Lifetime – Page 3

Interview with Lauren Lee Smith, Marc Blucas, Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy

Posted on June 25, 2021March 15, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Lauren Lee Smith, Marc Blucas, Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy from panel for "Doomsday Mom" on Lifetime - photos from Lifetime and actors' social media

Interview with Lauren Lee Smith, Marc Blucas, Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy in “Doomsday Mom: The Lori Vallow Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/19/21

I’ll admit I did gush a little talking to these fine actors. I’m familiar with them all from their previous TV roles. I literally grew up watching Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy in the 70’s, and I saw Marc Blucas and Lauren Lee Smith in their great scifi/fantasy roles later on. It was hard not to tell them how much I enjoyed their work. They were very kind and even made some fun jokes during the interview. This was a press call that was part of a series of calls we did all on that same day for Lifetime movies this summer.

DOOMSDAY MOM PANEL

Moderator: Hi all, our next panel is Doomsday Mom, The Lori Vallow Story. I’d like to introduce our cast Lauren Lee Smith, Marc Blucas, Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy.

Hi everyone. Question is for Lauren, how familiar were you with the Lori Vallow case before taking on this role? And what was the most surprising thing you learned about the case that you wanted to make sure it was portrayed on screen and the same to you, Marc?

Lauren Lee Smith: Wow, no, I actually wasn’t. It was at a time where I think we were all in full blown, lockdown covid craziness and I was up here in Toronto with my young daughter just trying to sort of keep sane and there was no TV around. So I had no idea about this story. It first was brought to my attention through our director, actually Bradley Walsh. He had reached out to me a couple of weeks before shooting and we were just sort of catching up and he was asking me like what I would like to do next and then I was like yeah I’m really looking for something you know to sort of sink my teeth into and challenge me in a new, exciting way. And yeah, it’s sort of it all, one thing led to another and and then yeah, I found out that that I would be coming to do this with him. And I think what surprised me the most was, you know, just the initial sort of the initial reaction of finding out the story in general and finding out exactly who this this woman is and what had happened. I think the initial shock.

Moderator: How about you Marc?

Marc Blucas: You know, for me you know I had known about it and it’s I guess in the in a very peripheral kind of way and it had been a year since everything had happened. So you know, the first thing I did as we probably all do, is you get on the Internet. Boom, you type these two in and the first thing that came up was the mug shot and to me two things came to my right mind right away when I saw them that really attracted me to the project and taking on the role of Chad which was when I saw that I saw two people, and this is going to sound very shallow at first, but you kind of look at Lori on the surface and in a very just first glance way, it’s like, oh, there’s a you know,very attractive, you know woman there and then you see Chad and I was like, oh, maybe not so much, and I was like oh what was the initial draw? And the other thing I thought about that about that mug shot was that in his face I saw remorse an in hers I didn’t and from what I had recalled the story and what I just started the research of it, It was kind of like it really felt like and again we have a lot here, we don’t have all the answers to just yet, but that Chad really started going, taking Lori down a very committed path and at some point in their journey, it’s almost like she leapfrog him in in the in the power dynamics or in the commitment of their beliefs. And I just thought that was a fascinating study, not only is as an actor, but as a singular character, but seeing how we could make that relationship evolve because what the public know, we already know that the public knows so much. So what Lauren and I and Bradley had all talked about is like, what we don’t know is what happened behind closed doors between these two people and exploring that to see this journey and how they get to make these decisions that they made, I thought, was an interesting study.

Moderator: Thanks so much. Our next question is from Jamie.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): Sorry, forgot to unmute there for a second. Thanks for talking to us guys. So obviously these characters are based on real life people but what I want to know is what part of yourselves did you bring into the roles?

Lauren Lee Smith: Well. That’s a tough one, but.

Marc Blucas: Well, I’m a passionate person. That there.

Doomsday Mom poster

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): You know, maybe there’s a better way to say it, how did you connect to them as people? Maybe that was a better way to phrase it.

Marc Blucas: Uh, I again, I, it was kind of said in jest, but you know…look, I mean at the end of the day, these are not great people and it’s our jobs as actors to kind of find how we can like them ourselves and portray something that’s three dimensional and real. And at the end of the day, I just said it in a way, it’s just like hey look I’m a very committed and passionate person and I’m about different things that I think that Chad was committed and passionate about and what he tried to do or what he tried to bring people together as a leader, I guess in this. But there’s no, you can’t question the fact that they had a conviction of what they believed, and I may not be in the same category in what they believed, but having that kind of conviction I could relate to and start there from.

Lauren Lee Smith: Yeah, exactly like that’s really sort of all you can do. You know with these characters is find exactly that and then you know just trying to come and find the little moments you can of sort of humanity, you know, I’m a mother, so trying to sort of find those moments where you know you could see her love for JJ and for Tylee and sort of really infused that as much as possible. But yeah, other than that it was that wasn’t the easiest part of this job.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): Patrick, Linda anything to add?

Patrick Duffy: Well, we have the easier track of these characters. We had to be the sort of calming, and rational side of looking at all of these horrific things that were happening. So, you know, we were grandparents in and of itself and as a grandparent myself I know what that feels like and I could then was able to completely support what Linda was doing as really the fire brand of the two characters that we played. She was the relentless one that was in pursuit of justice in an ongoing situation, which is even more difficult in making this film. And I credit everybody from Karen and Ann and the actors Marc and Lauren and Bradley and everybody with being able to thread that fine line of fiction that we are doing based on a real story but keep these, especially those two characters, you know keeping them in a humanity arena so that it does not become,

I mean it in this way, it does not become cartoonish, in its evilness that it that everybody has to recognize a bit of humanity that contains that devilish nature and we are in control of it most of the time. And that, to me, is the interesting part about the script, and let the two lead actors were you know, really tasked with doing which is amazing and plus the fact we never except for

one little Christmas dinner scene, we never shared the camera with either of those two characters, so we had our own little movie going that you guys didn’t even know about.

Marc Blucas: That’s why you said yes to the job we know.

Lauren Lee Smith: We get it.

Linda Purl: I think the you know as Lauren said and Mark two that we’re all parents, and so it ignites certainly the Mama bear in me and I mean it. It’s actually unimaginable. Thank God, you know, the horror that this that this tale unfolds. But I think that that you know unbelievable journey of not knowing where your loved ones are, was interesting to visit.

Moderator: Thanks Jamie. Jay, You’re up next.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Hello everyone, thank you for doing this. Actually my question is for Patrick and Linda is nice to see you together, since we know you’re together and I hope that doesn’t sound too and ingracious. But were the two of you cast a package deal in this? Or was one of you cast 1st and super suggested the other person?

Patrick Duffy: Well, we were driving to Colorado from California when the phone rang and we almost made a U turn but we said no we gotta, we gotta get back to change our underwear and then go back to work so. But I actually I think you know, in deference, I think Linda’s name might have been mentioned first in terms of this when I look at the chronology and the phone messages, and then you know the conversations that all of your people have when you’re doing these things, so you know, I think the sequence was Linda and Patrick, not Patrick and Linda.

Linda Purl: I think it was Patrick and Linda.

Patrick Duffy: But it doesn’t matter. It was our first chance to work together. Yeah, you know, first chance to actually play a husband and wife, which was even more, and the other thing that Linda keeps saying, and so I’m stealing all of her good lines, that it’s the first time as actors we’ve ever walked to the set holding hands with the person you’re with.

Linda Purl: It felt weird but yeah, I guess it’s OK. At the end of a scene, I guess, Patrick patted me on the bottom and said nice job honey and I thought, well, that’s the first time that’s ever happened. It was fun.

Patrick Duffy: It was wonderful and yeah, and it was a great thing for us because you never know.

Linda Purl: It could have been a disaster.

Patrick Duffy: We could have completely polar opposite ways.

Linda Purl: That’s how you’re gonna do the scene?

Patrick Duffy: Yeah, well, I usually have a drink before every scene.

Marc Blucas: It was at least reassuring. I was so glad to see you were still together. Are they flying together? Or independently?

Linda Purl: Quarantine was the challenge. It was like are we gonna make it through 14 days of quarantine? But we did. Yeah it was fun.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Thank you both.

Moderator: Thank you so much. Suzanne. You’re up next.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Hi, thanks for the call, I’m so familiar with all your guys’ work. I grew up in the 70s, and so I love Patrick and Linda from so many different things, especially “Dallas”, of course– One of my favorite shows growing up… and Marc from “Buffy” and other projects, and Lauren from “Mutant X” and so many great things. So I’m just honored to talk to you all.. but I was wondering, Linda and Patrick, if you could give us any background as to what you think your characters were like before the movie started, and then how they progressed. Some of us haven’t actually seen the movie because it wasn’t on the screener site, so…

Linda Purl: We don’t know that much really. I mean just what’s available on the on the Internet and what the script gave us, but they seem to be very hardworking, family-oriented people, smart, successful in their careers and then suddenly this. You know, they were a very closely knit family, we would say, right?

Patrick Duffy: And if you’re– if you’re asking the question personally, what happens to us after doing something like this? Although we weren’t in the depths that Lauren and Marc were, but you, you are affected by it, especially when you have children. And now that I have four grandchildren, and, it is inconceivable, first of all, to right-minded people that these things actually occur… and you enter, going into this, reading the script, I’m doing it but in the– in the heat of the scenes — of which we were together as a couple. It builds, and your fascination and repulsion build at the same time as to what these human beings have to go through and what they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. And you get just a smattering of it by having occupied their space for a moment, and you look at your children differently because you know what the potential is, and it does affect you, and it affected me, not deeply, in the sense that I’m tormented by it, but I am aware of it in different depth now of what the potential is in the human being. And it’s frightening and encouraging in terms of who you look at as your characters in this film.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): And Linda, did you have anything to add to that?

Linda Purl: oh thank you, well…

Patrick Duffy: I don’t see how she could.

Linda Purl: I thought it was brilliant. It was, really. I was in the Grand Canyon with my son, who was then about 8 years old, and I lost him for the ten longest minutes of my life, and it’s an out-of-body electric shock experience that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. So I was able to, you know, sort of conjure that up when we’re looking for justice, when we’re looking for the grandkids, or were when we know my brother’s been killed. And so, but I think you know, as Patrick says, you just drop to your knees grateful that your family is safe, and it tends to highlight that gratitude in our lives when you walk down, even for a few minutes, the road of these people who have lost so much. I have no idea how you recover from that.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): And Lauren, what do you think? How do you think the character or the real person… however you like to interpret it… how she went from two loving parents to becoming this person who ends up killing her own children?

Lauren Lee Smith: Yeah, I mean, that’s definitely something that I had to sort of, I think, play around with in my own sort of interpretation of this character, even though, you know, it’s…. she’s very much alive and we, you know, know certain facts about her. I think for me, just on a personal level, to sort of dig into this, this character and sort of not, justified, but… give you know some sort of back-story and create this sort of, you know, back-story in my own head for her, so, you know… it’s very strange. I don’t know, I don’t… I don’t. It’s unimaginable to me how someone can go from, you know, having this sort of… being brought up in this loving family, which is is what we’ve been, you know, told to believe to, you know, becoming this person who would do these absolutely heinous things. So, yeah, I guess the only way that that I was able to sort of come to terms with it is to sort of… yeah, to really come up with my own back-story that perhaps, you know her, her past and her childhood, and her personal life, and whatever is maybe… not exactly, what we evolved, you know, read or seen or believed up until this point, that there perhaps is some major trauma or some major incidents or some… whatever it could possibly be to bring her to the point that she, you know, is at, and was at in her life. I answered it, took it upon myself to do that.

Marc Blucas: You’re being very sweet for not throwing me under the bus. Suzanne, the reality is, is that when we both got there, we were freaking out, and I had called Lauren immediately, and I said, alright, ’cause that’s the big question, right? How did they go from everyday people that, we assume, think and decide and have a moral compass in a certain direction… suddenly getting to the point where they’re going to kill their kids and then walk around in Hawaii, and think that, like, as if nothing has happened, and we literally sat there and got Karen and Bradley on the phone after we made our, you know,4 gigabyte list of questions that we had. This is real, and how do we tackle this? Because this is it, and it goes back to what I had said before, a little bit, about that kind of, like, commitment and passion for something that you suddenly get so– the blinders get on so much that everything — all the collateral damage that happens — you, end up not seeing. And so, it was almost– I give Lauren a lot of credit because it was, it was kind of a two-part process of creating Chad for me. Like, I– we really, kind of, had to approach these characters together, in a sense, as one, because, I was in the process of gaining weight, so I kept saying, can we meet back at the croissant place? We kind of kept going to anywhere I could eat massive amounts of food to keep gaining weight for the role and trying to tackle and make sense of that question, and going through beat-by-beat of saying, “OK, here’s the arc of this, when does this moment happen?” Where they decide to go beyond the point of no return, almost.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Alright, thank you, guys, great answers.

Moderator: Thank you so much. We have time for one more, and if there was anyone who had a question and wants it answered, feel free to email us, and we’re happy to get answers for you. So Rick, you will be our last question.

Rick Bentley (Tribune): Thank you. Hey Patrick and Linda, you play characters that are one generation of removed from the central story here. I’m just wondering when you go into those characters when you start thinking about them, did you think of them as people who should have felt guilty should have felt some responsibility, should have would have been in complete denial, I mean, how do you know where you start from on a point with parents of people who are parents of people who are involved with something like this?

Linda Purl: Well, I don’t think denial, although maybe we missed that, maybe we should have. No, I think that you know their merit in this in this story is that they. Is that they fearlessly sort of faced this possibility and became the champions for truth and protection. And I think that’s sort of a cautionary tale maybe to take away from the film, in that in these kinds of situations don’t fail to act. These people did not fail to act and all their actions and seeking of truth and pushing the police and the detectives it was. Too late, but in another instance it might not have been, and so you know in these kinds of horrid situations any one of us you know, God forbid we’re in it, but you, have to, you have to be vigilant and you have to be forceful.

Patrick Duffy: Yeah, I think there is an element of self-reflection when this happens. Maybe not regret or denial, but you know, as a parent, now my children are in their 40s but, you know when there would be rough patches in their upbringing where they might do things outside of the box that I thought was appropriate behavior, here is an element in me that says should I have foreseen this? Should I have forestalled this? Was there something I should have or could have or might have said that just would have deflected it enough? So for my character in this, although Linda’s character was much more doggedly active, my character was written as somewhat more passive and quiet, and I think part of that was that self-reflection of he was the, you know, quote, unquote, chauvinistically sounding, but the bread earner, the man of the family. And yet all of this happened, how could that happen on his watch had to be part of his processing, so that was the only thing that I could say where I might have felt a bit responsible as a character for the outcome, not that I thought I the character did anything wrong, but what could he have done, I think was the divergent point for me of accepting responsibility partially for what happened.

Linda Purl: And that’s probably human nature too. In any disaster, there’s that lovely phrase, magical thinking, and that we all know what on earth, no matter how irrational, what could I have done? How could I have changed things? How could I have missed the signs? I mean, I think we all go through these kinds of thoughts.

Video

MORE INFO:

DOOMSDAY MOM

PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 26 at 8/7c

(L to R): Lauren Lee Smith, Marc Blucas, Linda Purl, Patrick Duffy

Preview

Doomsday Mom is based on the true story of Lori Vallow (Lauren Lee Smith), who gained national attention when her children, JJ and Tylee, were reported missing from their Idaho home in the Fall of 2019. As investigators learned of Lori and her husband Chad Daybell’s (Marc Blucas) involvement in a doomsday-prepper group, a trail of mystery was revealed spanning five states and numerous questionable deaths, before the bodies of JJ and Tylee were found in the backyard of Chad’s home in June 2020. Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy also star.

Doomsday Mom is produced by Lighthouse Pictures for Lifetime, with Sony Pictures Television distributing. Karen Glass and Tom Mazza of Everywhere Studios and Judith Verno of Peace Out Productions serve as executive producers. Stephen Tolkin wrote the script and Bradley Walsh directs.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Linda Purl and Patrick Duffy in "Doomsday Mom: The Lori Vallow Story" on Lifetime

Interview with Sadie Calvano, Evan Roderick, Tom Stevens and Judith Verno

Posted on June 18, 2021March 15, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Sadie Calvano, Evan Roderick, Tom Stevens and Judith Verno of "Secret's of a Marine's Wife" on Lifetime - photos from Lifetime and social media

Interview with actors Sadie Calvano, Evan Roderick, and Tom Stevens, and executive producer Judith Verno in “Secrets of a Marine’s Wife” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/19/21

This movie was very interesting and had a great cast. I was glad to speak with them. I’d interviewed Tom Stevens before about his role in “Deadly Class” on Syfy, so it was great to see him again. I hope you enjoyed the movie! It was an interesting mystery and romance story, but tragic.

SECRETS OF A MARINE’S WIFE

Moderator: Hi everyone, thank you for joining us. I am very pleased to welcome our panelists from Secrets of a Marine’s Wife, including Sadie Calvano, who plays Erin Corwin, Evan Roderick who plays her husband John Corwin, Tom Stevens, who plays Chris Lee, joined by executive producer Judith Verno.

Just a quick reminder if you’d like to ask a question, at the bottom of your screen please hit the raise your hand button at the bottom of the screen. Depending on what version of zoom you have, it might be under the reactions button or the participants button. I will be answering questions as they come in an I wanted to start with one pre-submitted question that’s for everybody. And that question is Erin Corwin’s Story is very tragic. What do you hope viewers will take away from this movie?

Sadie Calvano: I’ll start. Hi everyone, I’m Sadie. I would really like viewers to take away from this movie is that this isn’t a story that questions Erin’s sexual choices. This isn’t a story that talks about how because she had an affair, she got murdered. This is a story that is about complex relationships about a young girl who was looking for love and connection and who was going through a really tough time in her life and looking for support and fell in the hands of someone who brutally murdered her. And I really hope that people are able to see the story of love and seeking and are able to fall in love with her and wonder.

Tom Stevens: Yeah, and I like..Evan.

Evan Roderick: Yeah. You know, and like speaking from Jon’s perspective too, it’s a story

about forgiveness as well ,and you know, because these characters are so young that you know they hold such a, I guess, there is such an expectation on this relationship to work too, so you know, I think it was important to keep Erin in a light you know, and she was a really good person and we had to honor her story. I hope people can see that when they see the movie.

Tom Stevens: Yeah, I gotta say that like jumping off of what Sadie was saying is they had a relationship that was kind of…It was too young.

People got married very early and well. What we were telling the story of is what Chris and Aaron found was almost like an intimacy that they hadn’t really experienced before. It just so happened that she chose to go with somebody that had some serious mental issues.

Judith Verno (Executive Producer): Yeah, I mean, I think that what’s important is nobody should pay for their mistake with their life. And that’s the message here. And to find stories that are relatable at their core but can also serve as a cautionary tale, especially for a younger generation. I think that’s important to tap into for Lifetime.

Moderator: Thank you all. The next question is from Suzanne from TVMeg.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Hi, good morning. Let me ask, Tom, what do you think? What did you do to prepare for this very complex role?

Tom Stevens: Yeah, Chris, is uh, he kind of travels through a lot of different emotional realms throughout the film. The guy is dealing with suicide. He’s dealing with an unhappy marriage. Finding this new experience with his neighbor Erin and also everything that he’s kind of dealing with, with his experience with going over to Afghanistan.

And I just kind of took it day by day…I’ve done a lot of military research myself. I knew the story. I knew the case very well, so I listened to the book and I used the chapters about Chris and I just I tried to find as much that I could use out of that book as possible to add color to him every day.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Great, and Evan – your role is almost saint-like.

I know actors like to do… usually they like to play the bad guy because there’s so many different layers, and you get to vent your emotions and all that kind of thing. Well, what did you do to make your role speak to you and have fun with it?

Evan Roderick: As much as I think the center of it is he’s just a guy that loves this person so much you know. And I mean, personally, I know. I know what that feels like to love someone so much that you do anything for them. So I think that kind of was the center of Jon.

But I’ve never shot a gun before this movie. I’m so Canadian, I know. But you know I spent some time at the gun range in the gym. I watched all the Dateline stuff to prepare as well so but yeah, at the center of it he’s just a guy that’s just so in love with this woman. So that was kind of what I always hung onto.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Great. And Sadie, when they were doing the scenes… where they were showing him strangling your character, did you, uh..Can you tell us how you did that? How it was done? Sort of physically and special effects wise? Was there a stunt person?

Sadie Calvano: Sure, yeah, there was some people involved. However, Tom I also participated. They had me in this like strapped suit and that clipped on to Tom’s back. I wore a necklace that was made out of like elastic that looked like what would have been choking her but it wasn’t connected to anything so that I stayed completely safe and then on the back of my suit there was a clip that the poles attached to for Tom. And we had some staff people help us out with different positions. Each shot kind of varied what the arrangement was, whether it was me with a stunt person or Tom with a staff person or me with Tom. But we had really amazing stunt people that kept us very safe and were so sensitive to the nature of that scene and made sure that we stayed protected emotionally and physically in what was a very strenuous scene.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Alright, well, thank you. I really enjoyed it. I love the movie. It was sad in the end, but it was good.

Sadie Calvano: Thank you.

Modderator: Thank you Suzanne. Ok, this next question is from Lisa Steinberg.

Lisa Steinberg (Starry Magazine): Hi thank you guys so much for talking with us today. Evan. you’re playing a marine in this and you touched on a bit about the physical aspect of it and getting into shape.

Was there something different you did to prepare for the role of a marine? Or you know, just you stay fit and it was just more upping your time at the gym.?

Evan Roderick: Good question. Well, I think you know when you’re an actor, you kind of have to try to stay in shape all year round anyway. But I think mainly it was about learning about the culture of being a Marine. Like these people are, they’re living in these complexes a lot of the time, you know, like in our movie and they’re like it’s just like this big tight knit family, you know. So I think the biggest learning curve for me was just kind of learning the culture and how they spend their time. And like I said, you know, just trying to get the mechanics of being able to work a gun and hold a gun properly without looking like a fool. I think that was pretty important as well. So just yeah, a couple of those kind of things, but it was very, it was a lot of fun. I had a lot of fun doing it so yeah.

Moderator: Thank you Evan. And the next question is from Jamie Ruby.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): So do you guys have a favorite scene that you could tease?

Tom Stevens: I’d say the pool scene. The pool scene was really fun to shoot, we were just in the pool all day, just swimming. It was great.

Evan Roderick: I think I agree.

Tom Stevens: Anything in the complex.

Sadie Calvano and Tom Stevens

Sadie Calvano: I actually think that I would say that one of my favorite scenes is the scene that we shot in the diner. I feel like it is really different from the rest of the film. And I think that there is a moment in that where we see the cracks really starting to appear.

And I think that we’re able to see that end of the day, like these are just two young kids that don’t really know what they’re doing, that are struggling to make decisions and doing the best they can. Umm and I like I think that’s a scene where we’re really able to see their humanity in a way that is different from the rest of the film. So that was one of my favorites to shoot

Evan Roderick: I loved shooting that scene too. It was fun.

Moderator: Thank you guys. The next question is from Jay Bobbin.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Hello everyone, thanks for doing this. Sadie my question is for you. For Mom fans like my mom, who are such devotees of that show and know you so well as Violet and maybe haven’t seen you doing much else, what would you say to them before they watch you in this?

Sadie Calvano: I’d say thank you so much for watching Mom. Mom was such a huge part of my

life and of my personhood. I was kid when I started on Mom. You know I was 15 and so it shaped such a big part of my life and obviously of my career. So first I would say thank you so much and that I hope you like the finale because it just aired.

Umm and secondly, I would say that this is a really exciting project for you to get to watch because it’s not like Violet at all. You know, I think the thing that was so exciting about this was that next to Why Women Kill this is one of the first roles where I really got to play a woman, a person who’s not just like an angry bratty teenager. You know she has these like romantic complex relationships and I think you really get to see a different side of me in this project and I hope you enjoy it.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you Jay. I think we have time for one more question, maybe two. The next question is from Steve Gidlow of Media Village

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): My question is actually for Sadie. I was just wondering how familiar were you with this story before joining the project. Had you heard about it before? Or was it all sort of news to you?

Sadie Calvano: That’s a great question. I must confess in my day to day life I am a bit of a crime junkie. I really love watching murder shows probably an unhealthy amount. But I did know about this story before I got offered this job. I grew up in LA. My boyfriend’s mom lives in Palm Springs, and this was a huge story in that area particularly, so I was familiar with the case I remembered reading about it when it happened and, yeah, I definitely was familiar.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): And quickly. Is there a chance you’re going back to Why Women Kill?

Sadie Calvano: Oh, I would love that. I would love that so much. I guess time will tell. I know that with Season 2 they were planning on doing all new cast and all new stories, but the door is, you know always a sliver open and we’ll see what the future brings. I would love to work with Mark Cherry again in the future, so I don’t know, fingers crossed

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Awesome. Thanks so much.

Sadie Calvano: Of course

Moderator: Thanks so much, Steve. Thank you Sadie. The last question is for Judith.

As an executive producer for this movie, what interested you in Erin’s story.

Judith Verno: Well, I really do like doing stories that start with something where you feel it’s relatable and I do like doing stories that focus on a younger generation. It’s an area that I’ve worked on before and I welcome it.

I think that as Sadie and Tom and Evan alluded to, you know Erin is a really good person. And to be able to message that you can have flaws, make mistakes, be young and not wind up dead is important to me and so I love the true crime genre, I love the setting of this. I don’t think there’s been a lot of true crime that’s in a military environment, but most of all, I really love working with young people. We had an amazing cast and to be able to pay tribute to Erin who is a victim in the truest sense, and have a teachable moment for viewers, but also be entertaining, is you know it’s a great kind of story to be able to have the privilege to tell.

Moderator: That’s great. Well listen, thank you guys for participating.

We really appreciate it. And just a quick reminder to everyone that Secrets of a Marine’s Wife will premieres on Saturday, June 19th on Lifetime. So check it out, and thank you to all of our panelists and hold tight for our next panel.

MORE INFO:

"Secrets of a Marine's Wife" key art

SECRETS OF A MARINE‘S WIFE PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Secrets of a Marine‘s Wife is based on the true story of 19-year-old Erin Corwin (Sadie Calvano), who was married to U.S. Marine Corporal Jon Corwin (Evan Roderick) and expecting her first child, when she suddenly went missing. Erin’s disappearance sparked a grueling search led by family, friends and local law enforcement in the extreme conditions of the Joshua Tree National Park until her body was found two months later at the bottom of an abandoned mineshaft. Suspicions mounted quickly in the tight knit Marine community, and residents began to wonder if the killer was one of their own. In their investigation, detectives uncover a friendship turned illicit relationship between Erin and her neighbor, Marine Christopher Lee (Tom Stevens), which consumed them both and called into question the paternity of Erin’s baby. Was this a motive for murder? Who was responsible? Investigators work to discover answers to these questions and to unmask who killed Erin Corwin. Secrets of a Marine‘s Wife is produced by Front Street Pictures for Lifetime, with Sony Pictures Television distributing. Judith Verno/Peace Out Productions and Sharlene Martin/Martin Literary & Media Management serve as executive producers. Manu Boyer directs from a script written by Richard Blaney and Gregory Small.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Sadie Calvano and Evan Roderick

Interview with Jennie Garth, Anwen O’Driscoll and Gloria Ui Young Kim

Posted on June 12, 2021March 15, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Jennie Garth, Anwen O'Driscoll and director Gloria Ui Young Kim of "Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story" on Lifetime

Interview with stars Jennie Garth, Anwen O’Driscoll and director Gloria Ui Young Kim of “Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/19/21

I enjoyed speaking with these actresses and the director. It was one of several Lifetime movie casts we spoke with in a special Zoom press call on the same day. The movie is worth watching. The story is good and the performances are great!

BEGIN LEFT FOR DEAD PANEL

Moderator: Wonderful, well we are officially getting started on our third panel today – three out of seven and today is going to be the cast and creatives from Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves story today we have Jennie Garth, Anwen O’Driscoll and director Gloria Ui Young Kim.

Let’s go ahead and get this started. So I’m going to go ahead and kick it off and do the first question with Gloria, our director Gloria.

Gloria (director): Hi, how are you?

Moderator: I’m good. I’m glad that you all are able to join us today. Gloria how does Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story stand out compared to other films you have directed?

Gloria (director): It was such an important story, I think to tell. I was immediately drawn in by the script and by the strength of the script and the strength of the story of resilience. And I had so much support at all levels from the producer Jeff Vanderwal, at Cineflix, and from Lifetime, our Executive Chris Wade. I mean, we were all aligned in the story that we wanted to tell, and it was full steam ahead. It was just really exciting.

Moderator: Awesome, well glad that you’re here. So we’re going to go ahead and get some press up here. Let’s go ahead and go with Lisa first – Lisa.

Lisa (Starry Magazine): Hi guys, thanks so much for taking some time to chat with us. For Jennie this is such an intense role for you. How did you shake off a long day of filming this one?

Jennie Garth (talent): Yeah, it was definitely a… so heart wrenching, especially, you know, being the mother of three young girls, this movie really tapped into a lot of very deep true emotions for me. So it was important for us to have as much fun as we could on the set and while working crazy, under the crazy time constraints…he was dealing with and kind of…Giving everybody their space to sort of go through everything that they needed to go through and then sort of let it all go at the end of….

Moderator: Great, awesome. Thank you Jennie. You were cutting out on my end so but I hope everyone was able to hear that. So thank you. Our next question is from Jamie – Jamie.

Jamie (SciFi Vision): Hi guys, thanks for talking to us. This is for Jennie and Anwen. I’d like to know how you two kind of worked on your relationship. Did you hang out at all outside of production or anything like that?

Anwen (talent): I mean, there it was hard to do a lot because there were covid restrictions, of course. But we did, we did have a get together, Gloria, Jennie and I one time beforehand where we talked through everything and talked through our characters and the journey of the edge and had dinner one time. But it wasn’t too much because of Covid going on. We did a lot of it on set, which was great.

Jennie (talent): *cuts out* a connection.

Gloria (director): With Jennie’s dog. And she brought her dog, so we all bonded.

Anwen (talent): Yes, immediately.

Jamie (SciFi Vision): We always bond over pets, right?

Moderator: Awesome thank you Jamie and Jennie we might have to hear more about that dog in a little bit, but moving right along with Jay Bobbin.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Hey Jennie, how are you? How are you?

Jennie (talent): Good! How are you?

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Good! Good to see you. A lot of people refers to the many perils of Kelly Taylor – burned on drugs, stalked, kidnapped. When it comes to something like this do you draw a lot on all the drama you did on 90210? I know it’s been a good number of years now, but did you find that good training as you look back to do a project like this?

Jennie (Talent): Working on camera sort of serve you as you get older and do more complex roles. Absolutely yeah, my character went through so much on that show that there’s a lot there. Real life experience with being a mom and having a young daughter and just putting myself in this woman’s shoes, you know, and really kind of feeling this terrible tragedy first hand. So it was a combination.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): OK, thanks.

Moderator: Wonderful thanks Jay. Up next, we have Suzanne.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Hi, my question is for Anwen. Your role seems very physical – was that difficult at all for you? Did you have to work on your upper arm strength?

Anwen (talent): Yes, it was. It was very challenging because I had never done something, so just like deep dive into something so physically and vocally challenging. We, Gloria and I, worked beforehand with an occupational therapist for physicality and vocal which really helps. And we also had a physical therapist on set sometimes which was great to remind me to do certain things, but I did practice a lot and watch as many videos as I could and I would take little videos and little clips of my voice and send it to Gloria and be like, what does this sound like? How does this sound like? Is this just trying to keep it consistent and accurate. I suppose I didn’t want to make it – I was afraid to make it kind of like a caricature thing, so I wanted to really get Gloria’s opinion and get everyone to tell me that it was OK.

Gloria (director): Anwen, you were great.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Gloria, can you give us insight as to what went into shaping the movie in terms of that you decided pretty early on to show that he was definitely or seemed to be the person that tried to kill her rather than making it more say of a mystery. Was it a boyfriend? Was it someone else?

Gloria (director): Sorry, what’s your question?

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Yes, can you give us insight as to how it went into making the movie in framing it that way? Focusing more on her as her rehab and all that kind of thing?

Gloria (director): Yeah, I think it was really, really important. I think just to everyone involved

that this be Ashley’s story, that this be the story of her resilience and her overcoming the obstacles, I think. You know this story was in the news. Everyone knew that it was. The person who it was that attacked her and you know, he was the one that led the police to her body. So in some ways the mystery aspect didn’t really quite work for this story and I think also just given the time that we’re living in, I think it’s just really, really, really important that women’s stories are in the forefront and that her actual story of survival was the story rather than the mystery story.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Thank you.

Gloria (director): No problem.

Moderator: Wonderful, thank you Suzanne. Up next, we have Steve Gidlow.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Hi, my question is actually for Anwen. You were terrific in this. It’s just so so good. I was just wondering, one of the things you really seem to encapsulate with this whole performance was the frustration that your character went through. How much of it was frustrating for you?

Anwen (talent): Well, one of the things that drew me when I first read the script, and write to Ashley herself, was I could connect with the feeling of not being believed by people. And that was one of her huge struggles throughout the movie, was not being heard and not being supported by a lot of people that were close to her. She did have some support by, you know, her mother. But I think it was because could really connect to that feeling so the frustrations were real and I couldn’t pull on that because it was a real thing that I’ve experienced in my own life. Which is unfortunate, but it’s common and it happens all the time.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Yeah, well, you’re quite remarkable. So thank you so much.

Anwen (talent): Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you Steve. Up next is Barb Oates.

Barb Oates (Channel Guide): Great, thank you. This question is for Anwen. What did you learn or maybe take from after walking in Ashley’s journey?

Anwen (talent): I was very inspired by her bravery. And playing the character because I wouldn’t say that I’m a very brave person or confrontational in real life, so getting to play that character and playing that truth of her really inspired me as a person, and I felt that it encouraged me to be braver. So I feel like I pulled that from Ashley and learned that from Ashley herself. It’s great.

Barb Oates (Channel Guide): Thank you.

Moderator: Wonderful, thank you Barb. Up next, I believe Jay Bobbin. Do you have a follow up question?

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): I asked you, if you don’t mind sure. Jennie, another one Jennie, another one for you. Now that you’ve produced as you did on the 90210 reboot a couple of summers ago. Do you enjoy being an actress for hire as much, or do you look more for getting into situations where you can produce as well as act?

Jennie (talent): Well, it’s definitely changing hats when you’re producing some. On all fronts, kind of calling the shots and in charge of things. So I was very respectful of the producers that did such a great job with this film and Gloria, who did such a wonderful job directing it and trying to kind of zip it creatively, and let them do their job and stand back and let me do my job. So it was definitely changing gears but there is something refreshing about just being an actor for hire sometimes.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Sure, thank you.

Moderator: Great thank you, Jay. Jamie, did you have your hand up for a follow up or is your hand just still up?

Jamie (SciFi Vision): Sorry, yeah I just forgot to put it down.

Moderator: Sorry, no all good. I just wanted to make sure you got your question answered. Let’s go on then to Lisa, Lisa.

Lisa (Starry Magazine): Now Jennie about that dog. Just joking.

Jennie (talent): No, that was buddy. He was an emotional support dog for everybody on set. I think everybody benefited from having an animal on set. It was such a comfort issue and everybody was so spread so thin emotionally, that we all just sort of took turns clutching on to him.

Gloria (director): It’s true.

Moderator: Also, I love that the dog was brought back, so let’s go now. Steve, I believe has another follow up – Steve.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Yeah, I did actually have another question for Anwen. I’m just wondering how much time or how much interaction did you get to have with the real Ashley?

Anwen (talent): I didn’t get to speak with her unfortunately. Maybe hopefully one day. But I did want to give space and I respected you know, her space. I wouldn’t want to come at her with this super heavy subject matter. It’s her story and I feel like maybe she’s done talking about that and done having people come at her about it so. I just did a lot of self stuff and just tried to connect with her bravery and her heart and make that the focal point.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Was there a part to playing her without having interacted, that made it a little better for you, because you kind of were doing your own thing versus, you know if you had spoken to her, it would have been a different story.

Anwen (talent): Yeah, it’s true. I think it allowed me to add a bit of myself into it and I liked doing that, just you know, a little combination of me and her together, I suppose.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Thanks so much.

Moderator: Awesome, thank you Steve. And our last question should be from Barb – Barb Oates.

Barb Oates (Channel Guide): Thanks, I was wondering, this is for Gloria mainly, but were the Reeves family – are they aware of the film and did you approach them at all and do they have any input into anything?

Gloria (director): Yeah, the Reeves family is aware of the film and it would have been Christina Welsh, the writer, and Jeff Vanderwal, the producer, who were the ones who had the relationship with her. They spent time with her and interviewed her. So she was a part of the process. And in terms of my relationship, I just worked with the script and I worked with the materials that I had been sent and the stuff that I had done research online. We’re trying really hard to tell a respectful story.

Barb Oates (Channel Guide): Got it, thank you.

Moderator: Wonderful, and that was the last question from what I could tell. So thank you everyone for your questions and especially thank you to Gloria, Jennie and Anwen. We will be prepping for our next panel here in just a moment so stay tuned.

Video Trailer Watch

MORE INFO:

LEFT FOR DEAD: THE ASHLEY REEVES STORY

PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 12 at 8/7c

(L to R): Jennie Garth and Anwen O’Driscoll

In 2006, 17-year-old Ashley Reeves (Anwen O’Driscoll) is left for dead in the woods following a brutal attack. After spending 30 horrific hours in the cold, gravely wounded, lying in the dirt, and paralyzed, the police find her alive. Her injuries are so severe that she must re-learn how to walk and talk. With no memory of what happened, she begins a long and painful recovery while searching her shattered memory to unlock the mystery of who did this to her. Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story is based on the extraordinary true story of an ordinary teenage girl who had to fight for her life three times; first in the woods, then in the hospital, and finally in court. Jennie Garth stars as Ashley’s mother, Michelle Reeves.

Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story is produced by Cineflix (Left For Dead) Inc. Jeff Vanderwal is among the executive producers. Gloria Ui Young Kim directs from a script written by Christina Welsh.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

poster for the movie

Interview with Jana Kramer and Orly Adelson

Posted on June 6, 2021March 14, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Orly Adelson and Jana Kramer of "Soccer Mom Madam" on Lifetime

Interview with star Jana Kramer and producer Orly Adelson of “Soccer Mom Madam” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/19/21

I enjoyed speaking with these two women about the Lifetime movie. It was interesting to hear about the real-life story and how they made the movie. This was part of a virtual press junket for several Lifetime summer movies that we’re covering this summer.

SOCCER MOM MADAM

Moderator: Hi everybody, our next panel is soccer mom madam and with us today is Jana Kramer, and executive producer. Orly Adelson. Hi ladies.

Orly & Jana: Hi. Hi

Moderator: how are you

Orly Adelson (Executive Producer): good

Moderator: thank you guys so much for being here today.

Orly Adelson: Thank you for having us

Moderator: Of course. our first question is for Orly. Orly. Knowing that this is inspired by a true story, what made you want to turn it into a film?

Orly Adelson: I was compelled by the idea of a mother by day and a Madam by night, and how those two lives ultimately are going to collide, and that journey is what intrigued me about it. And it’s about human things. It’s about betrayal. It’s about family. It’s about love. It’s all the things that we encounter every day and she encountered it differently.

Moderator: Thanks Orly, our first – our next question is from Jay Bobbin.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Hello Jana, thanks so much for doing this. Good to see you.

Jana Kramer: Of course. good to see you too.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Thank you. You’ve done so many heartwarming projects in recent years, but those who know you from your earlier acting years remember how sassy you were – as it were – on One Tree Hill. Is it particularly pleasurable for you to return to this type of character now?

Jana Kramer: Jay, I couldn’t tell you how happy I was to read this script and talk to Orly.

I mean, I pretty much begged her. I was like I’ll do whatever – this script is so amazing. It’s fun and it’s sassy and it’s, you know there’s depth to it and it just made me feel excited.

Not that I don’t love, you know, the, you know the sweet Christmas movies and stuff, but there’s something about really going there – vulnerably and emotionally and just, you know, remembering why I love acting so much. Because you can just bring in so much of your personal life and you know it’s just – it’s fun and you know there were some really heavy days on set ’cause I had to get super emotional. But, I was like oh like this is this is the best day. So – I was thrilled that I got it and I was yeah – I was very happy.

Jay Bobbin: Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you, our next question is from Lisa.

Lisa (Starry Magazine): Hi, thank you both for taking some time to speak with us today. Jana, what were some of your favorite moments from filming this? Was there a particular scene that stands out to you that was really challenging or something that really was interesting that you felt you worked on for this particular one?

Jana: You know, I’ll say thanks for the question Lisa. I personally enjoyed the time that I spent.

The girls were, you know, They were family to this – the woman that it was inspired by, and just the camaraderie that all of us girls had filming together – the fun that we had. You know, there’s a scene in particular where we went to this event and I’m basically trying to pick out the millionaires in the room. And just like, us going in there, as strong women and just the -again, the fun that we had together – it was really nice to feel empowered and also have you know, the support. Women supporting each other. And yeah, I just I loved the girls so much in this movie and they’ve stayed friends. So I think that was the kind of you know silver lining with this doing, this film was just having that friendship.

Moderator: Great, our next question is from Rick Bentley.

Rick Bentley (Tribune): Jenna, I’m just curious. These films are ripped from the headlines,

so from an acting perspective, Do you look at that and go: great I can find some source material to help me build a character. Or do you go – Oh crap, people know this story, what am I going to do differently?

Jana Kramer: Yeah sure, and Orly and I had a conversation about that ’cause I was fortunate to talk to the woman that this movie is portrayed about. And you know, I was kind of talking to Orly and I’m like man, like you know she’s got a little bit of an accent and so I was started freaking out as an actor ’cause I’m like, What if I don’t live up to like who she is and you know how she actually had her mannerisms and Orly really let me just take on their role. she reminded me that yes, it’s based on a true story, but to bring my story into it, and I think that the marriage of both of those worked really well. Don’t you agree Orly?

Orly Adelson: Yeah, ’cause it was inspired by her. And so the authenticity of the movie is because we have the access to stories – to the journey. But yet you have to embark and embody that character in your own way.

Jana Kramer: Absolutely.

Orly Adelson: And Jana did it brilliantly, By the way. how many actresses had this ability

to show vulnerability and strength? Be likable? Because that’s so important for this character – yet be tough. That’s a challenge that I really – I – sitting there and watching her film every day was really thrilling. To see how she could move quickly between all of these mine fields.

Jana Kramer: Thanks, Orly.

Moderator: Our next question is from Jamie Ruby.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): Hi Jana – and I don’t know – Orly may have just mentioned some of these things now, but I was wondering if you could talk about some of the things that you found most challenging.

Jana Kramer: Oh man – the things I found most challenging, UM? You know, I – So once I got the idea out of my head that OK I don’t have to portray this person exactly. I think – kind of what Orly mentioned was what was challenging is making sure that – I didn’t want people to….. ’cause like when you hear something like oh Madam – oh like what’s wrong with her? Or I wanted people to see that she was just doing the best that she could and to have that like ability too – is like – you know as a mom as a single mom, it’s like I I’m going to do what I have to do to support my kids and it may not be what you like but you know I have to do what I have to do. And so my biggest challenge, I guess it was just making sure that I kept her focus on the kids and you know it started to – and it was har ’cause then you’ll see like in the storyline, that you know she kind of gets a little bit lost, but bringing it back to the heart of why she worked so hard.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): Orly, What about you? What did you find the hardest thing?

Orly Adelson: For me it was really, how can we make it authentic? How can we really tell this story? So it’s not something you’ve seen in another movie because she had – Anna Gristina

had a different journey and that journey is important to tell in the way that it was inspired by her, not by other characters before that. So I think our writer, Barbara Marshall did an incredible job immediately by tying everything together through a narrative of girls that care about each other. Family that cares about each other – and so the disappointments were much harder at the end. And I don’t know how many of you saw the end and I won’t give it up but for me, that last scene of Jana in the movie – while she was filming it, I cried and then when we were editing I cried because it was true to the losses, the ups and down and at the end of the day; the price you pay.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision): Great, thank you so much both of you.

Jana Kramer: Thanks Jamie.

Moderator: Thank you guys. I think we have another question from Rick.

Rick Bentley (Tribune): Yeah, I’m sorry Orly, I just want to get a little clarification here. You’ve mentioned the term authentic and you also talked about inspired by. When you’re dealing with a story like this what is the benefit of just basing a story on a real event and not just saying I’m just going to create this fictional story about a soccer mom where you don’t have to worry about – You know how authentic you stay and how you know how much you can sway from that that original story?

Orly Adelson: I think it’s a very thin line here between taking the heart of a story and telling it versus every moment to verify – Oh, this happened that way? Now I have three people that I have to verify that it happened this way. Was this the girl? Now I need to make sure that the

girl was portrayed exactly correctly – versus I spoke to 2 girls, Never met them, spoke to them anonymously. And so it’s a little different than having to have then all the rights to that girl and make sure that she said that word versus didn’t say that word. It’s just the nuance between inspired to telling the story as a true story. ‘Cause even when you tell it from the point of view of Anna, it’s her POV that’s already a skewed POV.

Jana Kramer: Sure.

Orly Adelson: But that’s the point of view that was interesting to us.

Moderator: Thank you Orly. I think we have time for one more question from Suzanne.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Hi! I was wondering, Orly, if you could tell us what you think might have happened, either from the real story, or from what you would do if you, say, had a sequel. What happened in your mind after that last scene. Does she stay on the pig farm? Does she get back together? Does her daughter forgive her? Does she get her life back together? What do you think?

Jana Kramer: You want the perfect bow don’t you? Like what happens, it’s like, oh, if I could always, ask that question.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): You know, I’m like – what happened?

Orly Adelson: You know, here it is. She will never do it again. She has gotten married. And she still has all the pigs. And she raises pigs and sends me pictures. She’s a unique character, really unique, and Jana got an opportunity to talk to her. She’s very unique, very honest, and very unique.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): And Jana, what was it like for you working with the kids on the show?

Jana Kramer: Oh, they were so sweet. Every age with them. The younger kids were so sweet.

And then the girl who played Mia. I mean, she’s a doll and I still, you know, text with her and I kind of felt like, you know, her mom when I left because I was, you know,

giving her tips about you know, don’t take anything from bullies and like you’re beautiful and like believe in yourself and you know it was cool ’cause I was able to help her in on of the scenes that we did. She was wanting to use some teardrops and I remember this one actor, actually, Austin Nichols, I was having a hard time crying on the set of One Tree Hill ’cause I was

just blocked emotionally and he held my hands and I just started crying. And so I said to her, I was like you don’t need that tear stick ’cause I know, you know the stuff that you’ve told me.

You’ve got a lot in in your heart and I was like you need to use it. So, in the middle of the scene I just held her hands and I was like, just look at me and then she just starts crying and I’m like yes! Like it just feels good to like help and like you know give back to like to someone-

like Austin did for me and just like to tap into those emotions and yeah, they were great. It was so fun. Thank you.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): That was a great story.

Moderator: Well, thank you all for your questions. An Orly and Jana thank you so much for being here with us today. I know that everyone is looking forward to June 6 to watch this movie and everyone stay tuned for our next panel.

Video Trailer Watch

MORE INFO:

Jana Kramer as Anna in "Soccer Mom Madam" on Lifetime

After a bitter breakup leaves her and her young children without any support, Anna (Jana Kramer) goes to work for her cousin at a massage parlor known for “happy endings.” As soon as she learns the ropes, Anna branches out on her own, establishing a high end New York escort service that matches beautiful young women with the wealthiest and most powerful men in the city. For years, she operates undetected, making millions while keeping the secret of her success hidden from her children and the other moms in her Westchester suburb. But when the FBI begins to investigate her, hoping to catch a big fish among her elite clientele, Anna’s days as a madam are numbered when her double life is revealed with devastating consequences.

Produced by Front Street Productions for Lifetime, Soccer Mom Madam is inspired by true events. Orly Adelson and Jon Eskenas executive produce, Kevin Fair directs from a script by Barbara Marshall.

Preview Lifetime site

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

"Soccer Mom Madam" poster

Interview with Julie Benz

Posted on June 5, 2021March 15, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Julie Benz, star of "Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer" June 13 on Lifetime

Interview with producer Barbara Lieberman and star Julie Benz of “Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/19/21

Julie is one of my favorite actresses. I’ve followed her career since she played “Babs” in “Honey I’m Home” back in 1991. She’s proven what a great actress she is over and over in many roles, such as Darla on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel;” in the original “Roswell;” in “Desperate Housewives;” in “Dexter;” and in “Defiance.” I could go on and on. She really shines in this starring role as a manipulative and murderous woman (unfortunately, based on a true story). I enjoyed speaking with her about it. I’ve interviewed her before, but this was the first time on Zoom, so it was very special to me. It was also very enjoyable to hear her and the producer discuss the film and the real woman that Julie is portraying.

SECRETS OF A GOLD DIGGER PANEL

Moderator: Hi everybody, our next panel is Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer. With us today is Julie Benz who plays “Celeste Beard” and executive producer Barbara Lieberman. Our first question is for you, Barbara. This movie is based on the book The Fortune Hunter by Suzy Spencer. What attracted you to this story?

Barbara Lieberman (Executive Producer): Well, it was a very high-profile case and Celeste Beard was an outrageous, outrageous woman and what she did was frankly reprehensible. And sort of unbelievable…but riveting and fascinating. And you know the depths that she could go were, I think very dramatic and would would make a fascinating movie and I was particularly attracted also to the girls, her daughters and how their relationship between Celeste and her daughters and how they survive their mother. And they did. And they’re fine now. So that’s a good thing. So yes, that’s why.

Moderator: Thank you, Barbara. Our next question is from Suzanne.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): Hi Julie, I was wondering what you did to prepare for the role mentally to be so…I know you’re not an awful killer or terrible person. What did you do to prepare for this role?

Julie Benz: The great thing about these types of roles is you can get all that anger and aggression out on set. For me, you know, I did a lot of research. We shot in Vancouver, so I had a 14 day quarantine. And so I spent that time watching every video footage I could find of Celeste and going down every rabbit hole of the case and just really trying to wrap my head around this woman and like Barbara said, she was extremely outrageous and it was challenging for me. It allowed me basically to take the lid off of her like most people live with, a lid on to keep certain emotions in check, and Celeste just was like…she just vomited however she felt. And so it was just being able to release the valve and let it all out and let it go. There were some days after filming all day where I would just A.) I’d be exhausted just from the amount of the emotional journey that she was going on but just that the jumping around in the shooting schedule as well. It was exhausting. But it was exhilarating as well.

Barbara Lieberman: I mean, I could say one other thing about Celeste, who was who was very savvy in her in her manipulation and smart about it. And could you know hone in on the people that that she felt that she could best manipulate and use for her own ends and did that for a number of years quite successfully, but ultimately did not get away with it.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMeg): I imagine that’s a characteristic that most gold diggers share. I actually knew a gold digger of a friend of mine. Married one and she didn’t kill him, thankfully. She took him for all he was worth so the same kind of manipulation that you’re talking about, so…thank you.

Moderator: Thanks Suzanne. Our next question is from Jamie.

Jamie (Starry Magazine): Hi Julie, great to talk to you again. Can you talk about working with the accent and the challenge of that?

Julie Benz: Um you know, I’m good at it, so it wasn’t that challenging for me. For me, it was really kind of getting Celeste when she talks. She has kind of a really flat tone and it was really trying to get some of that flat tone like she flattens A’s a lot and just also I can lean too heavily into the accent, so they were constantly pulling me away, like backing me off from it. But getting that flat tone but still being able to show emotion through it. But when you watch Celeste in interviews, she just has this very flat kind of way that she talks. So it was being able to do that, but also still show all the like having the emotional range and having that go through your voice.

Jamie: Well, it was believable, so thank you.

Julie Benz: Thank you!

Moderator: Thank you. Our next question is from Jay Bobbin.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Hello Julie, I like your comment about vomiting everything out as this character and also about having be pulled back on the accent. I mean you’ve done so much work over the years. You certainly know that when you get a colorful character like this, you can go high, wide and handsome at the same time. I guess the challenge is to moderate so you don’t go too far. How was that process for you as you approach the character before anybody else gave you direction?

Julie Benz: Well for me I go like this – approaching Celeste, I spoke to Robin, our director, and I was like I’m gonna chew the scenery like I’m gonna, I’m gonna just let it go. It’s up to you to tell me when I need where I need to pull it back when I need to pull it back and help me craft the performance because the only way I know how to play her is to just go from zero to 60 in under you know under a second so it was really in Robin’s hands to help like tell me like that. Take it down a little bit, you know. Next, take let’s you know, try a different approach. All of that. So Robin really helped me craft the performance of her as well.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Thank you.

Barbara Lieberman: Well, I’m going to say one thing about Julie. I mean, what’s ironic is Julie is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and the fact that she could slide into this role and play this woman with such ease and depth and definitely was fabulous and as I said, ironic considering the difference between her and the character but…go ahead sorry…

Julie Benz: I will say too like there were some scenes that really just that broke my heart as an actress where I really scared Roan and Georgia who played my daughters and like literally after every take I would just hug them and just be like I’m so sorry. And they loved it. They were just like no. We were terrified. But it’s like you know they would Robin would yell cut and I would immediately grab them into a hug just to make me feel better because it there was a lot of ugly energy that I had to live in.

Moderator: Thanks you guys. Barbara, you do a lot of movies with Lifetime and we’re just wondering – what is it like to work with Lifetime and do you prefer to work with our network over other networks?

Barbara Lieberman: Well, that’s a very loaded question. I mean I love, I love to work with Lifetime. I mean in the past that right now, in this present day, they’re my favorite network to work with. I mean, over the years I’ve worked with HBO and other places, but many other places but Lifetimes great. And there you know, there very much now very opened to pushing the envelope. On their subject matter and the execution, they if it’s dark, they’re OK about being dark. I like to put a lot of interesting, outrageous and you know, contemporary music in and they’re open to that, so that makes it very attractive to me to work with them as a network. So yeah, it’s great.

Moderator: That’s awesome, that’s great. And how did you get involved in this movie to begin with? Like what was the start of your work on this project?

Barbara Lieberman: Me?

Moderator: Yes

Barbara Lieberman: I read about this story 17 years ago and started developing it then and it was a long haul and we had a good script. But then somehow the regimes changed, and it went away. And then last year Lifetime asked me to do another true crime and I said OK to that. And then I called up Tanya Lopez and said, listen, there’s a movie that is such a great story and there’s a script and it needs a little work, but it’s not difficult to do, and frankly we have to make this movie. And she said, OK, let’s make it. I mean it was…it was great so that that worked out really well. And I’m so glad they said yes and were happy with the film. And I think it’s very entertaining also. I mean obviously I’m not objective at all but people seem to like it.

Moderator: Thank you, Barbara. Our next question is from Steve Gidlow.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Hi, my question is actually for Julie. I would assume going into a role, you’ve got to find something redeeming about the character, like something to like about her. I would imagine with this one – pretty hard. Was there anything you found redeeming about her? And do you think she was doing it for her kids?

Julie Benz: So when I entered into this project and started researching Celeste, I would go back and forth between was she guilty, was she innocent? Because you watch her in an interview and she still claims her innocence and she’s so believable so I really tried not to pass any judgment on her and really, I think in her mind, she did it for her family, her children and like this is what you do. But I think at the end of the day she really just did it for herself and that’s speaking right now that I’m removed from the project and she’s out of my system. But in it, while I was in it, I would have big arguments on set about like I don’t know. I think she’s innocent guys. I really, you know…I watched another interview. Barbara would be like no, she’s not.

Barbara Lieberman: If you talk to her today, she will of course tell you she’s innocent and she’ll go into all kinds of rationalizations as to what everybody else did to make it bad, but she if convinced herself as many psychopaths are that she’s innocent, but she isn’t…

Julie Benz: …but she is very believable when you when you when you watch her an interview. She is so believable you just you watch her. At least for me, I would watch her interviews and just be like…she’s right, everybody was…everybody was out to get her. This is a total lie. This didn’t happen. She’s so innocent. And then you know, you read the transcript from the trial and you see all you hear the recorded messages and all of that. And you’re like, well, wait a second…

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Thanks so much guys, appreciate it.

Moderator: Thank you guys so much. Julie, this is our last question and it’s for you. If you could talk to Celeste and actually this is Barbara and Julie, you can both answer this. If you could speak to Celeste, what would you ask her?

Julie Benz: You know, I mean, the obvious question is come on, did you really do it? But I don’t think I would ask that. I’d be too afraid. I don’t know Barbara, what would you ask her?

Barbara Lieberman: I would probably…I wouldn’t ask that because you know, I know what her answer would be and it would be a lie. I would say do…did you…do you regret anything you did and would you do anything different and would you like to reconnect with your daughters? I think that’s what I would ask and see what she came up with. You know, by the way, as a side note, she has now, in case anybody’s interested in cooking has published a cookbook from prison. Prison Recipes by Celeste Beard. I mean it and also her mother wrote a book about her. She will never stop with her outrageous behavior. But yeah, I would ask her that and see if she has any regret at all. I mean, we have interviews with her from jail that we’ve used in addition to the book and all the massive research we did, but I think it’s would be hard to get a reliable answer from her about anything.

Julie Benz: Yeah, I think the best thing would just be to get her to talk. I mean, she sounds like somebody who would just talk and talk and talk and talk, which would be fascinating to listen to.

Moderator: Well thank you guys so very much for being here today. We can’t wait to watch Secrets of the Gold Digger Killer. Everybody, please stand by for the next panel.

Video Watch movie

MORE INFO:

Lifetime site with Preview

poster for the movie "Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer" on Lifetime Based on a true story, multimillionaire Steven Beard (Eli Gabay), a retired broadcasting executive, who fell hard for Celeste (Julie Benz), an attractive waitress who served him his nightly cocktail at the local country club in Austin, Texas. In 1995, the 70-year-old widow married the mother of teenage daughters and gave Celeste homes, cars, and more jewelry and designer clothes than she could ever wear. But it wasn’t enough for Celeste. After being admitted into a mental health facility for depression, Celeste met and seduced fellow patient Tracey Tarlton (Justine Warrington), convincing her that the only way they could be together would be to murder Steven. Knowing that she stood to inherit millions of dollars upon his death, the depth of Celeste’s lies, and betrayal knew no bounds until the truth was finally revealed by Tracey.

Produced by Fortune Hunter Films and based on The Fortune Hunter by Suzy Spencer, Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer is directed by Robin Hays and executive produced by Barbara Lieberman and Howard Braunstein.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Julie Benz of "Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer" on Lifetime (photo from her Instagram)

Interview with Kim Clemons and Robyn Adams

Posted on June 3, 2021June 3, 2021 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Showrunner Kim Clemons and former Casey Anthony cellmate Robyn Adams of "Cellmate Secrets" on Lifetime.

Interview with Showrunner Kim Clemons and former Casey Anthony cellmate Robyn Adams of “Cellmate Secrets” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/19/21

This part of a multi-panel set of Zoom interviews for the press, set up by Lifetime to publicize their “Summer of Secrets” slate of movies and this docu-series that interviews former cellmates of various infamous murderers. I don’t really watch much non-fiction, but it was fascinating to listen to, nonetheless, and I even managed to ask a question or two. It sounds like an interesting show, especially if you’ve followed the real-life cases or have an interest in true-crime shows.

CELLMATE SECRETS PANEL

Moderator: Wonderful, we are officially on our last and final panel of our Lifetime Summer of Secrets press event. So let us welcome our docuseries Cellmate Secrets showrunner Kim Clemons joined by documentary participant Robyn Adams, who shares her personal story in the premiere docuseries episode, Cellmate Secrets: Casey Anthony.

So, let’s go ahead and get the first questions started and this one will be for you, Kim. So, Kim, your company AMS Pictures produces a lot of true crime documentaries and specials, including Lifetime’s recent special Jodi Arias: Cellmate Secrets. Why do you think viewers are so intrigued by these stories and obsessed with this genre and what new cases can we expect to see for this new season of cellmate secrets?

Kim Clemons (Cellmate Secrets Showrunner AMS Pictures): Well, hello everyone. I think that people are so intrigued by true crime because these are regular people that could be your neighbors and you’d never suspect that someone that you know and like and went to school with would do something as heinous as whatever our cases are, so that’s what’s intriguing.

For this first season of Cellmate Secrets, we have not only the Casey Anthony story with Robyn Adams, but we also have Chris Watts, Joyce Mitchell, Susan Smith, Shayna Hubers and Drew Peterson. So, we’ve got an interesting season coming up.

Moderator: Wonderful, we’re definitely very excited and I do have another written question that came in and it is actually for Robyn

Robyn, what was it like sitting down with a documentary film crew for the first time and going step-by-step through your relationship with Casey Anthony, detailing your lives together behind bars?

Robyn Adams (Cellmate Secrets: Casey Anthony doc participant): It was actually…thank you for the question…It was actually a lot more difficult than I had originally anticipated. It was…it brought out a lot of raw emotions that I had to come to terms with that I suppose I had just compartmentalized.

To really address certain issues and a lot of questions that came from throughout the nation — I feel like, I feel like I did my part and in turn I feel like it was very liberating for me also.

Moderator: Of course, and thank you for sharing your story. So, Kim, could you tell us about some of the reactions and you know, working with Robin? And not just Robyn, but the series as a whole. Could you go into what sort of reactions you were gathering?

Kim Clemons: Reactions from our cellmates?

Moderator: Yeah – with Robin and also the other participants who you interviewed?

Kim Clemons: Reactions, well, I think what we found the common thread between all of our participants was that there was some kind of understanding or friendship in the beginning. There’s clearly no kind of judgment in prison if you’re alone in a cell and there’s a likeminded person or someone your age who’s just as scared and alone as you are, you’re probably going to befriend them and forgive. Kind of and maybe, like Robyn said, compartmentalized what they’ve done just so you could, you know, have someone to talk to. So, I have noticed that most of our participants going in felt sympathy or some kind of kinship with the famous person that we’re profiling.

Moderator: For sure. Well thank you for that. I do…actually, Suzanne has a question, Suzanne?

Suzanne Lanoue (The TV MegaSite): Hi Kim, did you create the series?

Kim Clemons: Well, not personally, but we have a small team here at AMS that works on original programming and our executive producer, Andy Streitfeld actually sent us a clip of a cellmate who was friends with Jodie Arias in prison last year and it was a clip from somewhere on the internet and that’s how the ball got rolling.

We did the pilot on Jodi, and it did well enough that we were granted a season. So there are probably, you know four or five core people here that work on this show full time.

Suzanne Lanoue: Oh, great… and did you already have somebody, or already have Angie Harmon in mind, for the narrator? Or was there a big audition process?

Kim Clemons: Lifetime suggested Angie. We were told that they wanted some kind of recognizable voice for the show after the pilot had aired, and Lifetime said that she was the only one on the list and only one that I ever was aware of, and they wanted her pretty badly. And I’m excited to report that she’s just as excited to be a part of the show. So great, yeah, she’s awesome.

Moderator: Well, thank you. Wonderful thank you, Suzanne. This question is going to go back to Robyn. Robyn, what did you know about Casey in jail since you were cut off from the media?

Robyn Adams: So, prior to being cut off from the media, is that is that how the question is directed?

Moderator: Yeah, so to speak yeah.

Robyn Adams: Well, just like Kim had said, there was a sense of kinship that was that was definitely there between Casey and me. Again, we were secluded, we were away from other inmates you know, and when that happens or any type of solitaire confinement — as we all know going through this whole pandemic — you tend to spend a lot more time with yourself than you could have ever imagined possible ever in your life and with all of the distractions completely taken away.

So, there we just have each other, and we were both in protective custody and although we were not sharing the same cell, we were able to communicate with each other discreetly through letters. Because of that, we did develop a very strong friendship, considering the circumstances.

Moderator: And as a follow up question to that, when did red flags go up as you got to know, Casey more and more, especially through the letters.

Robyn Adams: What were the red flags? There actually wasn’t I wouldn’t say many red flags — but there was one very big one — and one night, even though I was cut from the media, I was able to catch a glimpse of the 11:00 o’clock news, maybe for just not even two minutes and of course, the headline was that there was a bag of bones found in in a local river in Moss Park. So naturally, when I got taken back, she was the first person told that to and of course I was concerned. Just hoping to shed some light — at this point since they’re still trying to find her daughter. Nobody knows where she is and she’s still a concerned mom.

However, when I brought her that information it was a little, it was a little eye opening for me. She didn’t react the way at all as I thought she would knowing that her child has been missing for so long so –that that was definitely a huge, if not the biggest red flag of the whole case.

Moderator: First, thank you for sharing. Next, we have Steve Gidlow.

Steve Gidlow (Media Village): Oh hi, my question is actually for Robyn. I was just wondering if you could talk a little bit about some of the inner turmoil that you went through as far as sort of having to turn in your friend…how hard was that for you? I can’t imagine what you must have gone through personally.

Robyn Adams: That is an excellent question, and I actually can’t thank you enough for even asking that. So that the inner turmoil that…actually, I think you might be the very first person to ever ask me such a personal question like that, so it’s actually caught me off guard. (Tears up) I’m sorry I don’t need to do that.

Steve Gidlow: I’m just intrigued cause it’s…I would imagine it being extremely hard, but you want to do the right thing. So, what do you do?

Robyn Adams: It was actually. I feel like, I feel like that my whole story’s been a Lifetime movie. So just to be brief on my on my answer, my inner turmoil was exactly that. It was definitely inner turmoil in there. There really are no written words to ever express the pain in the hurt in the loss that I’ve ever gone through throughout this case. It’s still so very raw when I talk about it, and I’m sorry. But to have to turn on someone that I did call my friend was extremely difficult. And I’m sorry,

but if you’re and if you could see me…you could actually see that it is still very difficult.

Steve Gidlow: I can see it’s very raw for you hard. I appreciate your honest answer. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you, Steve, and thank you, Robin. This question is directed towards Kim. Kim, can you explain the process of finding the documentary interviewees? Just go a little bit into the process of how that went down.

Kim Clemons: Yeah, there’s no straight line to a terrific subject like Robyn. Usually, it starts with the nugget of someone either on the Internet or with Robin’s case. It was her letters that were kind of out there in the ether, and then we just tracked her down and it’s through all kinds of means. We talked to friends, family, and then, you know, sometimes like Robyn, their names have changed. So, we have a great team of researchers who are on social media. We’re reaching out to everyone and then finally…and I think we found you at your job. And of course, she was thinking that we were crazy, and we tried to get her to call us back.

And so, it takes some convincing, because a lot of these people that we have on our show, you know they want this behind them and don’t want to relive. And it’s also pretty personal, you know, having been in prison. You know what you want the world to know when you started your life over. You know, and made new friendships, and some people probably don’t know…so it takes time. But you know, we gained Robyn’s trust and she’s just made it all worthwhile. So, it’s kind of all over the place.

Moderator: Thank you, Kim. And I know that one of the final questions is for both of you to answer in your own honest opinions. Why was it important for both of you to tell these stories?

Kim coming from not just a series POV, but specifically the story of some 8 secrets.

For Casey Anthony, Robyn -why was it important for you to tell these stories? Or your story.

Kim Clemons: For us it was important to tell this story because really, because Robyn. Robyn’s story is amazing. And what this series does is it really humanizes prison inmates, and you know when you learn the backstories of some of these people who have been incarcerated with the famous person that everyone cares about, their stories are equally as fascinating and so we like telling those stories in addition to the ones that everyone is tuning in for. But, you know, kind of in the process, really gleaning, the stories of our cellmates and wanting the audience to root for them and you will want to root for them once you once you get through each episode.

Moderator: What about you, Robyn?

Robyn Adams: Well, I will tell you I’m definitely the underdog. So in in my opinion it’s…everything is always a struggle, right? So, and it doesn’t matter who you are or your position in in this world. You know where the hierarchy of which you may stand. Going through this walk of life has been extremely difficult and then it took learning to stand on your own two feet again and become an independent person and start from scratch with nothing because at that point you have no work history, you have no references to give…so to be able to bounce back in, become my own success story and be in, play…that part of a leader for other people in a positive way, means the world to me. And I’m so grateful and thankful that I’m able to do that with some people and be their mentor. It’s possible, it’s possible to come out of the prison system and be an absolute success in in rise to the top. So, in my opinion all that matters is that you you’re able to learn how to pick up the pieces along the way and rebuild and start mapping out. You know you have to be your own architect and start mapping out your future from day one, and that’s exactly what I did.

MORE INFO:

The Lifetimes Summer’s Secrets programming slate kicks off with Cellmate Secrets on Friday, June 4th and features new Rip from the headline movies starting Memorial Day, May 31st including new originals, Gone Mom: The Disappearance of Jennifer Dulos on June 5^th, Soccer Mom Madam on June 6^th, Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story on June 12^th, Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer on June 13^th, Secrets of a Marine’s Wife on June 19^th and Doomsday Mom on June 26^th.

Preview and more Info

ANGIE HARMON

JOINS NEW LIFETIME UNSCRIPTED SERIES

CELLMATE SECRETS
DEBUTING FRIDAYS DURING NETWORK’S FIRST ANNUAL SUMMER OF SECRETS
FOLLOWING ENHANCED VERSIONS OF

LIFETIME ORIGINAL MOVIES

Los Angeles, CA – April 22, 2021 – On the heels of last year’s hit special, Jodi Arias: Cellmate Secrets, the network announces the new six-episode doc series Cellmate Secrets, which revisits some of the most infamous stories of headline grabbing criminals as part of Lifetime’s Summer of Secrets line up. Angie Harmon (Rizzoli and Isles) will narrate the series, which reveals new insights and information as former friends, guards, cellmates and lovers give first-hand accounts of their time with the famed felons and defendants. Many of the episodes for this season of Cellmate Secrets will air following enhanced versions of Lifetime Original Movies that followed these true stories.

“Angie, true crime and Lifetime are a perfect fit together,” said Amy Winter, EVP, Head of Programming, Lifetime and LMN. “We know our audience devoured the stories when they were playing out in headlines, but now we can go even deeper to reveal more about those infamous stories.”

This season will reexamine the high-profile case of Casey Anthony, now nearing the 10th anniversary of when Casey was acquitted for the murder of her daughter Caylee, as well as the story of Joyce Mitchell, the woman who aided two convicts in their escape from prison in Dannemora, NY. Cellmate Secrets will also delve into the inner lives of convicted killers Drew Peterson, Chris Watts, Susan Smith and Shayna Hubers. Cellmate Secrets will air Fridays at 10pm ET/PT starting June 4th, following enhanced encores of Lifetime original movies centered on them including Prosecuting Casey Anthony and Drew Peterson Untouchable – both which starred Rob Lowe. Other movies include New York Prison Break: The Joyce Mitchell Story and Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer.

Angie Harmon is a talented actress and model, who has appeared in numerous tv series and films over the years. She is best known for her roles as Detective Jane Rizzoli on the series Rizzoli & Isles and Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael on Emmy-Award winning drama Law & Order. Rizzoli & Isles airs weekdays on Lifetime (check your local listings).

Lifetime’s Summer of Secrets will feature new movies starting Memorial Day, May 31, including new originals, Gone Mom (June 5), Soccer Mom Madam (June 6), Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story (June 12), Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer (June 13), Secrets of a Marine’s Wife (June 19) and Doomsday Mom (June 26).

Cellmate Secrets is produced by AMS Pictures with Andy Streitfeld serving as Executive Producer, Kim Clemons Showrunner, Brad Osborne Creative Director, Allison Willoughby Producer, Amanda Metz Production Manager. Amy Winter, Brie Miranda Bryant, Nicole Vogel executive produce for Lifetime. Mioshi Hill also serves as executive producer.

JUNE 4
Prosecuting Casey Anthony (Movie) – 8pm ET/PT
Cellmate Secrets: Casey Anthony– 10pm ET/PT

CELLMATE SECRETS: CASEY ANTHONY SNEAK PEEK

Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award nominee Rob Lowe stars as Jeff Ashton, the Florida prosecutor in the controversial Caylee Anthony murder trial and author of the best-selling book “Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony”, upon which the movie is based. The film reveals Ashton’s inside story of the true crime drama that captivated and then shocked the nation when Caylee Anthony’s mother, Casey, was acquitted of killing her daughter, despite what many thought to be overwhelming evidence of guilt. Prosecuting Casey Anthony is executive produced by Rob Lowe, Alison Cross, Jean Abounader and Michelle Manning. Peter Werner directed the screenplay by Alison Cross. The film is produced by Fox Television Studios. Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony is published by HarperCollins.

Cellmate Secrets: In 2008, two-year-old Caylee Anthony was reported missing by her grandmother and when Caylee’s mom, Casey was questioned, she made up stories about the babysitter kidnapping her daughter and she was arrested for lying to authorities and charged with first degree murder. In 2011 Casey was eventually found not guilty of the murder of Caylee and was released with time served. In all new interviews, Casey’s former cellmate and friend Robyn Adams shares how Casey lured her into a deep friendship when Casey first arrived in jail. Prison guard Silvia Hernandez also reveals how she risked her job to help facilitate the secret meetups between the two and she details how her life was ruined because of her involvement with the ladies.

JUNE 11

Drew Peterson: Untouchable (Movie) – 8pm ET/PT
Cellmate Secrets: Drew Peterson – 10pm ET/PT

Based on a true story about charming Chicago-area police officer Drew Peterson’s (Rob Lowe) fall from grace after the mysterious disappearance of his fourth wife. Peterson seemed virtually “untouchable” in more ways than one when it came to his womanizing ways, having been married three times before landing the eye and affection of Stacy Cales (Kaley Cuoco). As Peterson’s relationship with Stacy blossoms, his relationship with third wife Kathleen Savio (Cara Buono) unravels in a bitter divorce — until Kathleen is inexplicably found dead. Soon after making Stacy his wife Peterson’s jealousy begins to strain their marriage. When Stacy suddenly disappears, Peterson insists that she left him for another man but in the wake of her disappearance, new questions are raised about Kathleen’s death and her case is re-opened, drawing national media attention to Peterson. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, Drew Peterson: Untouchable was executive produced by Judith Verno and produced by Kyle Clark and Lina Wong. Mikael Salomon directed the movie from a script written by Teena Booth, based on the book, Fatal Vows, by Joseph Hosey.

Cellmate Secrets: In 2007 Chicago-area police officer Drew Peterson’s fourth wife Stacy disappeared, but he remained free for years until his third wife Kathleen’s body was exhumed and he was charged with her murder. In all-new interviews, viewers will get a behind the scenes look at Drew Peterson’s relationship with his ex-fiancé Christina Raines and her father Ernie Raines. Drew proposed to Christina while his fourth wife Stacy was still missing and while Drew was the prime suspect in Stacy’s disappearance, Christina moved into the home that Drew shared with Stacy. Ernie did everything he could to separate Christina from Drew, but the couple stayed together for almost three years and broke up after he went to prison. The special also includes new interviews with Drew’s girlfriend while in prison, Nicole Speakman. Nicole met Drew when he was in the media for Stacy’s disappearance and their relationship became serious after he went to jail for murder. Nicole and Drew were pen pals and she would travel to visit him, until they broke up after she began to suspect that he murdered Stacy and he became very dominant.

JUNE 18

New York Prison Break: The Seduction of Joyce Mitchell (Movie)– 8pm ET/PT

Cellmate Secrets: Joyce Mitchell – 10pm ET/PT

Inspired by the true story that gripped the nation, the movie tells the story of a prison staffer who helped two convicts escape, leading to a fatal manhunt. When Joyce Mitchell (Penelope Ann Miller) a married mother of three, meets convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat while running the tailor shop at the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Richard and David immediately set their sights on her as the perfect pawn for their escape plan. Flattered by their attention, Joyce is easily seduced by the prisoners, and soon agrees to help them break out. Wrapped up in a fantasy that men were in love with her, Joyce goes along with them when they suggest killing her husband so they can all run away together. At the last second, Joyce decides she can’t go through with the plot and a massive statewide manhunt for Richard and David ensues culminating in a deadly takedown and her own conviction. Produced by Mountainair Films, the film is executive produced by Judith Verno and Frank Von Zerneck. The movie is directed and written by Stephen Tolkin. David Manzanares co-produces, and Ron Schmidt is the line producer. The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Television.

Cellmate Secrets: Joyce Mitchell is the former prison staffer who helped two convicts escape, leading to a fatal manhunt in upstate New York. It was later revealed that the convicts Richard Matt and David Sweat seduced Joyce and convinced her to participate in their elaborate scheme. Former Inmate Erik Jensen, who worked with Joyce in the Clinton Correctional Facility’s tailor shop, reveals how Joyce’s incredible need for attention left her open to being manipulated by Richard and David. In a sit-down interview Erik describes tactics that inmates used to manipulate guards and he details the techniques that the two convicts used to convince Joyce to help them escape. Pam White, Joyce’s supervisor, recounts how she saw red flags long before anyone else and how she eventually left her position when her complaints were silenced. Kris Mullady, a Corrections Sergeant who oversaw security operations outside the building during the time of the escape, recounts the events that led up to the escape and the behaviors of those involved, including those of Joyce.

JUNE 25
Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer (Movie) – 8pm ET/PT
Cellmate Secrets: Chris Watts – 10pm ET/PT

When Chris Watts (Sean Kleier) tearfully pleaded to television cameras for the safe return of his missing pregnant wife Shanann (Ashley Williams) and their two young daughters, dark secrets loomed just beneath the surface. As the story spread, hearts went out to the distraught father and husband, who appeared to lead a charmed life. But days later, after failing a lie detector test, Chris confessed to brutally murdering his family and slowly revealed the horrific details of their deaths. Friends and family were left reeling, looking for answers as his double life and secret affair came to light. Brooke Smith portrays CBI agent Tammy Lee, who helped to bring Chris Watts to justice. Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer is produced by Sony Pictures Television. Judith Verno/Peace Out Productions serves as executive producer. Michael Nankin directs from a script written by Barbara Marshall.

Cellmate Secrets: In 2013 Chris Watts brutally murdered his pregnant wife and his two small children. He left his wife in a shallow grave and he put his daughters in two separate oil tanks. Chris tearfully pled for the return of his family in front of news cameras, but later confessed and it was revealed that he was having an affair with his co-worker. Chris still receives an overwhelming amount of fan mail behind bars and when his cellmate Dylan Tallman responded on his behalf to a fan letter from Christa Richello, it was the beginning of a close and intimate relationship between the trio. Christa, a clinical psychologist, is adamant that Chris Watts is innocent and she’s currently writing a book with Chris and her now fiancé Dylan. In all-new interviews Christa sits down with cameras and delves into her relationship with the two men, including that the cellmates are so close they consider themselves brothers, although some suspect that there’s more going on with the two men. The documentary crew also sits down with Cheryln Cadle, who became intrigued by Chris over the course of his trial and began exchanging letters with him and eventually met him in-person, where he allegedly revealed more to her than he did to the FBI.

*ENCORE AIRINGS*

JULY 2
Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret (Movie) – 8pm ET/PT
Cellmate Secrets: Jodi Arias (enhanced encore)– 10pm ET/PT

Based on the disturbing murder trial that captivated the nation, Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret tells the story of Jodi Arias (Tania Raymonde, Lost), a seductive 28-year-old found guilty of killing her former lover, Travis Alexander (Jesse Lee Soffer, The Mob Doctor), who was found nude in his home shower with a slit throat, 27 additional stab wounds and a bullet to the head. Jodi pled not guilty and contended she killed Alexander in self-defense. Her subsequent trial was grand theater, dominating the cable news networks as she testified in her own defense and offered explicit insight into the sex, lies and obsession that led up to Alexander’s murder. This is a special encore airing of the movie, as part of the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Lifetime Original Movie.

Cellmate Secrets: Seven years after being convicted of first-degree murder, new disturbing information comes to light about Jodi Arias and the murder of her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander as her former cellmates and closest confidants give firsthand accounts of their time behind bars with the murderess. In an exclusive double interview, Tracy Brown and Donavan Bering reveal details and shocking information that they heard directly from Arias, including a bombshell new theory about the night of Alexander’s murder. Through cryptic personal never-before-read letters and rare disturbing works of art, Brown and Bering recount stories of how Arias used her sex-appeal and manipulation to coerce them and others into becoming loyal followers that would do her bidding in and out of jail. Bering also delves into how Arias cultivated a devoted fanbase to run her social media and gather more fans. As Brown and Bering shed new light on Arias’ case and clear their consciences, they reveal a picture of a woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Jodi Arias: Cellmate Secrets is produced by AMS Pictures with Andy Streitfeld serving as executive producer, Kim Clemons producing and Brad Osborne directing. Mioshi Hill and Gena McCarthy executive produce for Lifetime.

JULY 9

Cellmate Secrets: Susan Smith – 10pm ET/PT

Susan Smith was convicted of murdering her two young children by sending her car into a lake while her sons were strapped into their car seats. The case gained national attention when Susan told authorities that her car, with her sons inside, had been carjacked by a black man. Now Susan’s former cellmates Stephanie Hulsey and Christie Smith are giving new insights into Susan’s life behind bars, including detailing Susan’s prison love life and how she manipulated other cellmates into securing her drugs. Christie reveals how she helped Susan have sexual encounters without getting caught and both Stephanie and Christie discuss other self-destructive habits that Susan has picked up behind bars. Alfred and Elizabeth Rowe, who had their lives turned upside down by Susan, also sit down together for the documentary and painfully recount Alfred’s inappropriate relationship with Susan and her manipulative tactics.

JULY 16

Cellmate Secrets: Shayna Hubers – 10pm ET/PT

On October 12, 2012, Shayna Hubers shot and killed her boyfriend Ryan Poston, claiming that it was self-defense. As the trial went on, it came out that she would text him over 100 times to his one response and it was later revealed that after being alone in the interrogation room she said aloud “I did it. Yes, I did it. I can’t believe I did that.” For the first time since her trial, cameras sit down with Holly Nivens, Shayna Hubers’ former cellmate. Holly details how Shayna manipulated her into believing that she killed Ryan in self-defense, but then later revealed new motives and details about the murder. The doc also includes an interview with her former inmate Cecily Miller, who discusses Shayna’s behavior after being arrested, including her constant need for attention and how she never expressed remorse about killing Ryan. And the documentary crew sits down with Carissa Carlisle, Ryan’s cousin and former friend to Shayna. Carissa reveals how just a few months into the relationship Ryan wanted out and she gives new insight into the lengths Shayna would go to get in contact with Ryan after he blocked her.

ABOUT AMS PICTURES

AMS Pictures is a creative media company located in Dallas, Texas. Our passion for unique storytelling and uncompromising quality have made AMS a leader in the production industry for close to 40 years.

ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television®, LMN®, Lifetime Real Women® and Lifetime Digital™ are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

Cellmate Secrets graphic for our press panel

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Interview with Annabeth Gish and Warren Christie

Posted on May 24, 2021March 14, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Warren Christie and Annabeth Gish of "Gone Mom" on Lifetime

Interview with actors Warren Christie and Annabeth Gish, producer Ilene Kahn Power, and director Gail Harvey of “Gone Mom” on Lifetime by Suzanne 5/9/21

This was one of a number of different video interviews we did this day with actors and others from upcoming Lifetime movies this summer. It was very exciting to watch the movies and then speak with the stars and creative minds behind the films. I thought this one, “Gone Mom” was one of the best of the films.

I’d spoken with Warren twice before, in 2011 (for Syfy’s “Alphas”) and 2014 (for a Hallmark movie), but seeing his handsome face on Zoom was much better. I wish I had more time to ask more questions, especially about his recent guest-starring role as Bruce Wayne (albeit a copy) on The CW’s “Batwoman.” Annabeth Gish is a great actress who’s been acting since she was a child. You can see her in the upcoming Netflix horror series “Midnight Mass” later this year.

Moderator: Hi everyone, so our first panel today is Gone Mom: The Disappearance of Jennifer Doulos. Please welcome stars Annabeth Gish and Warren Christie, executive producer Rachel Stockman, Ilene Kahn Power and director Gail Harvey. Hi everyone, our first question is for Annabeth and Warren. Were you familiar with the Dulos case prior to your involvement in the film?

Annabeth Gish: I certainly was. I live here in the States, and I have a lot of friends on the East Coast. And yes, I was very much aware as a mother um, of the story, yes I was.

Warren Christie: I wasn’t. I didn’t really know a lot about it, so to see it start to unfold and really get into the details of it was obviously incredibly shocking. I don’t know how else to put it.

Moderator: We have a first question from Jamie from Sci-fi magazine. I see there are titles are cut off a little. Go ahead Jamie.

Jamie Ruby (SciFi Vision magazine): Hi, Jamie from SciFi Vision. Hi guys, this question’s for the actors. What was it that first attracted you to the roles that made you know that you just had to play them?

Annabeth Gish: Warren, you wanna go or you wanna go ahead yeah. Well for me there were multiple reasons not the least of which is that Jennifer would have been my peer. When I was at Duke, she was at Brown. We’re both the exact same age. I’m a mother, and I think there’s a real resonance to understanding that this kind of domestic violence can occur in any social strata. Whether you’re privileged or not. And I think the story of loving someone and then being surprised with who they actually are is a common one. So, I was, I was. I wouldn’t say I was eager. It was, it was stressful to take on the role, but I wanted to embody this part.

Moderator: Thank you, our next question is from Suzanne.

Suzanne Lanoue (TVMEG): Morning. It’s great to talk to you all. Warren, what was the most challenging part of doing this role.

Warren Christie: Oh um, well, obviously there’s a lot of duality to what’s going on, and I think to make sure that we told the story properly with as much authenticity as we could so… (that’s my dog). You know you take on responsibility with this when you’re talking about real people, and for me that was the biggest thing. And obviously I wouldn’t say….Annabeth, and I were both on the same page with wanting to make sure this story was told properly and she’s so incredibly talented that you know, and so open to what was going on that. We kind of talked early on and made sure that we both felt safe and comfortable, but wanted to make sure that we told this thing in a kind of raw backdrop so that we made sure that the story was told properly. So yeah, it’s hard sometimes you know. When you have to go to a certain place and do certain things, but like I said, working with Annabeth was such a treat that we we just made sure that we did it with as much heart as we possibly could.

Suzanne Lanoue: Thank you and Annabeth, when you were working with the actress who played Audrey, I’m sorry I don’t know her name, did you work together to try to get a bond ahead of time with before the movie?

Annabeth Gish: Uh Laura Harris? Um, she was phenomenal and easy to work with and the whole entire cast as in in general Ilene and Gail, our producer and director, did an amazing job of gathering real actors who wanted to bring an authenticity, as Warren said to this. And it was imperative that the friendship between Jennifer and Audrey was real and it was not false at all, Laura and I were immediately….we became quick and close friends.

Suzanne Lanoue: Yeah, it came over very well. Thank you. I enjoyed the movie.

Annabeth Gish: Thank you.

Moderator: Thanks Suzanne. The next question is from Lisa. Just a reminder if you could put your hand down after you’ve asked your question.

Lisa Steinberg (Starry Constellation): Thank you.

Moderator: Lisa, I believe you’re muted.

Lisa Steinberg: Sorry about that, thank you guys so much for taking your time to chat with us today. Did either of you come to a conclusion of whether or not you really felt that Dulos was guilty or not? Or do you try not to judge the characters that you’re portraying?

Annabeth Gish: Warren that’s to you. That was a good question.

Warren Christie: You know, I. I wouldn’t want to comment on it too much, and I think it’s really important. (barking dog). Oh hi. That’s my dog by the way.

Annabeth Gish: He thinks Fotis is guilty

Warren Christie: yeah yeah don’t we all? I think it’s, I think it’s important to to tell this story properly to not go in judging it. You know I have my own feelings after the fact and during obviously, but I think more importantly it was, it was not judge his character, tell this story like I said in a raw manner and as honestly as we could. And on a bigger scale, tell the stories Annabeth touched upon earlier that we wanted to highlight, unfortunately, domestic violence. We wanted to make sure it was not something that was controlled by socioeconomic factors like we wanted to show that sometimes from the outside, these perfect lives aren’t so perfect. So for us it was a bigger scale just telling this particular story, but hoping that it resonates, you know, on that larger scale.

Annabeth Gish: And to add to that, one of the most important elements of this story is a love story. You know, I mean, Fotis and Jennifer had a love story that that spanned time and they had five children, so there was obviously a lot of love and chemistry and they were both really charismatic beings, and so I think as much as we all, again, this is a group effort, um we really wanted the tone to be about love and not so much about horror you know. I mean clearly it’s a horrific accident that happened were tragedy but but there was a love story at the at the core of it.

Moderator: Thank you, our next question is from Rick.

Rick Bentley (Nexstar Media): Warren, two quick questions. These movies have taught us to immediately suspect the husband and when you play a role like that, you have to make a sort of, you know, have doubts is it in the process in your voice and the body language. How do you get that across? And secondly, why do you think we are so fascinated by these kind of stories?

Warren Christie: Well, as far as telling the character, you know I’m, my responsibility comes to telling the story that’s been written in this particular thing, and what’s on the page. Um, and so you go about that again without judging the character, but but trying to create and fill in the blanks of what we don’t know. Um, you know it’s no different than telling any other story. The thing is, you have an added responsibility because you’re talking about real people and in certain things real time. Um, on a side note, I think people are so gripped by these stories because and this one in particular, as I mentioned earlier, you know you’re talking about a family that looked like they had it all. They had that thing that we would all you know want to try and get on paper and so to see them behind the scenes what was going on and the abuse and the different things like that and then how it tragically ended, I think that’s what grips people. You know when you see people that have it all or that thing that we aspire to possibly have, and then you realize you pull the curtain back, and that’s not really what it is. I think that’s what hits with people, and I think that’s what opens up and draws people in these type of stories. Warren Christie and Annabeth Gish of "Gone Mom" on Lifetime

Moderator: Thank you, our next question is from Jay, and then we’ll have one more question after Jay and then that’ll be it for this panel.

Jay Bobbin (Gracenote): Hello. Thank you. Annabeth, you have done so much in your career in so many genres. Was true crime, something you especially wanted to get into at this point in time or was it this story specifically for you?

Annabeth Gish: Oh it was absolutely the story specifically for me, and also that it was being told consciously through a female lens with Gail as our Director, and Ilene as our producer, and we had a female DP and a female editor as well. Um, I know Rachel is also a producer. You know, I think it was just really for me it was a beautiful opportunity for me to explore this topic. And it was, it was hard to do, but I’m so glad we did it together with this female gaze.

Jay Bobbin: Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you Annabeth and speaking to what you were just saying, this was a majority female lead production. How was that like on set?

Annabeth Gish: It was awesome. I mean it was awesome and and yet we had many male crew members as well. It was just it was just. It was lovely. I can’t say more. Gail and Ilene can probably speak to that too.

Moderator: yeah, of course yeah, yeah.

Ilene Kahn Power: I can speak to the fact that we had actually more than half were females on this show. We qualified for the Sundance and Women and Film Reframe stamp that really goes for gender parity and we felt that the you know that that having that mojo behind it really helped to make the movie what it is and with Annabeth and Warren as the lead and Gail directing, we feel we really achieved it. And we we had so many challenges doing this movie under covid that there were there was Amy, our DP, Annabeth, Gail and myself, who burned sage frequently on this movie, and I’m gonna have him stay it worked. It worked so we feel really blessed about that and we’re thrilled with the support that we’ve gotten from Lifetime and about telling this story that’s still evolving.

Annabeth Gish: I will say there was a sensitivity that is just inherent when when you have a female director you know um and just people behind the camera who are coming at it honoring Jennifer’s story.

Gail Harvey: Yes, and we got very very lucky to have the most amazing casts. It’s one of those movies where everything just kind of fell together and you know and we were all I think not to sound too spiritual, but like we were all feeling that we really wanted…that Jennifer was there and we were telling her story with her. So I want to thank everybody because I think it’s a very important story.

Moderator: Absolutely, and Rachel, anything that you would like to add?

Rachel Stockman: And I would just say I think that this movie will connect to a lot of women. Um, I know a lot of women have connected to this story. They’ve known someone, a family member or friend where this may have happened or that family member has suffered some kind of violence and it’s the story of Jennifer and she really was part of….uh her memory was part of how we put this film together. But I think it’s really special in that it kind of goes beyond that too and has a larger message um in Jennifer’s honor.

Moderator: Thank you so much. We’re very much looking forward to this film.

Moderator: Thank you to all of our Gone Mom panelists and stay tuned for the next one.

Video Watch the movie Trailer

MORE INFO:

Summer of Secrets Press Day – Wednesday, May 19

Amy Winter (EVP of Lifetime Programming): I am excited and I want to thank you for joining us today for our very first summer of secrets press day. Only Lifetime can bring you a season full of twisted tales based on true crime. A season filled with stories that had people saying, “you know what – that sounds like a Lifetime movie.” Before we dive into your questions for our seven panels today, I’ve got even more secrets to share.

Do you know what today is? It’s actually Harry and Meghan’s 3rd wedding anniversary. And we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to reveal who is starring as the lovely couple in the third movie of our franchise, Harry and Meghan: Escaping the Palace. Taking the crown as the newest Duke and Duchess of Sussex are Jordan Dean and Sydney Morton. We just started production on Monday and can’t wait to spill the tea when it debuts this fall.

And I know it’s not even Memorial Day yet, but we always have holidays on the brain and we’re already filling Santa’s sleigh with some goodies for this year’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie slate. Some of our favorite talent like Melissa Joan Hart, Mario Lopez, Kelly Rowland, Jana Kramer and others are back and this year we have Reba McEntire in her own holiday movie filming now in Nashville.

But wait, there’s more. I’m excited to give you all an early present with a glimpse at the incredible cast for two of our upcoming holiday movies. Who doesn’t love a good reunion for the holidays? We are excited to start off the festivities. With some fancy footwork this year, by taking you all back to High School Musical days with alums, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman in a Christmas Dance Reunion. The music, the dance, and the romance are the perfect way to start off this year’s late.

I’m also revealing another trip down memory lane starring a BUNCH of amazing folks all in one movie. Blending Christmas directed by Marla Sokoloff and starring Haylie Duff, Aaron O’Connell, Beth Broderick, Telma Hopkins, Jennifer Elise Cox, Greg Evigan, and remember when I said “bunch?” This movie also stars Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Susan Olsen and Robbie Rist who you all remember from the iconic TV show The Brady Bunch. We hope everyone is reunited with family and friends for the holidays. It’s nice to bring these loved ones back together.

And if you feel like the Holidays are just too far away, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. After all, my last name is Winter, so I like to bring the season whenever I can to tide you over, we’re going to indulge all those holiday fanatics with our first ever Summer of Santas where over 8 holiday titles from our Christmas past will be available on VOD along with twenty movies that will be available on the Lifetime Movie Club app all during the month of July.

Speaking of the Lifetime Movie Club app and getting back to today’s main event, I also wanted to mention that on May 28^th we will be releasing an exclusive new movie on LMC titled Deadly Misconduct. So no matter what platform you watch Lifetime on, our Summer of Secrets are ready to be revealed.

Okay, so I’ve shared a lot and I did hope to reveal one more big secret, but it’s hidden in the attic, so you will have to wait a bit more for that one to be unveiled. So let’s get to the panels, starting off with a gripping true story that captured nationwide attention. The tale of Connecticut mom Jennifer Doulos, whose disappearance rocked her small town. This is Gone Mom.

LIFETIME KICKS OFF FIRST ANNUAL
SUMMER OF SECRETS

WITH SIX NEW ORIGINAL MOVIES INSPIRED BY TRUE STORIES

FEATURING ALL STAR CASTS

GONE MOM STARRING ANNABETH GISH AND WARREN CHRISTIE

PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 5

SOCCER MOM MADAM STARRING JANA KRAMER

PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 6

JENNIE GARTH AND ANWEN O’DRISCOLL

STAR IN LEFT FOR DEAD: THE ASHLEY REEVES STORY

PREMIERING SATURDAY, JUNE 12

SECRETS OF A GOLD DIGGER KILLER STARS JULIE BENZ

PREMIERING SUNDAY, JUNE 13

SECRETS OF A MARINE’S WIFE

STARS SADIE CALVANO

PREMIERING SATURDAY, JUNE 19

DOOMSDAY MOM STARRING LAUREN LEE SMITH AND MARC BLUCAS

PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 26

LINDA PURL AND PATRICK DUFFY ALSO STAR

FOUR ADDITIONAL ACQUIRED TITLES WILL AIR DURING THE SLATE

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 1, 2021) – Shhhhh… there’s a lot to uncover this summer with Lifetime‘s first annual Summer of Secrets programming slate with the announcement of six new original movies, debuting this June. Four acquired titles will air during the slate as well. Gone Mom, starring Annabeth Gish (The Haunting of Hill House) and Warren Christie (Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce), is based on the true story of missing Connecticut mom Jennifer Dulos whose husband later committed suicide after he was charged with her murder. Jana Kramer (One Tree Hill) takes on the role of Anna, a suburban mom who runs an elite escort service for the high-powered men of New York in Soccer Mom Madam. Jennie Garth (90210) and Anwen O’Driscoll (American Gods) lead Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story, based on the true account of 17-year-old Ashley Reeves who is attacked and abandoned in the woods and must fight to regain her life. Julie Benz (Dexter) stars as convicted murderer Celeste Beard in Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer, while Sadie Calvano (Mom) stars in Secrets of a Marine’s Wife. Doomsday Mom stars Lauren Lee Smith (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) and Marc Blucas (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), and focuses on the Lori Vallow saga, an Idaho mother whose two missing children lead authorities through a web of death and deceptions as they try to uncover the truth of their disappearance. Linda Purl (Happy Days) and Patrick Duffy (Dallas) also star.

“Off the success of our Ripped from the Headlines slates, we are doubling down on what women love on Lifetime for our first annual Summer of Secrets slate.” said Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming, Lifetime and LMN. “These stories captured our collective attention and are the perfect kick off to the summer with the stranger than fiction moments and revealing secrets that had everyone talking.”

A top 10 cable network with W25-54, Lifetime recently grew 13%, marking its strongest quarter growth in nearly 20 years. As the leading producer of television movies, Lifetime continues to dominate the original movie space, with the top two movies in all of cable with Wendy Williams: The Movie and Salt N Pepa for 2021.

Source: Nielsen Live+3, (000s), as noted with A25-54, W25-54, A18-49, W18-49; 2021 Calendar YTD =12/28/20-3/21/21, Original Movies Only (Excludes all theatricals and acquired movies on all nets, excludes mini-series)

GONE MOM

PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 5 at 8/7c

Annabeth Gish

Based on a true story, Gone Mom details the story of Jennifer Dulos (Annabeth Gish), the wealthy, Connecticut mother-of-five who mysteriously vanished on May 24, 2019. Jennifer believed she had found her Prince Charming in Fotis Dulos (Warren Christie), but by the time of her disappearance, their marriage had all but disintegrated and the estranged couple was engaged in a contentious custody dispute. After she disappeared without a trace, after dropping off their children at school, police turned the spotlight on Fotis, who claimed Jennifer staged her own disappearance ala the film, Gone Girl. Despite his assertions, investigators charged Fotis with murder in January 2020 but just weeks later, Fotis committed suicide, still claiming his innocence. To this date, the body of Jennifer has not been found.

Produced by Lighthouse Pictures for Lifetime, Gone Mom is executive produced by Dan Abrams, Ilene Kahn Power and Rachel Stockman.  Gail Harvey directs from a script written by Gregory Small and Richard Blaney.

Warren Christie and Annabeth Gish of "Gone Mom" on Lifetime

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Interview with Lauralee Bell

Posted on March 19, 2021April 18, 2021 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Lauralee Bell in Lifetime's "Ruby" and "Pearl in the Mist"

Interview with Lauralee Bell of movies “Ruby” and “Pearl in the Mist” on Lifetime by Suzanne 3/17/21

It was so nice to speak with Lauralee. As I told her in the interview, I’ve been watching “The Young and The Restless” since 1986. She played young model “Cricket” and was in a lot of great stories. Later, she became a lawyer and went by “Christine.” She still recurs on the show. She plays a small-but-memorable part in these two Lifetime movies. It’s a very different role from Christine. Make sure you watch these two movies on Lifetime this weekend: “Ruby” and “Pearl in the Mist.”

Here is the audio version of it.

Suzanne: I’m actually a big fan. I started watching “Young in the Restless” in 1986.

Lauralee: Oh, my gosh. Oh, in the good years, I must say.

Suzanne: Yeah, back when you were “Cricket.”

Lauralee: The 80s and 90s were so, so exciting with Danny (Michael Damian) and Cricket.

Suzanne: Yeah, and Nina (Tricia Cast) and Phillip. That was great.

Lauralee: Did you know that Nina’s back for a little bit?

Suzanne: I haven’t been watching regularly lately, but, yeah… I did see that she’s coming back.

Lauralee: Oh, it’s over. She stayed with us, and it was just it was so fun. It was like old times, and I hope they keep her going.

Suzanne: Yeah.

Lauralee: Then, good. You know how opposite my part in these movies are. It could not be more opposite than Cricket.

Suzanne: I was wondering if you were channeling maybe a little Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper) or a little Jill (Jess Walton) in there, maybe?

Lauralee: I mean, Jill, for sure. I mean, I definitely haven’t really been as evil to anyone other than Phyllis on our show to pull off these scenes. But yeah, no, definitely. Watching the great women of Y&R doing – I feel like Daphne is just so self centered. Jill was very much that way. So, I think, yes, I always do something from somewhere.

But, for me, just the hair and the red lipstick and the clothes kind of brought me into her. I mean, it was fun to be in Canada and in this mansion. Just once you’re in there wearing all this stuff, it sort of comes to play, but the performance was bigger than I’m normally used to. I usually try and be as natural as possible. So, I was definitely questioning myself as I was going through it, but it was super fun, and I love her.

Suzanne: It did look like you were having a little fun.

Lauralee: Yeah, I definitely did. I mean, if I’m at Y&R, I pretty much know what the program is, and at home, I’m very much a hands on mom. So, to kind of get this offer and escape and just kind of dive into that world for two movies, it was a great experience. I’ve worked with Lifetime a bunch, and I’m such a huge fan of their whole company, and then to be able to accomplish those two movies right before the lockdown was very satisfying in terms of getting something done in the work department. So, it was all around just a happy experience.

Suzanne: How long did it take to film it?

Lauralee: So, I went for a little over a week and a half for Ruby. Then, they were super great. My mom lived a wonderful life, but she passed away between the two movies. So, they were very kind when I came back. We had her memorial on a Wednesday, and I was on a plane at 4am on a Thursday the next morning, and they were very wonderful about mushing all my scenes together. So, I went back for about four or five days.

Then, I mean, it was truly on my last filming day where I would be seeing everyone around the set kind of whispering, and I was just hearing that all the shows in Vancouver were getting shut down. So, I was like, “Oh, my goodness, will I make this last scene?” and “Will the will the movie keep going?” I think because we were on Victoria Island, there were no cases there I believe, and they got to work maybe two or three days longer than Vancouver, but we were close behind them. But I was fortunate enough to get wrapped and then come home. Yeah, it wasn’t a long period of time, but it was still, for me, to be away from my husband and kids, that’s a long time.

Suzanne: Sure, and I can’t imagine it was fun to have to fly back after that and be all worried.

Lauralee: Yeah, it was a really fun night. My husband was very nervous to [unintelligible] “What if you don’t get home?” I was like, “I will get home. Somehow I’ll get home.” And at that point, we [didn’t] really understand like, if the United States was your home, you could get home, but it was just all so new to us, of course, and just trying to figure out what that meant.

Suzanne: Did you meet other members of the cast that you’re not on screen with, like Naomi Judd and Marilu Henner?

Lauralee: No, I’m so bummed. I have friends who are friends with them…I can’t remember. So I missed Naomi Judd by a day, and I was contemplating changing my flight, but … you know, when you come in for your first day, you don’t need to be bothered with anyone else that you have to say hello to. So, when I got back, I had so many questions. I was like, “How was she?” And everyone was like, “She was everything you could imagine and more.”

And Marilu Henner I’ve been a fan of forever, just her whole – also, her– not only her acting talent, but her ability with her memory is so fascinating to me. So, that was exciting.

And then, I didn’t find out that Kristian Alfonso (who played Hope on “Days of Our Lives“) was on until way later, and so we have become Instagram buddies and supporters and, you know, making jokes that we should do a spin off with our two characters, just all these fun things.

It’s hard, because I got really close with Raechelle (Banno) and Karina (Banno), and it was great working with Gil (Bellows), because I was a huge Ally McBeal fan. So, it’s hard not to all be together promoting this, but we’re basically adding everybody’s everything to our stories and DMing each other constantly. So, we’re probably talking more apart than we would if we were together, because it is constant. I think everyone is so excited, and we’ve all had to hold all these pictures for a year, so it’s finally fun to release a few of them, behind the scenes.

Suzanne: And I like your character’s hair and makeup; it looks so perfect. How long did it take them to put you together like that?

Lauralee: I mean, they were an amazing team. They did it rather quickly, but coming home, back to the hotel, and then trying to get all that teasing out of my hair – I mean, first of all, there was a little restaurant in the hotel and we would wrap late, so’d I always pop in there with bright red lipstick and this bouffant hair, and I thought, “You know what? I’m in jeans and a sweater, so nothing about it makes sense.” And I thought, “You know, I don’t care, but they must think I am just some strange woman who was staying in their hotel.” Yeah, I mean, in the car ride to the hotel, I would be putting my fingers through the teasing of my hair and just trying to relax it, but it was a process for sure. They were hairdos that I had not worn, and for 20 years on The Young and The Restless, Patti Denney, my makeup artist had always said like, “Well, you’re wearing a red dress. Would you like to wear red lipstick?” And I was like, “No, no, no, no, it just doesn’t work on me.” And, you know, it has to work for Daphne, and what’s great about it, for me, is it completely changes my look. So, it was fun. It was definitely fun to sort of look in the mirror and be like, “Wow. This is not how I came in,” and, you know, kudos to Daphne.

Suzanne: So, did it take a lot longer to do all that than it normally would have been for you to, say, get made up as Christine on The Young the Restless?

Lauralee: The difference was I had like no eye makeup. So, the eye makeup that Christine would have worn, Daphne didn’t wear. She had a couple of lashes, but it was really about those red lips. So, hair, yes. I would say hair took longer. Wardrobe was so fantastic, but it was a lot of, you know, pinning in and dipping tight and undergarments, because it was very, very cold there, so we would have like heating pads under our clothes. It was pantyhose and things like that we haven’t worn in a bit, which was so fun. So, [it was] just different, but yeah, even minimal makeup tends to take some time, and those red lips had to be really painted on carefully.

Suzanne: So, how did you mentally prepare for this role, which is so different?

Lauralee: I mean, I just felt that, again, she’s so self-centered, and she just really doesn’t care about anybody else but herself. So, I just thought, the kids are a nuisance, and it’s really the opposite of how I think, but once I got in there, I just sort of could kind of key into her as like, you know, Ruby coming into this world is just throwing off her universe, and one child is more than enough. This child that I have living in the house knows all the rules, and she knows to pretend that everything’s great, even when it isn’t. She knows how to fit the mold, but this Ruby girl is going to be a troublemaker.

I think you’re probably right; watching some amazing actresses on our show growing up, I’m sure that sort of helped a bit. I mean, the lines are there [like] when I say something like, “If you don’t have anything bad to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s like, who would say that to a young person? So, that helped.

Suzanne: Do you have any fun behind the scenes stories you can tell us about?

Lauralee: I mean, we were kind of up in this mansion away from where our trailers were, so we really had a lot of kind of hanging out time. I posted this on my Instagram yesterday, where, you know, Gil, has a son – he spoke about his son; he may might have children, but I think he just has one, but I was showing him all the silly apps you can do on your phone.

And the girls are knitters, so in between scenes, we would be just so fascinated, because, first of all, it’s fun to watch twins, but I just was kind of enamored with them, because they were both doing intermittent fasting, and they were both knitting, and they both finished each other’s sentences.

So, it wasn’t crazy stuff behind the scenes, but the downtime was really fun, because they’re really talented, bright, funny girls that when you’re doing something – kind of like, my part was really condensed, so I knew I had a limited amount of time with them, but to have really talked about everything, I mean, we talked about everything. They’re from Australia, and Y&R’s popular in Australia. So, I mean, just, there’s so much to discuss, but no real crazy things, but definitely a great time. I feel like we bonded twice as fast as I would have in past projects, just because, I don’t know, I think maybe we felt the pressure of…

Suzanne: The time crunch.

Lauralee: …and what’s going on in the world, and we knew that Lifetime was so excited about another VC Andrews project. We were excited about making these books come to life. So, there was just so much positive energy.

Suzanne: Yeah, those twins did a fantastic job.

Lauralee: Oh, my gosh, they’re so great. I mean, I can’t say enough about it. They were like, “We just watched the movies, and you did such a great job, and we’re so excited.” I’m like, “Okay, that’s so nice, but I am so excited for everyone to see you guys, because they’re your movies, and you guys are amazing.” I am so happy for them.

Suzanne: Yeah, it’s funny, because when you watch a movie like that, your mind sort of tries to predict what’s going to happen next, and I half expected we’d find out that Daphne and her husband’s partner had killed her husband.

Lauralee: Aha, I like that.

Suzanne: I watch too many soaps, I guess.

Lauralee: Right, there has to be more to it; there has to be some conniving behind the scenes. I love that idea. It’s so funny, when I’m telling the girls, like I’m taking over their world, basically, and then he puts his hand on my shoulder, and I grab his hand. It’s just like, ick. You know, it’s just like, these poor girls have to deal with this person. And it was so funny; every time we did the scene, the director would just laugh when I would grab his hand, and it was such a great move to have us do. It’s just repulsive to do in front of your children. “Well, your father’s gone…”

Suzanne: Not the most repulsive thing in the movie, though.

Lauralee: That is correct.

Suzanne: Every time she kissed her brother, I was like, “Eww, no.”

Lauralee: I know. I know. I mean, my daughter, luckily, is 18, so I feel as though she’s seen all these crazy shows that are on now, and I said to her, I was like, “This has a lot of good stuff in it. I think you’re gonna like it.” But, who knows. It’s always hard for them to watch Mom.

Suzanne: So, you’re not in the other two movies that come out next week?

Lauralee: Nope, I’m just in the first two. As they say, “Always leave them wanting more.”

Suzanne: That’s right. Now, you were on The Young and the Restless not too long ago. Have you been filming anymore there lately?

Lauralee: Yeah, I just I worked last week and the week before, so, yeah. I mean, really, if I didn’t switch to [recurring], I couldn’t do these opportunities that I really love doing, which is, you know, I’ve done, I guess, four Lifetime movies in the past three years. Maybe now with the pandemic, it’s four in four years, but, yeah, I love Y&R so much, but I also love doing a little side project.

Then, I have a writing partner, Martha Byrne, who was on “As the World Turns“; she played Lily. She and I are on the phone together every day, and we’re pitching some primetime shows to all different kinds of outlets. So, I stay very busy when I’m not on camera. So, it’s kind of fun right now.

Suzanne: Is that what you were doing a lot of during the pandemic, working on [those] kinds of things?

Lauralee: So, once we kind of got halfway through it, because for a while, everyone was just so focused on just keeping healthy and making sure their loved ones were healthy, as soon as people started realizing, like, you know, Zoom works well, and there will be positive life again in the future, then we started doing some pitch meetings. We’ve had to rework some pitch decks and resend them and now meet with this production company. So, it’s a slow process, but I see that we’re really making efforts to come back into all kinds of production. So, we’re hoping for some good news. We just keep on pushing.

Suzanne: Now, speaking of partners, I have a question, and you can feel free to say, “No comment,” because I don’t know, but I heard that Doug Davidson was leaving the show. Do you have a thing to say about that?

Lauralee: I mean, my only comment is we talk every single day. We’re very good friends. So, I can’t speak for him, but my advice to him was, “Never say never.” So, I’m still hopeful, but I support him in whatever he decides. We will still stay in touch daily, or weekly, regardless, but I think I could say that I can’t imagine not working with him again. So, I have to hold on to that hope that we will be reunited someday.

Suzanne: That’s good. You know, what’s nice about your characters is that there aren’t very many soap opera characters that you still see on a show, and they’re still a happy couple.

Lauralee: I know, and I agree. I love that. People are like, “How many husbands have you had?” or something. I’m like, “No, my character, I love it that it’s really been, like, you know, she loved Phillip, and then she loved Danny, and she loves Paul (Davidson).” And this relationship is so true to real life. Like people saw us really grow together as a couple, so I love that. And I love the fact that Nina’s back. To me, there aren’t enough female friendships on television. It’s very catty, and I understand that can be fun to watch, but I also think, to balance it out, we need a positive woman to support another kind of [woman], to have those kinds of conversations as well. So, I feel like Nina and Cricket have that history.

Suzanne: Yes, definitely. It’s funny, it seems like they bring in [Brittany]; maybe they bring her in when you can’t be a lawyer.

Lauralee: Right, exactly. It is funny. She’s so sweet, Lauren Woodland, who plays Brittany. [unintelligible] that legal stuff is not easy, and even after working for so long and staying with it for so long, it still throws me on days where I have a long legal either trial or statement or whatever. Then, for her to just be asked in occasionally, and then, “Oh, by the way, here’s your monologue or your very wordy couple of scenes,” good for her. She always does great.

Suzanne: Yeah. It helps that – she’s a lawyer in real life, right?

Lauralee: Yeah, which is so exciting. I was gonna say it’s relatively recent, but it’s not that recent, but yeah, I think that’s such a fun little tidbit.

Suzanne: Yeah, that’s cool.

Lauralee: She understands that lingo. I just pretend I [do].

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

Lauralee’s Wikipedia Page

LIFETIME, THE EXCLUSIVE HOME OF V.C. ANDREWS’ MOVIES, PREMIERES THE NEXT MOVIE SERIES EVENT, BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING LANDRY BOOK SERIES THIS MARCH WITH FOUR NEW MOVIES RUBY, PEARL IN THE MIST, ALL THAT GLITTERS AND HIDDEN JEWEL DEBUTING OVER CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS BEGINNING MARCH 20

Kristian Alfonso, Marilu Henner, Richard Harmon, Jennifer Laporte and Evan Roderick Join Previously Announced Cast Including Identical Twins Raechelle Banno & Karina Banno, Naomi Judd, Crystal Fox, Gil Bellows, Deborah Cox, Lauralee Bell, Sam Duke and Ty Wood

Lifetime, the exclusive home of movies inspired by books from best-selling author V.C. Andrews, adds additional star-studded names to their next movie series event, centered on the Landry Family, with Daytime Emmy award winner, Kristian Alfonso (Days of our Lives); Golden Globe nominee, Marilu Henner (Taxi); Leo Award winner Richard Harmon (The 100, Bates Motel); Leo Award winner Jennifer Laporte (V.C. Andrews’ Web of Dreams) and Evan Roderick (Arrow, BH90210) joining the cast. The four-movie V.C. event airs consecutively over two weekends starting at 8pm ET/PT on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 and then again at 8pm ET/PT on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28. The movie series follows Ruby Landry, who after being raised by her loving spiritual healer grandmother in the Louisiana bayou, is ensnared in a world of dark family secrets and betrayal, upon discovering that she has another family living in New Orleans.

The V.C Andrews’ Landry Family book series – Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel – is the second highest-selling series from the author and becomes Lifetime’s latest adaptation of the prolific writer’s work. Lifetime’s new movie series comes on the heels of last summer’s premiere of V.C. Andrews’ Casteel Family movie series, which ranked as cable’s #2 new drama series among W25-54 for 20191.

Stars Naomi Judd, Crystal Fox, Gil Bellows, Deborah Cox, twins Raechelle Banno & Karina Banno, Lauralee Bell, Sam Duke and Ty Wood Saturday March 20th at 8pm ET/PT

Ruby centers on Ruby Landry (Raechelle Banno), born in the Louisiana bayou and watched over by her loving Grandmère Catherine (Judd). Ruby is filled with hope as love blooms with her high school sweetheart Paul Tate (Duke), but lingering thoughts of her mysterious father and her mother’s death often creep into Ruby’s mind. As dark family secrets begin to reveal themselves when Paul’s parents forbid him from seeing Ruby, Ruby is further devastated when her beloved Grandmère passes away. Forced to flee to New Orleans from the bayou, Ruby searches for her estranged father (Bellows), one of the richest men in the city, as she clings to her memories of Paul and their forbidden love.

Stars Marilu Henner with Gil Bellows, Raechelle Banno, Karina Banno, Lauralee Bell, Richard Harmon, Sam Duke and Ty Wood Sunday March 21st at 8pm ET/PT

Based on the second book, Pearl in the Mist finds Ruby still struggling to find true happiness, after a year of living at her father’s lavish mansion. When Ruby and her twin Giselle (Karina Banno) are sent away to an exclusive all girls boarding school, Ruby is hopeful for a new start with her sister. But when Ruby is once again shamed for her backwater upbringing, and her cruel Headmistress, Mrs. Ironwood (Henner), along with her stepmother Daphne (Bell) and Giselle continue to plot against her, Ruby must endure torturous punishments and public humiliation. Ruby holds out hope and continues to dream of a better future until tragedy leaves her alone in a world of deceits.

Stars Kristian Alfonso with Raechelle Banno, Karina Banno, Sam Duke and Ty Wood Saturday March 27th at 8pm ET/PT

All That Glitters picks up as Ruby is driven from the Dumas mansion and returns to her beloved childhood home in the bayou where she’s intent on creating a new life for her baby girl, Pearl. Ruby’s high school sweetheart, Paul, once again is there to support her, and when he moves her into his impressive home, she has new hope for the future. However, Ruby can’t escape the judging eyes of Paul’s mother Gladys (Alfonso) who knows Ruby and Paul’s dark secret and Giselle continues to torment Ruby when she reveals news about Beau (Wood), Pearl’s real father and Ruby’s true love. Ruby longs for another life. The web of deceit continues when Giselle falls into a coma and Ruby finds herself lured into a twisted plan to be with Beau.

Stars Jennifer Laporte and Evan Roderick with Kristian Alfonso, Raechelle Banno, Karina Banno, Crystal Fox, Sam Duke and Ty Wood Sunday March 28th at 8pm ET/PT

Hidden Jewel finds Ruby trying to find a new life for her children and desperate to protect her beloved daughter from the dark secrets she harbors. Raised amidst the privileges in New Orleans, Pearl (Laporte) aspires to become a doctor, but when an unfortunate accident occurs to one of her twin brothers, Pearl’s dreams are threatened and Ruby runs, once again back to the bayou. And when one of Pearl’s younger brothers becomes deathly ill, she must journey to the backwaters to find her mother and uncover the mysterious secrets of her past.

Additional stars across all four movies include Tess Atkins, Todd Thompson Serge Houde, Liza Huget, Mason Temple, Ducan Ollerenshaw, Paula Giroday, Giordana Venturi, Marc-Anthony Massiah, Veena Sood, Bob Frazer, Eric Vincent, Sage Linder, Glynis Davies, Bronwen Smith, Darien Martin, Meaghan Claire Hewitt McDonald, Beverly Gay Breuer, Chad Willett, Christian Michael Cooper, Dean Petriw, Ellen MacNevin, Indie Bajic, Mila Jones, Peter Anderson, and Caroline Yonge.

V.C. Andrews’ Landry Family Series is produced by Champlain Media and distributed by Reel One Entertainment. Executive producers are Tom Berry, Dan Angel, Jane Startz, Breanne Hartley, Jane Charles, and Ric Nish and Matthew Chipera serve as producers. Screenwriters include Richard Blaney, Gregory Small, Scarlett Lacey, Andy Cochran and Brian C. Rost who co-wrote the outline for Hidden Jewel. Gail Harvey directs Ruby, David Bercovici-Artieda directs Pearl in the Mist and Michael Robison directs All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel.

*For the 2019 TV Season, Lifetime’s VC Andrews Casteel Family film series would rank as cables #2 new drama among W25-54. Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, W25-54 (000s), 10/1/18-9/29/19, VC Andrews film series average vs. new drama season averages on cable.

ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television®, LMN®, Lifetime Real Women® and Lifetime Digital™ are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Lauralee Bell in Lifetime's "Ruby" and "Pearl in the Mist"

Interview with Jacky Lai

Posted on December 13, 2020March 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Jacky Lai of "A Sugar & Spice Holiday" on Lifetime

Interview with Jacky Lai of “A Sugar & Spice Holiday” on Lifetime by Suzanne 11/24/20

Some people are very easy to talk to… Jacky is one of those people! I enjoyed chatting with her. This movie that premieres tonight is a fun confection. One thing I liked about it is that it’s funny. I laughed out loud in parts. Also, unlike many of these Christmas movies, the ending is a little more satisfying and less stereotyped than many of the others. You’ll have to watch it to see what I mean. Of course, it almost goes without saying that it’s very refreshing to have a holiday movie starring an Asian actress.

Sorry about the sound quality of the audio file because I was having trouble hearing her. There was some problem with the phone line or something.

Here is the audio version of it.

Suzanne: So, tell us how your role in the movie came about.
Jacky: I got the audition. I read the script. I was very pleasantly surprised by the storyline and kind of very deep ending compared to a lot of other romantic comedies. Then I got a call back. This was all during COVID, so everything was through Zoom, and it was probably the most extensive callback I’ve ever had. It was 19 pages; it was an hour and a half with our executive producer, Nancy (Bennett), and our director, Jennifer (Liao)…But shortly after that, I got the offer for the role.
Suzanne: Oh, that’s cool. Did you know any of the cast and crew already?
Jacky: No, no, not at all, but I was very lucky. Tony (Giroux), who plays [Billy], we’re with the same agency, so we got to connect a little bit beforehand and [unintelligible].
Suzanne: That’s good. And how long did it take to shoot the whole movie?
Jacky: Fifteen working days.
Suzanne: Oh, wow. Quick.
Jacky: Very quick. Yeah.
Suzanne: Yeah, I heard they they do that now.
Jacky: Right. I mean, if they can, they will.
Suzanne: And where was it shot?
Jacky: It was shot in Vancouver but about an hour away, the Abbotsford Langley area.
Suzanne: Okay, great…There were a lot of sweets in this movie. Were any of them edible, or were they all fake?
Jacky: They were all edible, but they were touched by a lot of people, so it wasn’t advised to eat them, but the baked goods were all real baked goods.
Suzanne: It’s tough to watch these Christmas movies, because they’re all filled with all those things. You know, they all have the eggnog and the hot chocolate and the cookies and the gingerbread and oh my gosh.
Jacky: Exactly. You pretty much named everything that was in the movie.
Suzanne: It seems that they all do that. They’re all sweets, and it makes my blood sugar go up just watching the movie!
Jacky: That’s good; then you don’t have to go eat it!
Suzanne: It’s hard though, because when I see it, I want to eat it.
Jacky: I know. I know what you mean. You’re stomach starts making room for it, right?
Suzanne: Yeah. So, do you do any baking in real life?
Jacky: No, not at all.
Suzanne: That’s okay.
Jacky: I don’t think I’ve ever made anything that wasn’t burnt!
Suzanne: Oh, no. Well, here’s the trick – at least if you want to make cookies, because they don’t usually take very long – stay in the kitchen and watch them, because if you try to go do something else, then they will burn.
Jacky: Okay, yeah, that’s what I need to do.
Suzanne: Now, please let me know if this is too personal or not, but your character Suzy is of Chinese descent. What about you?
Jacky: I am Vietnamese. My last name is Lai, which I’ve been told is a Chinese last name, but I’m not that close to my dad’s side of the family, so I don’t really [unintelligible].
Suzanne: Okay, well, that’s interesting. You should do one of those DNA things one of these days. I did one; it was really exciting.
Jacky: Oh, did you? Did you find it was a good thing? Something I should definitely try?
Suzanne: Yeah, it was different than what we all thought. We all thought we were very Irish, and we’re actually only about 10% Irish, because my original last name was Irish, and I’m a quarter Jewish, which we had no idea.
Jacky: Oh, that’s amazing. I’ve seen this YouTube video where they did that just to show everyone that we’re so connected; we’re not just one thing. Yeah, I’m definitely into that.
Suzanne: Yeah, it was fun. I mean, we always knew we were Europeans of some kind or another, but we didn’t know all the little bits and pieces. So yeah, it’s fun. It’s really easy, because they just send you a little kit in the mail, and you do a swab, and you send it back. So it’s simple.
Jacky: I’ll definitely look into that.
Suzanne: Yeah, then you can find out where your ancestors come from. It’s exciting.
So, what was the most challenging part of doing this role?
Jacky: It’s the karaoke scene. Oh man, I am not a singer, and [my] character is not a singer either. So, it wasn’t like I had to be, you know, good, but when you don’t sing, and you’re singing in front of people from set, knowing that this is going to be seen by North America – So, I would have to say that was probably one of the most challenging things for me, just mentally.
Suzanne: So, did you just sing the best you could, or did you try to make it sound bad, because she’s not supposed to sound good?
Jacky: It was a transition. So, the scene is about a transition. So, there was both. There was me being the real me, which is not good, and then me trying really hard, which I hope doesn’t kill your ears. But we did it again in the studio just to get it more clear, and I mean, I guess there’s some magic to that
Suzanne: I haven’t seen that one yet, because they sent me the one – I mean, I guess it’s cut, but it’s not completely done, and it says that they’re substituting a different song, so I don’t think I’ve heard the finished one yet. So, I’ll have to watch and see how you sound. I’m a karaoke person. I know how you feel, though. A lot of people don’t don’t like to sing. But, you know, the good thing about karaoke, though, is that is that nobody cares really how you sound as long as you go up there and act like you’re confident and put on a fun show. That’s all they care about.
Suzanne: Yeah, exactly, because they’re all amateurs; they don’t care, but don’t do a Christmas song.
Jacky: I’ve heard that’s the trick.
Suzanne: Yes, exactly.
Jacky: Fake it until you make it.
Suzanne: Yeah, exactly, because they’re all amateurs; they don’t care, but don’t do a Christmas song.
Jacky: I wish you were there!
Suzanne: Yeah, right? That song was too high for you. You need to do a lower song definitely.
Jacky: So, I mean, on top of the talent, there was that.
Suzanne: Well, they were trying to make you sound like you weren’t a good singer, so it was okay.
Suzanne: So, what was the most fun part of doing the movie?
Jacky: The most fun part I think was just working with everyone. I feel like every time we had a break, I would sit outside and just bask in how grateful I am to be able to work with the people I got to work with. Everyone was so kind and friendly and talented, and I just had so much fun on set. You know, it was fifteen working days, so very extensive, but I never felt truly drained.
Suzanne: So, I know you said you’re not close to your dad’s family, but were you able to relate to how close Suzy is to her family? Especially your grandmother?
Jacky: Yes, my family is very close. My mom had me when she was really young, so we have a very great friendship relationship. My sisters [too]. Yeah, we’re very close.
Suzanne: Okay, good. So, she wasn’t one of those scary moms that you hear about sometimes.
Jacky: No, no, but she is definitely one of those – Honestly, Lillian (Lim) who plays my mom actually reminds me of someone who’s [unintelligible] like my mom.
Suzanne: So is there anything else you have in common with Suzy?
Jacky: I think I’m very hard on myself as well. I think we’re both very passionate. We love our jobs, and I think that sometimes makes us a little crazy about how badly we want things to be great and perfect, and that’s something that I constantly have to remind myself: it’s the journey, not the destination.
Suzanne: Okay. And I liked your name, since my name is Suzanne, and when I was younger, my family called me Suzy when I was younger. I don’t let anybody else call me that though. What have you been doing to keep busy during the pandemic?
Jacky: I’m learning to sing. That’s something I’m doing. I [write in] a journal. I meditate. I write a lot. I’m starting to read a lot more; I feel like it’s a great exercise for the brain.
Suzanne: Okay, great. Do you have a voice teacher that you take lessons from virtually or in real life?
Jacky: Not yet, because I feel like I’m not I’m not good enough yet to train with a vocal coach. I want to be able to understand pitch and tone and know where it comes from within my body [before I] invest in a vocal coach. So, I made it a thirty day challenge where I would YouTube like twenty minutes of vocal exercises every day for thirty days, and after that, I will definitely search for one.
Suzanne: Okay, good, because even if you just find someone like at a local college or something like that, they can help you a lot, even as a beginner. They can show you if you’re breathing right and those kinds of things, and your posture, and you’ll probably have good posture being an actor. So, I recommend that, definitely.
Jacky: You’re so right, yeah. It’s posture and breathing. Definitely. Thank you so much.
Suzanne: Yeah, I mean, I started taking lessons when I was in high school, and it was just an older lady who had been a singer and retired, and she taught kids or whatever.
…Last question. Do you have any other projects coming up you can tell us about?
Jacky: No, right now I’m just auditioning.
Suzanne: Okay, good. Well, I hope he gets something; I’ll be rooting for you.
Jacky: Thank you.
Suzanne: You’ve done so much already and all your series that you’ve done; I’m sure you’ll find something.
Jacky:
Thank you. I’m manifesting. I kind of want to play the opposite of Suzy. Manifesting that.
Suzanne: You’ve been in quite a few sci-fi type things. Do you like doing that kind of thing?
Jacky: I do. I love it. I think, you know, there’s a great calling for it, and I think it’s a great way to expand our imagination, but I’m really excited for my for my family to be able to watch A Sugar & Spice Holiday and be able to understand what’s going on. Sci-fi is not very easy for them, being English is their second language.
Suzanne: Oh, okay. Yeah, this should be pretty easy for them to figure out. Alright. Well, thanks. I really appreciate you talking to me.

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

Jacky Lai is a stunning beauty whose contagious smile and warm personality on and off-screen have landed her countless opportunities. Jacky took a leap of faith in 2014 to uproot her life in Toronto and move to Vancouver to pursue her dreams of acting. Jacky always knew her true calling was for the arts and her body of work in Film and Television since is a testament to her belief being more than just a hunch. Jacky’s upcoming leading role in Netflix’s vampire series“V-Wars” will continue to demonstrate her rising star power and enigmatic presence.Jacky is a Toronto native who had everything she needed on the east coast, supportive friends and family and a stable and growing career in developing small businesses. But she knew that her passion for acting was too great to set aside as a hobby. In the summer of 2014, Jacky made a quick and swift decision to move across the country to Vancouver, leaving everything and everyone she knew behind. Since relocating, Jacky has appeared in The CW’s “The Flash”, and CBS ’ “Ransom” and had recurring roles on Freeform’s “Beyond”, “Shadowhunters” and ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”. Jacky has also appeared in the feature film SILENT HILL: REVELATION. Jacky’s latest project, which will be released on December 5th, is already receiving a lot of buzz. Jacky co-stars alongside Ian Somerhalder of The CW’s “Vampire Diaries” fame and Adrian Holmes of Bravo’s “19-2” in Netflix’s horror, scifi series “V-Wars” which will bring to life the beloved graphic novels by Jonathan Maberry and Alan Robinson. Jacky will also appear in the indie feature FALL BACK DOWN which will have its world premiere at the Whistler Film Festival on December 5th.

A Sugar & Spice Holiday is about Suzie (Lai), a rising young architect, returns to her small hometown in Maine for Christmas where, her Chinese American family runs the local Lobster Bar. Following the loss of her beloved grandmother who was a legendary baker in their community, Suzie is guilted into following in her grandmother’s footsteps by entering the local gingerbread house competition. Teaming up with an old high school friend Billy (Giroux), who grew up to be a catch, Suzie must find the right recipes and mix of sugar and spice to win the competition and perhaps find some love in the process. The movie stars Jacky Lai, Tony Giroux and Tzi Ma.

Stills from of "A Sugar & Spice Holiday" on Lifetime 12/13/20

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Jacky Lai of "A Sugar & Spice Holiday" on Lifetime

Interview with Carly Hughes

Posted on November 15, 2020April 18, 2021 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Carly Hughes of "The Christmas Edition" on Lifetime 11/15/20

Interview with Carly Hughes of “The Christmas Edition” on Lifetime by Suzanne 10/27/20

This was a very entertaining call. Carly has an amazing personality as well as so much acting and singing talent. Don’t miss this fun Christmas movie she’s appearing in. It was really interesting to hear how they got it moving, even during the pandemic.

Suzanne: So, tell us how this part came about for you.

Carly: I was offered the job through Lifetime. They were like, “Can you be in Utah by tomorrow?” And I was quarantined, sitting on my couch, like, “What?”

They drove from Utah, picked me up, and I was in Utah the next day, ready for the rollercoaster ride of filming a Christmas movie in the heat of summer and Utah during the height of a pandemic.

Suzanne: So, this was a quick thing.

Carly: Yeah. It was like, “Be here. Let’s do it. Bye.”

Suzanne: So, did they give you any background information about who Jackie is, besides what’s in the script?

Carly: Oh, no, not really. I mean, it was all fast and furious. I got in the trailer; they drove me 13 hours. I got there and got acclimated, and we started filming. I was able to read the script the night before, but I just was like, “Well, I’m gonna go with my gut, and they’ll tell me if I’m wrong,” and hopefully I was spot on.

Suzanne: So, they have the whole thing set up safely for the pandemic; you have to take tests?

Carly: Yeah, we had to all get tested prior to leaving. I mean, they were all there before me. So, I had to get tested before I left and then tested soon as I landed there. Then, every 72 hours thereafter, everyone did, which actually took away some anxiety for me, because, you know, I had been quarantined alone that whole time and just fine. You know what I mean? I didn’t miss people enough to risk my life. So, it was a big thing for me to go and be amongst strangers, because I knew no one there, but the protocols they followed made it a lot easier.

Suzanne: Good, good. I keep hearing that from people who are filming. They’re doing all these protocols. The daytime soaps were the first ones to start that, and then everybody said, “Oh, okay, well, they’re doing it.”

Carly: Yeah. I know they did. I think the first one was like The Bold and the Beautiful, but they all tested positive right away, so they had to shut it down. I think they were actually one of the first, and then they were able to come back. But now, there’s a good protocol to follow and the testing and all of that. So, it can be done.

Suzanne: Yeah, that’s good. And had you worked with any of the casting crew before?

Carly: No, no, I knew no one, and also, the funny thing is that I still don’t really know the crew, because they had to wear masks for the entire time. So, I never saw their faces. That was the first time in doing any show in the history of doing shows that I could not tell you what our crew looked like. It’s funny. Let them be outside of their masks. Like I knew them by their masks. I think I saw maybe two one day while they were eating lunch, and I was like, “Who are you?”

Suzanne: That’s funny. So, in the future, they’ll be like, “Hey, you remember me?” “Oh, no.”

Carly: I know, I will one hundred percent be like, “What?” “We did The Christmas Edition together.” I’ll be like, “Okay.”

Suzanne: So it was filmed in Utah. How long did it take?

Carly: We actually shot this in 14 days. Isn’t that insane?

Suzanne: Yeah, that’s crazy. That’s the first thing I’ve heard of this before, because whenever I usually interview somebody from like a Lifetime movie or whatever, they say, “Oh, yeah, we shot this last year. It took us two months.”

Carly: Yeah, I know. Normally that is the case, but then all of the year it was shut down until things got a protocol and things to follow. So, everything was pushed back. So, we had to really crank these out. I mean, Lifetime did great. They did, I think, thirty new movies during the pandemic, all fast and furious but artfully done.

Suzanne: Yeah, I watched it, and it was good. You couldn’t tell that it was rushed at all.

Carly: Thank you.

Suzanne: Yeah, I enjoyed it.

Carly: I mean, the timing is rushed, because who wants to do anything in that short amount of time? But in terms of being on set and filming it, we didn’t feel rushed at all. We got to actually create moments and make make some, you know, authentic moments, even in that short timeframe. So, that was nice.

Suzanne: Yeah, and you did a good job as Jackie, because she’s kind of uptight at the beginning, and then she slowly relaxed.

Carly: Thank you. You know, I tried to give her some levels.

Suzanne: I really enjoyed that song you sang. That was in the script, right?

Carly: Yeah, well, it was a different song originally, and I think it was just a snippet. Once I came on, I was like, “Okay, how about we maybe do this one?” It gets tricky with public domains and deciding on a song. Then, we got to work to see what part of the song, because they didn’t know me prior; they didn’t really know what I what he did for a living. So, they had no idea until I got there. They’re like, “Oh, wait, you do this for a living?” I’m like, “Yeah.” So, we made a cute little moment out of it.

Suzanne: Yeah, that was cool. I wish there had been more singing actually.

Carly: Me too! I was like, “All right, that just means you guys have to hire me for another Christmas movie where I sing the whole movie.”

Suzanne: That’s right. I see there are a lot of clips on YouTube of you singing. Are there any albums that we can hear you sing on?

Carly: Just all the cast albums of all the Broadway shows. It’s so funny. I was I was going to do a Christmas album this year, because I was supposed to be in New York for two months, but all my New York gigs got canceled on Friday, March 13th, when we got locked down. So, there went everything I had planned for New York, but it’s fine. So, now I can spend this time getting it all together for when I am with my band again in New York, but I think, fingers crossed, given this pandemic and the limited space and availability, I’m gonna try to do a few Christmas songs like an EP this year. If I can get my band together virtually.

Suzanne: Yeah, things have changed quite a bit; haven’t they?

Carly: Oh, my gosh.

Suzanne: I was happy to see Aloma Wright in the movie. She’s amazing.

Carly: Oh, she amazing. It was such an honor to work with her. I mean, she’s the definition of those that have come before you. Watching her and getting to work with her up close and personal and seeing how – you know, I always find it interesting in every project, TV and film and Broadway, getting to see how your scene partners work and how their brains tick and how they maneuver their roles, because everyone’s different. I find it so interesting. She’s just a joy.

Suzanne: Yeah, I love how when they do these movies, they try to bring in all different generations. Then, there’s always somebody that – like, I’m older, so there’s somebody I grew up with, and I didn’t grow with her, but I know her from a lot of different stuff. She’s done Suits. She was great in Suits. If you ever get chance to see –

Carly: Scrubs. Suits and Scrubs. I mean, she’s done everything.

Suzanne: Yeah. Grey’s Anatomy, Days of Our Lives. She was on Days of Our Lives for a long time.

Carly: Oh my gosh, really?

Suzanne: Yeah.

Carly: I mean, she’s done everything. I love when you have those people that you’re like, “Okay, there’s always a surprise.” Like, no matter what, there’s gonna always be like, “She did that?” Aloma’s one of those people.

Suzanne: Yeah, that’s fun. And how much did you know about Marie Osmond before working with her?

Carly: I mean, tons, because she’s in this business. I kind of know most things about [her], because I find it interesting, and we had two degrees of separation. I knew some producers at The Talk when she was hosting The Talk, but it was great to work with her too, and surreal. Like, “My mom, my parents, grew up watching you; that’s how long you’ve been around, and now I’m actually working with you.“ It’s so crazy, the turn of events.

Suzanne: Yeah, I bet. When I was in high school, she had a variety show with her brother, The Donnie and Marie Show.

Carly: Yeah, I know, and I saw reruns whenever they were on TV Land when they play like The Brady Bunch, and then it’d be like The Donnie and Marie Show.

Suzanne: That’s great. So, what was the most challenging thing about playing this role?

Carly: Honestly, one of the most challenging things about playing this role was wearing 18 layers of wool in 100 degree weather in August. Honestly, that was probably the most challenging, that and it being shot in 14 days, but but the weather and the layers were the most challenging, because you’re supposed to be looking like you’re shivering in Alaska, but really, you have a cable-knit sweater, a ski suit, fur-lined boots, a scarf, a puffy coat, a wool hat, and gloves on.

Suzanne: And what was the most fun part of the movie?

Carly: The most fun part was – I don’t know. It’s so it’s so cliche to say the whole thing, but getting to actually live in a Christmas village, so to speak, a quarantined Christmas village, and make this magic at a time when the world is so crazy, it was a much needed stray from reality for me.

Suzanne: Yeah, I bet that was fun.

Carly: Yeah, it was amazing.

Suzanne: Yeah, I was watching another Christmas movie that they hadn’t finished yet, and a lot of it was special effects, and I’m watching the unfinished version, and it says, “FX here.”

Carly: “Snow here.”

Suzanne: Yeah, and I was thinking when I was watching your movie, I’m like, “Well, which which part of this is real?”

Carly: I heard that from someone else. I haven’t seen it yet, but I heard somebody else was like, “This looks cool.” Like, all right, I’ll take that.

Suzanne: Yeah, when you start seeing that thing, it makes you doubt everything you see.

Carly: I know. You’re like, “What’s real and what’s not?” because now I’ve seen the before and the after.

Suzanne: So, you’re still working on American Housewife as well?

Carly: I will be, yeah, in the first episode of season five, and then I will no longer be.

Suzanne: Okay, and it’s premiering tomorrow, right?

Carly: Yeah, it’s a fun one too.

Suzanne: Oh, good. Anything you can tell us about season five or the episode you’re in?

Carly: It’s so crazy, because we shot half of it before the pandemic, but then we got locked down, so we had to finish it after. My brain is like, “What? Christmas? Where are we again?” There’s a huge graduation that takes place and then a surprise that takes place after graduation with a principal and Maria. You know, the girls are up to their regular antics that breakfast. We haven’t tended to stray from that formula on Housewife. Yeah, so we’re kind of up to our old bag of tricks.

Suzanne: Cool, and they had all the same changes that you had in the movie as far as the pandemic, the safety things?

Carly: Yes, no production is allowed to go back to filming without testing every, I think, 72 hours and without protocols on set with hair and makeup and face shields and screenings and masks. I think they actually have to wear an N 95, and no one’s in one huge trailer anymore. A lot of productions makeup is split up, one person per room and [unintelligible]. They’ve really almost got it down to an art. I mean, every production is a little different, but the protocol is the same.

Suzanne: It must be interesting to have to completely do things differently all of a sudden after doing it for years.

Carly: Yeah, it’s insane, because, you get into a routine of doing anything that you’ve done forever. Even if it’s something small that changes, you know, like I go to hair and makeup, then I put on a costume, and then I go to set. Now it’s like, no, you wait to get your temperature, you probably get a swab up your nose, you go to one person for hair maybe, another for makeup maybe, and then you go sit by yourself until you’re directed to [go on set]. You know, it’s very interesting, but you have to just adopt these things as a new norm because they’re going to be around for a while.

Suzanne: Does that make for longer hours for you guys?

Carly: Yeah, I think for a while it will make it longer for everyone until you get into the swing of it, and then, like anything, it starts to speed up and you’re like, “Okay, we got this down to a science.” But now it’s just being optimistically cautious, because everyone has to be negative in order for production to stay up between the hair and makeup and actors and crew. Everyone has to test negative. So, if there’s one person positive, it ruins it.

Suzanne: Yeah. You said about The Bold and the Beautiful, they actually had the same thing happen on Days of Our Lives. They had to shut down for two weeks again after somebody was negative, but it didn’t affect their schedule that much, so it was good.

Carly: That’s good. I know [unintelligible].

Suzanne: So, do you have anything else you’re working on that you can tell us about?

Carly: I’m working on a cookbook based on all my cooking segments I’ve done this quarantine on my Instagram. So, that is actually exciting, and it’s nice to stray a little bit until I await the next big gig in terms of TV and film. It’s like I have other other, you know, irons in the fire.

Suzanne: So, you were working on that during the pandemic. What else were you doing during the pandemic?

Carly: Yeah, I do cooking segments on Cooking with Carly on my Instagram, and so the recipes that I’ve just thought of either in the moment or the day before, I cook them step by step and then do our tasting. So, between March and now, I have a vast number of recipes that I’ve just made my own that are actually delicious. So, now I can hunker down and [be] thankful that that’s one thing the pandemic has given all of us, is time. So, there’s no excuse now. Like, I may not want to make my bed, which is fine, but now there’s no excuse not to write the recipes down, get it together, and make something out of it.

Suzanne: That’s cool. I started following you this morning Instagram, so I’ll have to look back at some of your recipes.

Carly: Oh, yeah, when you get a moment today, I just did a cooking segment yesterday. They’re always in my Insta Story, and so the most recent one I did last night is still in my Insta Stories. Then after that, I always put them in my highlights, so you can go to the highlights and see the other recipes.

Suzanne: Okay, good. I’ll check that out then. I like to cook.

Carly: Yeah, it’s so good.

Suzanne: Actually, I like to bake more than I like to cook but –

Carly: That’s my mom. My mom’s like, “I’ll cook if i have to, but I love to bake.”

Suzanne: Exactly. When you have to cook for other people, it’s more of a chore.

Carly: Yeah, exactly. Exactly.

Suzanne: All right. Well, thanks a lot. I really appreciate your talking to me today.

Carly: Thank you so much for taking the time.

Suzanne: And you have a good Halloween and everything.

Carly: Thank you. Happy Holidays. Happy Christmas.

Suzanne: Yes. You’re already in the Christmas mood, aren’t you?

Carly: I am. I’m starting decorating this week. I’m not even kidding.

Suzanne: Oh, wow. I have to take down all my Halloween decorations.

Carly: I’m leaving the Halloween outside, and I’m gonna start my winter wonderland inside, because, you know, I go in, so it takes me a moment to get my theme going and get inspired. All different stages.

Suzanne: Well, you have fun. I’ll look forward to seeing the pictures when you post them on Instagram.

Carly: I will, thank you.

Suzanne: All right, thank you.

Here is the audio version of it.

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

Video Clip #1 On her first morning in Lantern Grove, Jackie (Carly Hughes) meets several of the locals: including Finn (Rob Mayes), the Mayor (Rick Macy), and Teddy (Langi Tuifua).

Video Clip #2 Media tycoon Melanie (Marie Osmond) considers acquiring the small town Lantern Grove press, much to the surprise of its editor Jackie (Carly Hughes).

Carly Hughes of "The Christmas Edition" on Lifetime 11/15/20 There’s nothing like bringing a little, much-needed holiday cheer to the viewing audience at the most tumultuous tine any of us have experienced. As one of our favorite journalists, we are coming to you first regarding one of the most anticipated new movies to air next month, Hybrid’s The Christmas Edition, starring Carly Hughes, Rob Mayes, Marie Osmond and Aloma Wright premiering November 15th, 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime.

The Peter Sullivan-directed gem stars Carly Hughes (American Housewives) as ‘Jackie,’ an up-and-coming journalist, who finds that her life is at a crossroads until she finds an unexpected opportunity – to run a small-town newspaper in Alaska. Jackie decides to give it a try and relocates to the remote, picture-perfect small town. Using a series of Christmas articles, she’s able to quickly return the newspaper to profitability, and soon falls in love… both with her new home and the handsome son of the paper’s former owner. However, when her old boss announces plans to take over the paper for herself, Jackie will need a Christmas miracle to save it. No Christmas movie is complete without a consequential appearance by the likes of singular Marie Osmond who portrays the newspaper owner which puts Hughes’ character at the most important crossroads of her career. "The Christmas Edition" on Lifetime 11/15/20

The Christmas Edition is produced by Hybrid LLC with Jeff Schenck and Barry Barnholtz executive producing. Peter Sullivan, who has become one of the network’s favorite masters behind the lens, directed from a script by Anna White.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Carly Hughes of "The Christmas Edition" on Lifetime 11/15/20