EMILY ECKES talks about her independent Thriller Alice Fades Away, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. She co-stars with Joanna Pickering and highlights her move into independent films from a successful modeling career. In Alice Fades Away, the protagonist, Alice (Ashley Shelton) is on the run. Alice takes refuge on her uncle’s farm, now home to WWII survivors. But when a ruthless and unpredictable man arrives searching for her son, they must all fight back to make it out alive.
indieactivity: Hey Emily! What triggered your desire to become an actress?
Emily Eckes (EE): Hey! Great to be here… well looking back now, I was a pretty theatrical child – writing and performing plays at family gatherings. I wanted to be a singer on Broadway. Everything changed when I was scouted by a modeling agency at 13 years-old. I began working in NYC on a consistent basis, traveling, and feeling distanced from my true purpose – though my desire to act stayed with me. Later on, I studied at New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, followed by an intensive program at The William Esper Studio. Continuing to model, I was nervous to take the plunge and pursue acting as a career. That being said, I knew it would eventually be my path. I suppose the desire was always there – I only needed to nurture it.
Official Trailer for Alice Fades Away (2021) directed by Ryan Bliss stars Ashley Shelton, William Sadler, co-stars Emily Eckes and Joanna Pickering
indieactivity: What acting technique did you study?
Emily Eckes (EE): Predominately, I studied the Meisner technique. I am extremely grateful for this, as it’s become intrinsic to who I am as an actress. It allows for a more instinctive, authentic way of responding in a scene. I realized this while filming ‘Alice Fades Away’. It is something I apply to my acting, without even realizing it.
How did you get connected to ‘Alice Fades Away’? What was the audition process like?
Emily Eckes (EE): While I was out of town, I received a request for a self-tape. I felt completely ill-prepared, having no reader, poor lighting, and creating a makeshift tripod out of hotel furniture. That being said, I felt a strong connection to the role and knew that I was meant to play Dana. Then weeks went by without a peep. Finally, about a month later, the director Ryan Bliss contacted me letting me know I had booked the role. I was beyond ecstatic. This would be my first principal role in a feature film.
How did you prepare for the role?
Emily Eckes (EE): I have a photographic memory, so memorizing lines has never been difficult. It was really more about getting to know Dana – her story, her relationship with the other characters. Once I knew Dana, I was able to organically move forward with scenes. The rest of the pieces were brought together once filming began.
How did you bring the character from the script to life?
EE: Filming on location in rural Massachusetts made it easy. The sets were wonderful, wardrobe fantastic – but more importantly, the cast had finally come together.
What part of filming challenged you most?
EE: There is a scene in which Dana rushes upstairs to find a gun – and shoot it. This was something I was nervous about, being that there was much choreography between myself and the camera. It ended up being my favorite day of filming. Since then, I’ve noticed working through fear is extremely rewarding.
How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
EE: The cast was absolutely wonderful. As much as you can anticipate how a scene will go, I learned the importance of paying attention to the environment, the other actors, the nuances. It was an honor working alongside Emmy Award-winning actress Blanche Baker (Roxy), who truly felt like family. My scenes with Ashley Shelton (Alice) were always unpredictable, and enthralling. It was easy to get lost in Dana’s mind.
What do you like most about the director and his collaboration with the cast?
EE: Ryan Bliss was extremely receptive to thoughts and suggestions the cast had during filming. He wanted to make sure that the dialogue and scenes felt natural. He was also extremely collaborative with the crew – including talented director of photography David Bouley.
What did you take away from the production of this film?
EE: A newfound confidence in the choices I make as an actress, and a profound appreciation for all of those behind the scenes. I truly loved the cast and crew on this project. One of the things that draw me most to independent films, is the heart and soul that goes into every aspect. It allows for stories to be told in a way they may not have otherwise been. Everyone on set was there because they believed in the film.
What is next for you?
EE: Well, as you know, this past year has been a unique time for everyone in the industry. First and foremost, staying safe and healthy is a top priority. That said, I am playing a leading role in a feature film that will begin shooting this summer. I have also been developing a script for a series, which I am extremely excited about. Writing has always been a hidden passion of mine, and I finally have the courage to take the dive.
What advice do you give anyone aspiring to be an actor?
EE: Trust your instincts and persevere. It is easy to revert back to what is safe, to question, and to doubt the validity of this career. The truth is, there are unknowns in every aspect of life, of work. Why not do something that you love? Once I fully dedicated myself to being an actor, things began to fall into place. Keep studying, keep auditioning, and keep acting.
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