Moriah Forry plays the role of Erin, the James’ family cook in the Civil War Era flashbacks. Erin is the main subject of lead character Leigh’s flashbacks, so I had a very specific image in my mind of what she “ought” to look like. I couldn’t believe my luck when I met Moriah – another amazing find of Associate Producer, Patti Stirk. Moriah epitomizes what this film is about – finding local talent and giving them an opportunity to shine.
We filmed all of the flashback scenes at the historic Dill’s Tavern in Dillsburg, PA in one day. Although the folks at the Tavern graciously agreed to allow us two days for the scenes, set-up was very complex so I felt we needed to crank through them with efficiency. We couldn’t have done so if Moriah hadn’t been so prepared and knowledgeable about her character. I asked Moriah how she prepared for her role as Erin.
First, I read the entire script so that I knew the story line. After reading the script, I focused on the lines specific to Erin as well as the others included in the same scenes. By reading everyone’s lines in the scenes I was in, I was able to better understand the tone and emotions.
Erin and I were both young and engaged to be married. This helped me to put myself into Erin’s shoes, and feel the emotions that she may have felt when she heard the news of her fiancé.
Moriah’s experience with acting came at a young age when she participated in productions at York’s DreamWrights Center for Community Arts. She is currently a registered nurse at Hanover Hospital. I asked Moriah what she does in her spare time.
I can usually be found spending time with family orexperimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen.
This didn’t surprise me. Most of her scenes involved preparing food. In the very first scene of filming I presented her with a challenge – could she knead dough? She smiled shyly, removed the dough from the bowl, and worked it like a pro.
Click the following link to see Moriah in the Official Trailer for In Your Afterglow.
Click on the link below to purchase your tickets to see Moriah in the Premiere of In Your Afterglow.
Mary co-stars as Katie Watson, mother of Claire, a high functioning autistic teen who seems to be communicating with spirits. Mary artfully portrays concern and determination to help her struggling daughter. Despite objections from husband Mark, Katie hires Dr. Leigh Fisher to uncover the truth about Claire’s behavior.
Tell me a little about yourself
I am a Philadelphia native, raising 3 boys with my supportive and loving husband Evan. I worked as a Commercial Interior Designer for over 15 years designing beautiful commercial interiors before changing careers later in life. Many thought I was crazy, others called what I was doing a hobby. It takes a great deal of dedication, training and hard work but most of all passion. Passion is my driving force. Coming from an artistic background, I found that acting is just another way of expressing myself. I also work as a commercial actor and model which I enjoy tremendously.
How did you get involved with In Your Afterglow?
Rich Henkels who plays the role of Alan mentioned the casting to me and encouraged me to submit for the part of Katie. We train at the same acting studio and always support and help one another in getting acting work.
What was your favorite experience working on the film?
Meeting and working with Trish who is so incredibly talented in so many ways was definitely the highlight for me. She gave a relatively unknown actor a chance and it has meant the world to me. (aww gee that was really sweet Mary)
What skills improved with your participation in the film?
Listening, an actor must listen to their scene partner and respond truthfully in that moment. It’s not about just saying your lines.
What other projects have you worked on?
After working on “In Your Afterglow” I worked on a feature film called “The Impact Factor” written by Ken McArthur. I was fortunate enough to work together with a very good friend and I believe this made our scene feel more connected. I have also worked on several commercials this past year including Pfizer Pharmaceutical Commercial, Live Nation, and Reputation Defender which is currently running nationally on CNN, CNBC and Fox news channels. I work regularly on air at QVC as one of their beauty and fashion models. A highlight from this past year that I am so honored to be a part of was landing a major Beauty Campaign for the International (UK) Beauty Company No 7.
How did you prepare for your role in the film?
I read the entire script front to back many times. It is important to learn not only the essence of one’s own character but the others as well. Running my lines with my scene partner before I stepped onto the set was important. As actors, learning our lines and being prepared is our job. If you are not prepared it affects everyone.
What is your favorite scene from the film and why?
I don’t want to spoil anything but at the end of the movie there is a sweet moment I share with actor Philippe Kane who plays my husband. For the majority of the film we are at odds with one another.
What was your biggest challenge when filming?
There was one scene with 6 actors in it. It was challenging because everyone needed to hit their mark.
What parts of your character could you most relate to?
I play a mother which is not a big stretch, lol! I have many close to me who have children with Autism. I see first-hand the struggles they face in raising their children. Their fears of who will take care of them if they are gone. Dealing with bullies in school or ignorant people outside of school. Bringing awareness to Autism is so important. This world needs more kindness and compassion.
Who are some of the biggest influences in your life and how did they influence you?
My first first job out of college, I started working for a Commercial Interior Design Firm, Styer & Associates. It is owned and run by Amy Styer Tahtabrounian. It was my first interview after graduation. She hired me became my mentor. I have learned so much from this amazing woman. Having a strong female role model in my life has been a blessing. When I decided I wanted to pursue acting and modeling I was hesitant to tell her I was thinking of leaving the company. She was the first person to tell me to go after my dream and has been my biggest supporter.
What’s next for you?
I will continue training and working on improving myself as an actor and am very excited to see what 2020 brings.
Click on the following link to purchase your tickets now to see Mary as Katie Watson In Your Afterglow:
