Ashleigh Morghan – Head Count

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I am currently in “Native Son” on HBO, “The Last Summer” and “The Land” on Netflix. I will be on an upcoming episode on “Veronica Mars!” I’m also currently writing some of my own projects.

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Head Count.

A) The premise for Head Count is there are nine teenagers that take their annual hiking trip up to Joshua Tree. Zoe, the single one, takes a liking into a boy she sees from afar, Evan, while snapping pictures in the desert with her friends. Zoe convinces Evan (not hard to do, right?) to join her friends at their place. One night while sharing horror stories, Evan (Isaac Jay) accidentally conjures a shape shifting entity that once awakened has to perform a deadly routine.

Q) How was your character Zoe originally described to you?

A) Zoe was described as an artsy girl who is the single friend, but doesn’t mind it, that enjoys all that life has to offer.

Q) Was there anything you added to her that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) Zoe and I have similar essences, so playing her felt like I was in my own skin. I didn’t really feel like I needed to add anything to her, it all just felt so natural and real to me.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the movie?

A) I did not know any one prior to this film but I am still really good friends with Bevin Bru who played Camille.

Q) Talk about working with director Elle Callahan.

A) I LOVED WORKING WITH A FEMALE DIRECTOR. Female directors tend to be more together in tense situations. Elle was amazing. Whenever I had questions about the script or I had a suggestion about what I think Zoe would say or do in given situations, Elle always backed me 100% and was open and receptive to my input. She was patient and nice and very dedicated to this project. I can’t wait to see what other horror projects she stirs up.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) The first time I saw the hisji. It was terrifying. Elle didn’t want the cast to see the monster until we filmed the scene with the hisji. I remember being SO creeped out. The eyes! I also enjoyed the scene with Evan. That’s how I am with flirting and guys and it was fun being able to portray that on camera. And, of course, playing the Hisji.

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming?

A) By hanging out with the cast and crew. We would play video games [laughs] or board games and just sit and talk. It was like a family on set so we would talk about what we did or just simply get to know each other more.

Q) What do you think it is about Head Count that’s going to make it a fast fan favorite sci-fi movie?

A) Head Count brings back the original feel of a horror/sci-fi movie. It’s not about the jump scares, but more about the lingering eerie fear we create in our own heads. The fear that’s already there. It’s the old-school feel-good horror/sci-fi vibe.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) It really means the world to me. I’m a girl from the Midwest and used to only dream of doing this. I am so thankful for your love and support of me through this journey and I can’t wait to show you more.