|
Your new movie Escape - in a few words, what's it
about, and what can you tell us about your character in it?
Escape is an action thriller with enough
blood to keep the horror fans happy! Think Taken on a Sergio Leone
backdrop with women fighting back! My character 'Karla' finds herself in
the most dire of circumstances but she uses her expertise as a nurse to
find a way to outsmart and outrun the villains! What did you draw upon to bring
your character to life, and how much Sarah Alexandra Marks can we find in Karla?
We've all been in circumstances where we
feel powerless, whether that be physically,
mentally or spiritually. In those moments in my life the way I have always
found a way to move forward is by staying present and not letting emotions
cloud my instinct. Karla finds herself and the girls in an impossible
situation. I asked Howard a lot of questions regarding his idea of Karla
and how he envisioned her as the central figure to the story. Eventually I
decided to portray Karla as a beacon of light, shining hope onto the
despair of the situation all of us were trapped in.
I always build a character backstory for myself, however you have
to let go of all that to allow yourself to play the truth in the scene.
Some actors get lost in their character and it can ruin the flow of a
story. I wanted to make sure I didn't interrupt Howard's vision but still
delivered some unique choices in the role.
How did you get involved with
the project in the first place, and what drew you to its subject matter?
I met director Howard J. Ford at a villa party in Cannes - glamorous, right? - and he asked me if I would be interested in filming some
promo for Escape
the following day. Those shots were a kind of screen test
of sorts, though they did actually make it into the final film! Back in
London a week later, Louis James and I met with Howard for lunch. Before
we even got the bill Howard had offered me the lead part of 'Karla' - I was
overjoyed. Louis was also offered the role of 'Jude' which grew
substantially. We flew out to the Canary Islands a few days later and started shooting the main block -
no hanging around for Howard J. Ford!
To what extent could you
identify with Escape's approach to the thriller genre?
I truly believe only Howard could pull off a movie like
Escape. All of the action, thrills and suspense derive
from his smart use of dynamic shots, bonkers locations and larger than
life characters. Throw those ingredients into his genius edit room and the
result is a movie which keeps you on the edge of your seat. He is known
for making 'journey movies' and Escape
takes you on one hell of a ride!
What can you tell us about Escape's
director Howard J. Ford, and what was your collaboration like?
Where do I begin?! I had heard rumours of
Howard J. Ford, a filmmaking machine. His exploits along with his brother
Jon on The Dead & The Dead 2 have legendary status. Howard has become
a dear friend and I guess that's what I enjoy most about collaborating
with him. He has a way of making you feel like you're not being directed,
he gently guides your instinctive choices into an outcome that he knows
will serve his vision. When he shoots he is a real action man, he almost
becomes one with the camera. He is extremely patient and kind. He knows
how to make his cast and crew feel valued and appreciated.
Do talk about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere!
The on-set atmosphere was 'all systems go'
but at the same time everyone is having a great laugh! The comradery grew
as the days flew by, which is what I love about indie filmmaking. Here we
all were in a stunning location with a great bunch of people literally
living out our dreams. Howard is the captain of the ship, but always
remains so humble and approachable. Everyone always felt relaxed and ready
to work because we all knew we were making something unique and trusted
Howard's process. Any future projects you'd like to share?
I'm currently attached to a couple of
feature films as an actress and I am also in development for a couple more
I am co-producing along with Louis James. I play 'Lisa' in The Manor of
Darkness directed by Blake Ridder and produced by Lucas A Ferrara &
Louis James, which is almost ready for release. I play 'Jasmine' in River
of Blood produced by Reinvent Studios, directed by Howard J. Ford, which
is another epic action adventure movie set in the jungle of Thailand and
set to be released early next year.
What got you into acting in the
first place, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?
I began my performing career as a dancer,
competing in Irish dance and ballet. Eventually I transitioned into screen
acting, I took all of my discipline from my dance training and applied it
to developing my screen technique. But of course you only learn through
doing, so I began taking roles where I could find them in lots of short
films until I landed a role in Pulp and Kill Kane, which really helped
the momentum. I took every opportunity big or small to develop my craft
and forge new connections.
What can you tell us about your
acting work prior to Escape? Prior to
Escape I have collaborated on
several short films with Blake Ridder, Louis James and Lucas A Ferrara, I
was in their first feature film Help,
I was in The Caller by Richard
Anthony Dunford [Richard
Anthony Dunford interview - click here] which featured Eric Roberts, and Witch, directed by Craig
Hinde and Marc Zammit. In 2023 you've written and
directed and starred in the short Snowdrop - so what's
that one about, what can you tell us about its creation, and what prompted
your step behind the camera? And which side of the camera do you actually
prefer?
|
|
 |
 |
Feeling lucky?
Want to
search
any of my partnershops yourself
for more, better results?
(commissions earned) |
The links below
will take you
just there!!!
|
|
 |
|
Creativity fuels my life so writing was a
natural progression. I also decided to write so that I could give myself
the chance to play roles I might never be cast in. They say writing what
you know is the best place to start so I started with the experience I had
caring for my mother who I lost to Alzheimer’s. I would always dream of
a breakthrough drug that would bring her back to me. In Snowdrop I explore
what would happen if trial drug did work…and what the consequences would
be. It was great practice to direct with a duo I knew very well, Louis James
and Blake Ridder. We
shot the film in a day! I am currently developing it into a feature length
script. I prefer being in front of camera however I have learned that it
is necessary to step into the shoes of a writer, director, producer etc so
you can deepen the understanding of how you can maximise your value as an actor.
How would you describe yourself
as an actress, and what are some of your techniques to bring your
characters to life? I believe everything we experience in our
lives can be brought to a performance. A technical ability on screen is
something you hone over time. I have studied all of the techniques and
they have served me at different times on my journey. Right now I am
enjoying approaching my work more instinctively and not fearing what is
perceived to be 'good' or 'bad'
Actresses (and indeed actors) who inspire you?
Such a hard question to answer because
there are so many across time who have inspired me in different ways.
Here's a few - Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Reece
Witherspoon, Emily Blunt, Margot Robbie... I could go on and on! Tom Cruise
- for the work ethic and for keeping the movie theatres alive!
Your favourite movie?
Once again there are dozens! So I'll make
it easy… Dirty Dancing!
... and of course, films you really deplore?
Making a movie is a huge achievement so I
feel it would be unfair to name any I deplore. However, I don't like films
that are too politically charged or preachy. It truly is a blessing to
make a film, to move people, some filmmakers get lazy and some producers
see a profit model and nothing else.
Your website, social media,
whatever else?
You can keep up to date with my work on
my Instagram @sarahamarks
Anything else you're dying to
add and I have merely forgotten to ask?
Take action, don't wait on others to
build your dreams for you. Thanks for the interview!
|
amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
eThaiCD.com
