Film: Lost Penny
Actor: Rachael McOwen
Role: Penny
Q: What attracted you to working on this film?
A: The idea for a modern day adaptation of Alice in Wonderland really excited me. Who doesn't want to play make-believe in a crazy wonderland? The script was a style and genre that was unlike anything I had done before, so it was a fun change. I was also excited to work in Canada!
Q: Tell us about your role. How did you prepare for it?
A: Penny is a wide-eyed girl trying to find her way in the world. She is a modern day Alice in Wonderland looking for adventure! I researched adventuresome girls and as many adaptations of Alice in Wonderland as I could find. I really liked looking at Penny through those eyes.
Q: Did you identify with Penny?
A: I actually identify with Penny more than would be expected. I am quite a bit older than her in real life, but still play and seek adventure like I'm her age. As far as differences go...I'm super scared of eyeballs and the character Penny sports a scary eyeball ring! I will never do that in real life!
Q: What was your favorite scene to film?
A: Hands down the alleyway scene! We shot in this epic maze like back corridor. Alleys are my favorite thing, so as soon we stepped onto this location, I was in love. It was fun to see it for the first time again and again. For this reason I also really enjoyed the scenes in the field. It was fun being able to enter that space and see so many new details each time we shot.
Q: What did you enjoy the most about working on this film?
A: I enjoyed the challenge of carrying a full length film. I'm in almost every scene and because we shot most of it out of order, it was a fun challenge to stay on top of it all. Most projects shoot out of order, but Lost Penny was unique for me in how tightly packed our shooting schedule was each day. Some days we would go back and forth and back and forth from the beginning of the film to the end, getting different shots in record time. Lots of costume and make up changes, while remembering what my character just came from in the scene before made it a go-go type of shoot.
Q: What was the most challenging scene for you?
A: One scene with my mother was particularly challenging. We were early in the shooting process and still figuring out how everyone/everything worked.
Q: Do you have any funny stories or anecdotes about working on the film?
A: One scene turned my teeth blue and they took forever to get back to normal!
Q: Who are your influences? Who inspires you as an actor?
A: Passionate hard working people, my Mom, God, Audrey Hepburn and Carol Burnett.
Q: When did the acting bug bite you?
A: I started studying to be a ballerina at a young age, so I've been in the performing arts world for quite some time. My performing path has kinda evolved from there and here I am now!
Q: What is the best advice you ever got from Mom?
A: Breathe. I'll always know what to do if I remember to just breathe.
Manhattan Film Festival on Sat, June 13 » Get tickets
Niagara Integrated Film Festival on Sun, June 21 » Get Tickets
Actor: Rachael McOwen
Role: Penny
| Rachael McOwen as Penny |
A: The idea for a modern day adaptation of Alice in Wonderland really excited me. Who doesn't want to play make-believe in a crazy wonderland? The script was a style and genre that was unlike anything I had done before, so it was a fun change. I was also excited to work in Canada!
Q: Tell us about your role. How did you prepare for it?
A: Penny is a wide-eyed girl trying to find her way in the world. She is a modern day Alice in Wonderland looking for adventure! I researched adventuresome girls and as many adaptations of Alice in Wonderland as I could find. I really liked looking at Penny through those eyes.
Q: Did you identify with Penny?
A: I actually identify with Penny more than would be expected. I am quite a bit older than her in real life, but still play and seek adventure like I'm her age. As far as differences go...I'm super scared of eyeballs and the character Penny sports a scary eyeball ring! I will never do that in real life!
| Penny (Rachael McOwen) stands in the series of hallways at the back of the club. |
A: Hands down the alleyway scene! We shot in this epic maze like back corridor. Alleys are my favorite thing, so as soon we stepped onto this location, I was in love. It was fun to see it for the first time again and again. For this reason I also really enjoyed the scenes in the field. It was fun being able to enter that space and see so many new details each time we shot.
Q: What did you enjoy the most about working on this film?
A: I enjoyed the challenge of carrying a full length film. I'm in almost every scene and because we shot most of it out of order, it was a fun challenge to stay on top of it all. Most projects shoot out of order, but Lost Penny was unique for me in how tightly packed our shooting schedule was each day. Some days we would go back and forth and back and forth from the beginning of the film to the end, getting different shots in record time. Lots of costume and make up changes, while remembering what my character just came from in the scene before made it a go-go type of shoot.
Q: What was the most challenging scene for you?
A: One scene with my mother was particularly challenging. We were early in the shooting process and still figuring out how everyone/everything worked.
Q: Do you have any funny stories or anecdotes about working on the film?
A: One scene turned my teeth blue and they took forever to get back to normal!
Q: Who are your influences? Who inspires you as an actor?
A: Passionate hard working people, my Mom, God, Audrey Hepburn and Carol Burnett.
Q: When did the acting bug bite you?
A: I started studying to be a ballerina at a young age, so I've been in the performing arts world for quite some time. My performing path has kinda evolved from there and here I am now!
Q: What is the best advice you ever got from Mom?
A: Breathe. I'll always know what to do if I remember to just breathe.
LOST PENNY - Film Festival Info
Lost Penny will be screened at the following festivals in June 2015...Manhattan Film Festival on Sat, June 13 » Get tickets
Niagara Integrated Film Festival on Sun, June 21 » Get Tickets
