How did you land the part of Detective Morgan Riley on AIDAN 5?
I sort of fell into it, actually. Tim Baldwin (one of the creators) was teaming up with John Jackson for the 48 Hour Film Project, and they were looking for actors. I had worked with Tim previously, so when he asked if I would come and act for the project, I jumped at the chance. After the short film’s success both regionally and nationally, it went on to screen at Cannes – I don’t think any of us came into it expecting that to happen! When I heard they were turning the short film into a web series, and they wanted to expand the part of Riley, I was thrilled!! I am a HUGE science fiction fan, so getting to be a part of something like this was an amazing experience.
The character you play is a clone. Tell us about her.
Morgan Riley is what I would consider a true role model. She took a less than idealistic beginning, and transformed that into a life that is something to be proud of. She works endlessly to make the world a better place, and truly wants to do the right thing. However, just because she is a good person, doesn’t mean society views her that way. In the world of ‘AIDAN 5,’ clones are viewed as second class citizens, and even Riley can’t escape that sort of discrimination. Aidan seems to be the only person who looks past the ‘clone,’ and is able to see her for who she really is.
As an actress, what do you tap into in order to bring her to “life”?
Being able to portray a character in a situation so different from my own is always such a pleasure. It really allows me to use my imagination, and to essentially, create a new person from the ground up. The writers are a huge part of it, because what they write are the guidelines — I just get to flesh out the details. For Riley, I had an idea of where I wanted her to go, but I ended up discovering so much on the set. Playing off the other actors and working with the writer and director really informed much of what became “Riley.”
How is playing Morgan different than playing a human being?
Great question! In order to allow the truth of ‘who she is’ to come through, I really had to look at her exactly as I would any other character (human or otherwise.) The question for me, wasn’t how to play a non-human, but how a clone might feel about their own humanity. She views herself as essentially being the same as everyone else, she just doesn’t have the benefit of a society that agrees with her.
Is it challenging acting in a show that’s shot entirely green screen? Tell us about that!
OH YES!! I went into the project having a small amount of experience on a green screen, but ‘AIDAN 5′ was completely new territory for me. The emptiness of the green was overwhelming at first, however, Bryan Michael Block (James Aidan) and I found our way eventually. We relied heavily on each other, John Jackson (director), Ben Bays (producer/director) and Vidas Barzdukas (writer). They were able to paint a picture of our environment for us, and guide us through what the characters would experience in the final product. Many times, we would shoot multiple episodes at a time, out of sequence, and knowing where we were both mentally and physically was a challenge. However, the end product exceeds my expectations by far – I am constantly amazed by the vision and talent of the artists. You should really be interviewing THEM!!
Have you always wanted to act?
Always. When I was a little girl I was completely enamored with actors on the screen – commercials – movies – I just wanted to do THAT! As I got older, I became more appreciative of the process, and what it takes to fully explore a character. I ended up going to school for acting, and earned a degree in Musical Theatre. I keep teasing Ben and Johnny that we should do “AIDAN 5″ the musical. Who knows, maybe one of these days… ; )
You’re no stranger to web series these days! How did you like your time on Blood And Bone China?
Oh wow- I simply ADORE Blood & Bone China! What a wonderfully done series, with amazing locations, cinematography, acting and an awesome story! I only WISH I was able to be on the set, but alas, space and time thwart me! Through the magic of technology I was able to do a simple cameo for the series. I appeared as main character’s (Newlyn Howell’s) mother, in a photograph. I can only hope they get to do a second season, and that perhaps they write in his mother as a vampire or something…one can dream, right?
Any other projects in the works?
I did a number of independent films this summer, so some of them will be around soon. I do have a very small role in George Clooney’s “The Ides of March,” which is in theatres now. Currently, I’m just trying to survive the holiday season, and working on promoting AIDAN 5 as much as I can.
What are your feelings about human cloning?
I think it’s fascinating, but I’m incredibly weary of where such a thing could lead! I feel like if we were to cross that line, the moral and social implications would only be the beginning of the issues we as a society would have to face. Perhaps we should just leave the cloning to the green screen for now…
Would you ever consider cloning yourself if the technology we’re available?
That depends. Would this clone be familiar with the concept of ‘Laundry’?
What do you think inspires your character Morgan Riley?
Morgan is a relatively new person, so she’s constantly discovering new things. I think she is inspired by the good she sees in the world, while at the same time, she’s motivated to help fix the things that are broken. Morgan feels a strong connection to her partner (James Aidan), and wants to help him in any way she can. Perhaps she feels indebted to him for helping to break the cycle of her ‘captivity’, or maybe she just sees the good in him. Either way, I think because he believes in her, he gives her the confidence to continue to believe in herself.
What inspires Maya Sayre?
My son, a good story, and a great character. Three of my favorite things.
Twitter 
Facebook | Terms | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Advertising | Casting
