Brianne Davis – Secret Life of a Celebrity Surrogate

By starrymag | September 19, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Secret Life of a Celebrity Surrogate.

 

A) It’s a unique look inside the world of one of the most famous actresses, Ava Von Richter, played by me. She and her producer husband Hayden Von Richter, played by the fabulous Carl Beukes, are struggling to get pregnant. They’ve done everything in their power to conceive, but Ava’s body just isn’t able to. They hire Olivia (Carrie Wampler), a young, innocent girl who’s found herself out of a job and a place to live to be their surrogate. However, the tumultuous relationship is falling apart every day. Olivia realizes that she and her unborn baby might not be safe there anymore.

 

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

 

A) It was really a family affair. I have worked with the producers Ross Kohn and Nancy Leopardi on another film of theirs – Murder In Mexico: The Bruce Beresford-Redman Story for Lifetime. Ross’s wife Courtney Henggeler wrote the script. My husband, Mark Gantt, was already attached to direct. Ross called Mark and explained that Courtney had me in mind while she was writing the script. Not sure if I should be flattered because Ava is a very complex trouble character at times, but I jumped aboard to join the movie because I adore all these people and knew it would be a fun adventure to bring Ava to life.

 

Q) How was your character originally described to you?

 

A) Ava Von Richter is one of the most famous actresses whose last three films have been total flops and her personal life is a complete trainwreck. I was encouraged to bring all the colors that a character like her could have. I was pumped to take on the challenge.

 

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

 

A) I had a hand in bringing her to life with her wardrobe. The wardrobe designer and I had many conversations. I wanted her to look like she was playing a different role in every scene she was in. I wanted her to be fierce and command the room. Clothes are crucial to me when playing a role. It helps me blend into the moments more fluidly. It’s probably the number one aspect I focus on from the outside. Also, it was important for me to take the audience on a journey with Ava. One moment you want to be her, then the next, you hate her. Then the minutes later, you want to be her best friend.

 

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

 

A) No, they were all strangers, which I think is a fun part of film making. It’s a bunch of people coming together with one goal in mind, to bring the script to life. You become a family very quickly and all on the same team. I love working with new actors. Learning how they work and flowing with them in the scene. It’s the best job ever, and I love it.

 

Q) What research did you conduct to get information on celebrity surrogacy?

 

A) I talked to a couple of people about their journeys in finding a surrogate, the frustrations with IVF and miscarriages. I’ve also been able to interview them for my podcast, Secret Life. On the show my guests tell me their darkest, deepest and often hilarious secrets. Secrets they’ve either had in the past or are currently keeping now. It’s been an incredibly cathartic experience for all of us. But I had recently become a new mother myself and also had a miscarriage the prior year. So, getting into the desperation Ava was in to have her own child was something I understood. She was will to do anything to have a child.

 

Q) What advice did director Matt Gantt offer during shooting that you took to heart?

 

Q) We have worked together several times as actor and director. I’ve directed him in two of my movies. He really wanted me to just go for it. Ava was someone that was so used to getting whatever she wanted; she could do practically anything. Her emotions were all over the place. He let me take risks and said he’d pull me back if he needed to. Or he’d push me further and encouraged me to just have fun. He’s a fantastic director, husband, father…He’s just a great guy. I always say that if I wasn’t married to him, I’d want to be his best friend. He makes me want to be a better person.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to shoot?

 

A) The scene after the police bring Olivia back to the house was a fabulous scene to play. The threesome scene was a tricky scene to shoot for all of us. You want it to have tension, but Mark didn’t want it to be over-sexualized. Also, the finale scene in the desert was a blast. Even with all the tension and drama, any time you’re doing stunts you’re bound to look like an idiot and we had lots of laughs.

 

Q) With such an intense subject matter, how did you shake off a long day of filming?

 

A) It was surprisingly easy. I am a mom of a toddler boy. So, as soon as they called “cut” and that I was wrapped, I kissed my husband Mark goodbye and ran back to our Airbnb in Albuquerque to be with my son. I spent every minute off set hanging with him and my mother-in-law. Also, I’m not an actress that stays in character. There’s not one “Method Actor” bone in my body. I can be telling jokes and laughing and a minute later, when the director calls “action,” switch right into the character. That’s just how I work. All actors are different and require different techniques. Sometimes I drive my other costars crazy because I am bothering them while they are in the preparation.

 

Q) What do you think it is about Secret Life of a Celebrity Surrogate that will make it a fast favorite thriller for Lifetime fans?

 

A) First of all, it’s so fun and the script that Courtney wrote is infused with so much humor and irony. It was a fast read and that really shows on the screen. I think the aspect of looking into a celebrity couple’s life and the unique take on a surrogate thriller movie. I think the actors all delivered incredible performances and it’s going to be a wild ride. Mark and Andrew Russo, the DP, pulled out all the stops to make it visually stunning. I am genuinely proud of the finished film.