The Exorcist meets Stranger Things in writer-director F.C. Rabbath’s Watch Over Us premiering on digital this September.
Avery Kristen Pohl (“The Glades”), Ella Schaefer (“Criminal Minds”), and Daniel Link (Krampus Unleashed) headline the frightening story of a family having to face a paranormal force on a farm.
A father and his young daughters move onto their grandfather’s secluded farm following the breakup of their parents. But once there, they are soon plagued by paranormal events that reveal a deadly secret that has haunted the family for generations, and an evil force that demands they uphold a deadly promise made by their ancestors.
Available on digital VOD everywhere nationwide 9/12/17.
Q:Hi Avery, why do you think writer-director F.C Rabbath thought you’d make a good demon fighter?
A: Well, Fred knows ass kicking is one of my favorite past times and thought turning that to demons wasn’t too much of a stretch. No, really, we have worked together on several projects and he kept me in mind as he wrote Eliza, channeling my inner nerd.
Q:Was it difficult acting in scenes opposite… well, nothing? How did that work?
A: Acting opposite nothing is always challenging. Keeping your line of sight consistent may seem simple, but is actually quite difficult as the camera angles change. Continuity is so important to keep everything realistic, but the best roles always have challenges.
Q:What kind of filmmaker was Rabbath? Was he collaborative? Did he encourage any improvisation?
A:Fred Rabbath is a self taught and evolving filmmaker. The majority of what you see and hear in his films are all Fred. The writing, the directing, the editing, sound effects, visual effects, etc. and they all come right from his brain. His characters are well formed in his mind as he guides your performance to that idea. He is witty, sharp, and fun so working with him is always great.
Q;Did you have much time to get to know your co-stars before filming began?
A:I had seen many of Ella’s short films from Florida State’s film school so I knew her work really well. We ended up becoming friends and still are. Bill Kelly and I have worked together in so many different roles, I jokingly refer to him as “Uncle Daddy.” I knew Henry Tisdale from Florida State projects as well. Daniel Link and I met on set, and he actually has a daughter named Avery who is close to my age and so we hit it off immediately. Mike Whaley was a new acquaintance who had an amazing presence on set during filming and he is really fun.
Q:As a star of the film, do you google the reviews or what people are saying about it? How important are reviews to the actors within the movies?
A: Personally, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of how a project is being received, but I try not to get sucked too far down that rabbit hole.. I cannot speak for other actors but reviews are opinions so they are subjective. I have to pick through and try and learn from them and let the rest go.
Q:How long was it that you completed the film? What’s been happening since then – been a busy trek?
A: We wrapped filming Watch Over Us in December of 2014. The next feature is called Sunset on the River Styx and it will be released to the 2018 festival circuit. Tease is a coming of age film scheduled to shoot in October in Los Angeles, I play the leading role of Sam. I play Goldilocks a the web series The New Hardy Boys. I have completed 2 of 3 comedy shorts, through OvaReactive Productions, with the final to shoot in January of 2018. These will also be film festival submissions. It has been steady and I hope 2018 is my busiest year yet.