Tag: Mary Avgerinos

Meet Philippe

Philippe Kane plays Mark Watson, Claire’s practical and skeptical father. Unlike Claire’s mother, Katie, Mark believes there is a rational explanation for Claire’s behavior and is not at all happy about Leigh’s presence in the house. I especially loved reviewing footage of Philippe after long filming days because of the emotion that comes through in his delivery of both concern and skepticism. It was also really fun to watch Philippe and Mary stay in their roles off the camera.

Tell me a little bit about your background.

I have always been drawn in by film as a way to bolster my imagination. I remember being quite young and being transported to new worlds and meeting characters that inspired me to look beyond what was in front of me. This led me to write plays and create new characters on stage while in high school and then I went on to study Drama Studies at SUNY Purchase in New York. That was the beginning of being able to quench my creative side. I eventually went on to get my doctorate in clinical psychology which greatly aided my ability to be engulfed in all types of human behavior. Acting in In Your Afterglow was a great opportunity to revive some of those creative chops and continue studying the human behavior of Trish’s characters that she has developed for the film.

What was your favorite experience working on In Your Afterglow?

Working with Mary, my onscreen “wifey” as I call her, is always uplifting, professional and fun. She takes her craft seriously and is always reliably funny yet professional to run lines with. Her good energy makes it a pleasure to come to set.

How did you prepare for your role in the film?

I really tried to relate to parents who have children with autism. I have had a lot of experience as a psychologist working with individuals with autism and their parents. Typically, parents are over burdened with trying to navigate resources and services for their children, never getting enough respite for themselves. Additionally, there can be shame and stigma attached to having a child with special needs, that requires some self discovery. This helped shape how I viewed my character Mark.

What was your favorite scene in the film?

My favorite scenes were the family scenes. There was some good comic relief in between takes with the younger actors and Rich Henkels, who is a class act.

What was your biggest challenge while filming In Your Afterglow?

Really, just the location. There was a lot of commuting from DC where I live, to York Pa on the weekends. Luckily, we shot in the summer and York has a lot of beautiful trees.

What’s next for you?

I look forward to any future projects that may come way.

Click the following link to see Philippe in the Official Trailer for In Your Afterglow.

Click on the link below to purchase your tickets to see Philippe in the Premiere of In Your Afterglow.

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Mary Avgerinos

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:

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow