Interview: Courtney Akbar Reels Through Her Role in Circus Road

Q: How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would still have got the part?I
Courtney Akbar: I got involved in Circus Road after having auditioned for the director, Minh Collins for another upcoming film Asphalt Jungle. I am still cast in that film but as it’s common in this business for schedules and plans to change, Circus Road got ahead in schedule and got green lit to film by the end of 2018. Shortly after, I was invited by Minh to join other cast members at a press event in Hollywood around Halloween and we also had a table read that same week. It wasn’t a formal audition but Minh had mentioned to me that he had envisioned me as Kat while writing the script with his co-writer Sadie Katz. When Minh introduced me to Sadie at the press event, I remember she screamed out and said I was Kat!

Q: As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Courtney Akbar: I feel overall very blessed to have had the opportunity to play such a layered character in this story. I’m also confident and happy about my choice to be a part of this film that has a great range in a very talented ensemble cast. It was an enjoyable experience all around to work beside this amazing group of talented people in front of and behind the camera. I felt very challenged in a good way to explore and break some new ground as an actress, and I believe Kat is really going to catch a lot of attention on screen. I can’t wait for everyone to watch it!

Q: What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Courtney Akbar: I really liked the complexities of Kat’s personality and psychology, her unique circumstances in life with her family and environment. I really wanted to be able to show more of my talents and my flexibility of playing such a diverse character on screen.

Q: You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Courtney Akbar: I have had the privilege to be a part of big studio projects and indie films of all sizes. To me, being on set is always a magical experience. Acting and collaborating with other artists is my passion and my passion drives me! I love everything about creating something that others can experience and be entertained with. From the energy of being on set to the humbling feeling my fans give me when I meet them. I have never worked on a film where at the end of the day I didn’t leave set feeling gratified and thankful for my life, no matter how hard the day may have been. I am truly thankful to be able to follow my dreams and develop a career in what I’m passionate for.

Q: Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Courtney Akbar: While we were filming one of my most emotional scenes, after a couple takes Minh wanted me to reset and react with a different mind set. This made me analyze the scene and my emotions in different way on the spot and it wasn’t bad! I could feel both and I’m excited to see which one actually makes it in the final cut.

Q: How did you create your character from ground up?
Courtney Akbar: Lots and lots of research by watching documentaries and films that feature similar characters. I needed to be able to put myself in the shoes of someone who grew up in this unimaginable situation. I also did a lot of research into human psychology and cults. I used this role as an excuse to re-watch a lot of my favorite horror films again, and of course all of the best clown movies were streamed.

Q: As a main cast member on the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
Courtney Akbar: I felt comfortable with my character and the script so I feel like I had a pretty solid vision for what was required of me. I would like to give a lot of credit to my co-stars that were all on point and helped me feel more comfortable during the takes and on set which definitely fired me up. Filming summer scenes in the middle of the winter was a challenge for all of us, I kept telling everyone we were in the Sahara in between takes to try and keep things light.

Q: Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Courtney Akbar: I would say a little impromptu song and dance during a scene where I’m giving the other girls some cowboy boots and hats.

Q: What did you take away from the film production?
Courtney Akbar: I took away a lot of new friends and some wonderful memories. The most beautiful thing about working on a film is that you always learn something new and just how much you can learn in that short amount of time. I can certainly say my film family got bigger after completing yet another film with a lot of really cool people.

Q: What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Courtney Akbar: Minh as a director is very calm and collective. He gives us the opportunity and freedom to express our artistic creativity with an open mind. It was a fun, comfortable and professional set.

Q: What is next for you?
Courtney Akbar: I’m currently acting in multiple episodes of a new upcoming TV series called Paradise Apartments, created by Michael Pellico. I also have a couple of feature film scripts I am currently reading that will be starting up in the spring, I’m not really in the liberty to say too much about them yet.

Q: What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Courtney Akbar: I would like to tell other actors to have faith and patience with any project you choose to take on. Being an actor takes so much mental strength in order to keep your motivation going through the hard times. Things don’t always go smoothly and it’s definitely not easy. There will be many hardships along the way, both emotionally and physically, but you must never forget that the best gratifications in life come after your most demanding efforts.