written by Ken McArthur. I was fortunate enough to work together with a very good friend and I believe this made our scene feel more connected. I have also worked on several commercials this past year including Pfizer Pharmaceutical Commercial, Live Nation, and Reputation Defender which is currently running nationally on CNN, CNBC and Fox news channels. I work regularly on air at QVC as one of their beauty and fashion models. A highlight from this past year that I am so honored to be a part of was landing a major Beauty Campaign for the International (UK) Beauty Company No 7.
How did you prepare for your role in the film?
I read the entire script front to back many times. It is important to learn not only the essence of one’s own character but the others as well. Running my lines with my scene partner before I stepped onto the set was important. As actors, learning our lines and being prepared is our job. If you are not prepared it affects everyone.
What is your favorite scene from the film and why?
I don’t want to spoil anything but at the end of the movie there is a sweet moment I share with actor Philippe Kane who plays my husband. For the majority of the film we are at odds with one another.
What was your biggest challenge when filming?
There was one scene with 6 actors in it. It was challenging because everyone needed to hit their mark.
What parts of your character could you most relate to?
I play a mother which is not a big stretch, lol! I have many close to me who have children with Autism. I see first-hand the struggles they face in raising their children. Their fears of who will take care of them if they are gone. Dealing with bullies in school or ignorant people outside of school. Bringing awareness to Autism is so important. This world needs more kindness and compassion.
Who are some of the biggest influences in your life and how did they influence you?
My first first job out of college, I started working for a Commercial Interior Design Firm, Styer & Associates. It is owned and run by Amy Styer Tahtabrounian. It was my first interview after graduation. She hired me became my mentor. I have learned so much from this amazing woman. Having a strong female role model in my life has been a blessing. When I decided I wanted to pursue acting and modeling I was hesitant to tell her I was thinking of leaving the company. She was the first person to tell me to go after my dream and has been my biggest supporter.
What’s next for you?
I will continue training and working on improving myself as an actor and am very excited to see what 2020 brings.
Click on the following link to purchase your tickets now to see Mary as Katie Watson In Your Afterglow:
