About the character
I play a character called Richard Powell, a schoolteacher in this small village in 1816, Tennessee. He is from a larger city and was brought into the village by John Bell. He is more educated than perhaps the majority of this farming community; he seems to fit rather well and is someone who people look up to.
What I really like about Richard Powell is that he is kind of double edged. He has something that is interesting for an actor to play truthfully but at the same time to give the impression of something else. It is a challenge, a very exciting role to do.
The biggest change between reading the script and now shooting it is, I realized, he looks a lot more like me than I thought.
Approaching the character
The first thing any actor should do when preparing for a role is to use the script as his basis. Try to find something truthful in those written words and actions. Every actor in the world will play each part differently, that's why Hamlet is played over and over again.
And obviously there are certain things that I would bring to a part instinctively, and other actors would have other ideas, better or worse. That's why the casting process is always important although the director has that final say and hopefully he sees something in the actor that is within the actor in the first place.
Working with Courtney Solomon
I think he is a really extraordinary director. I've been completely surprised with the ease in which he can direct the camera and use it in exciting and different ways. There is no single shot that seems to be in any way straightforward or simple. To be honest that's something I've never really had a good grasp on and you really need to know more of when you're an actor. At the same time he is able to keep his head and tell the story very honestly and truthfully. I think he will be an extremely important filmmaker.
About 'An American Haunting'
Both interesting and exciting and certainly beautifully filmed by Adrian Biddle, our DOP, An American Haunting is based on a true story. Nobody these days quite knows what the truth of that haunted family was. The only true haunting experience in American history, verified by the state, Courtney's story is based on the book written by Brent Monahan. An American Haunting is an interpretation of the explanation of this phenomenon and it is quite a powerful story.
I am sure the picture will affect people in different ways and at the end of it has a very important message told through Courtney's eyes and which will make people sit up and think. It's not what you would expect at all. I hope that people leave having enjoyed themselves and also having something to think about.
Filming in Romania
There is so much here that is interesting in Romania. It is extraordinary to think that it is such a short time ago when things were different. I did a film here three years ago and can see the differences.
I encounter really very friendly people. It is a lovely culture. People are very proud of being Romanian and very excited to welcome you into their world. I had a wonderful time here.
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