Lauren Sweetser – ADDicted

By starrymag | November 13, 2017

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) Currently, I’m starring and producing in a feature film. It’s a turn of the century thriller that deals with murder, love and vengeance.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film ADDicted and about your character.

 

A) ADDicted centers around college students who are addicted to Adderall. My character, Ashley Ross, is a type-A personality who takes on way too much and spreads herself far too thin. Her addiction to Adderall further fuels the fire to her already fairly neurotic personality.

 

Q) Before filming, did you do much research on ADD and addiction to Adderall?

 

A) I did extensive research on addiction and specifically addiction to Adderall.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) Ashley’s intricacies and personality were well fleshed out in the writing. The director encouraged improvisation and gave us the freedom to explore our characters in whatever ways we saw fit.

 

Q) What did you find the most challenging aspect of your portrayal?

 

A) The most challenging thing for me was capturing a personality that is so much the opposite of my own. A lot of times actors will play characters that are very much like themselves. Ashley was the opposite of who I am. So, I welcomed the challenge of portraying her.

 

Q) What was it like filming at University of Missouri?

 

A) The University was super hospitable and welcoming to all of the madness that comes with a film set.

 

Q) What advice did director Dan Jenski provide you during filming that you took to heart?

 

A) Dan is very supportive of actors and their choices. He allowed us to bring our own visions of our characters to life. He never pressured us in directions we didn’t believe in.

 

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

 

A) My favorite memories stem from the overall collaborative art of making this film. You get to meet and work with so many different types of people and artists. This set, in particular, was super cohesive and everyone was really easy to work with.

 

Q) What did you personally take away from your experience on the film?

 

A) This film further reinforced the power of addiction and how it can negatively affect every aspect of someone’s life.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan reaction you’ll be receiving?

 

A) It’s always nice to hear from fans and to get their reactions to the films I make. It’s been so rewarding to hear from fans of this film who can relate with Ashley’s struggle. Several people have reached out to thank us for our focus on addiction and tell us of their own struggles to addiction.

 

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

 

A) Thank you very much for supporting my art and letting me continue to live my dream!