Paris Warner – Finding Grace

By starrymag | June 22, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I recently wrapped up shooting a new psychological thriller feature called Paranormal Prison, which is about a YouTube channel run by a skeptical rich boy and a scientist who studies the paranormal. They and their crew shoot at an abandoned prison and chaos ensues! That was a super fun one to film and we got to shoot it in an actual abandoned prison so the vibes were real.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Finding Grace.

 

A) I interpreted Finding Grace as a story about a family in turmoil. I play Alaska Rose, a young woman who is struggling to navigate her way through her teenage years without her mother. Her father is trying desperately to raise her and her brother by himself. Alaska has to do community service at a nursing home and it affects her in a way she never thought possible.

 

Q) How was Alaska Rose originally described to you?

 

A) The director of Finding Grace, Warren Fast, described Alaska to me as someone who we could all relate to. Someone we could all see ourselves in. Alaska is eighteen years old and trying to find her place in the world. We all have our challenges and at the end of the day, we have a choice whether those challenges destroy us or help us to better ourselves.

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

 

A) Warren really encouraged us to throw ideas around and have an open and collaborative dialogue with each other. It was a team effort. At the end of the day it’s the director/writers painting and I’m just a color in it. I think I did decide that Alaska was a Taurus though. And that wasn’t in the script. [smiles]

 

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

 

A) I had worked with Jason Wade before in Utah on a few films, but I hadn’t met any of my other cast mates! It was a fun cast and crew and I was always thoroughly entertained. All of the cast members brought their own unique flair and style to the story. And they were all very open to collaboration and play.

Q) What advice did director/writer Warren Fast offer that you took to heart while shooting?

 

A) Warren was always very kind and respectful to me and the team and he had a very collaborative spirit. I always felt I had a lot of artistic freedom and could talk to him about anything without judgment or ego involved.  I came away from the film knowing that that collaborative effort is the key to a successful end product.

 

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

 

A) I loved my few scenes I filmed with Erin Grey! She is magnetic and a powerhouse and so much fun to act with. We had a chance to chat a bit in between takes and she’s a lovely human. I also loved shooting at the Rose house. Jessica and Aaron are amazing hosts and the house was beautiful and it was always incredible creative and loving energy on that property.

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from watching Finding Grace?

 

A) That you can heal your pain and find your way through hope, empathy and being of service to others. None of us can do it alone and love moves mountains.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you received to the movie?

 

A) I have had a lot of positive feedback from fans reaching out to say that the film helped them through the grieving process or helped them to not feel alone in their struggles. I always appreciate fans reaching out. Hearing those things truly means the world to me as an artist and a healer!

 

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

 

A) Thank you for all the support and love over the years and I will keep creating and doing my best to make y’all proud. I love you! I couldn’t do it without you. Ps. You can do anything you put your mind to! You are worthy! You are loved! Stay strong <3