Katie Reese – The Art of Passion

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for your upcoming film The Art of Passion.

A) The Art of Passion’s premise for me is about a woman who has devoted her life to helping others and putting other’s first finally meets someone (Victor Alfieri) who makes her feel alive and seen and shows her the kind of love she is deserving of. At the same time, her work life brings an obstacle as she is trying to help a patient, but the patient’s husband Arnie (Gregg Weiner) becomes a threat. Unlike many other movies, my character, Hope Williams, fights on her own to resolve conflict with Arnie. She doesn’t need a hero but becomes her own. It’s about empowerment, love and passion, growth and coming into her own power.

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

A) She was described as caring, modest and content with her mundane life. To me, though, I felt she had an inner light that just needed to be lit. There was more than meets the eye. I felt aligned with the character and to me she seemed strong on the exterior but there is a soft vulnerability within her, and Victor’s character really pulls that spark and fire out of her.

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

A) I was not, but now we are all friends. I feel so lucky to have met people who I aligned with and continue to keep in touch with. Everyone was super supportive and collaborative. We became family while shooting.

Q) There is such a great, fiery chemistry between Hope and James. Was there much time ahead of filming to discuss that chemistry with Victor Alfieri or was it more just diving into the work?

A) Victor and I and the director Christie [Will Wolf] spent a lot of time, in fact all our free time, with each other. This allowed our chemistry to develop naturally and us to form trust. Victor and I often talked about our ideas and the scenes. He and I had a natural banter and we both have super goofy personalities. We also are really passionate and caring and I think the combination of that really plays into our chemistry through the movie. Christie really encouraged us to be completely ourselves and I appreciated that.

Q) The movie gets quite steamy, but also very intense. What scenes challenged you the most to film?

A) I come from an athletic background, and I love to dance and move my body. So, I LOVED all the athleticism and action elements in the movie. I would say the heightened emotional scenes were the most challenging, only because I really do allow myself to feel everything and open up and that can be hard especially if you’re filming a few emotional scenes all in one day. It can be really tiring and mentally challenging, but always rewarding. That’s the beauty of storytelling, you really get to experience and go through so much.

Q) Angel Barroeta did a wonderful job with the cinematography. Have you had a chance to see the film and what did you think of the incredible intensity it adds to the film?

A) As of now, I haven’t seen the whole film. I saw a few clips. But working with him was a pleasure. The way he saw shots, and imagined the scenes was truly creative. He has such a keen eye for his work and is a true artist. I can’t wait to see the final product.

Q) What do you think it is about The Art of Passion that’s going to make it a fan favorite Lifetime thriller?

A) To me, it’s different than anything Lifetime has shown before. It’s spicy and thrilling, empowering, funny, charming and alluring. The “complete Lifetime package.” Also, the whole team who brought it together and made it happen – the producers, director and assist; scripty, actors, makeup and hair, production and stylist. I could go on and on about how talented everyone was. The locations were also stunning. Christie is amazing and I am so grateful to have gotten to work with her and get to know her. I couldn’t have asked for better costars as well. Everyone was on top of their game, and it will show. It truly encompasses so many exciting elements and I can’t wait for my friends and family to watch on the screen.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’re going to be receiving to the movie?

A) I am looking forward to sharing my love of storytelling to everyone who watches it – hoping they feel something after or can take something away from it. It’s just awesome to know people are going to be able to see me do what I love. That is what matters to me most. Acting is something I am truly so passionate about, and I am just happy to have been a part of this experience and share my gift with others.

Q) What are the other upcoming projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I work on tons of commercials and print campaigns daily. I also dance professionally. I currently have another film in post-production and a possible series that is being pitched.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work that you do?

A) Being an artist is what I love and crave most in life. I’m going to keep following my heart, creating, growing, sharing my passions and continue to story tell though my work. I would like to say to supporters and fans always follow your heart, help other when you can and know that passion changes everything.