Stephanie March – A House on Fire

By starrymag | March 13, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for A House on Fire.

 

A) It is inspired by the true story of Debora Green, a physician in Kansas who was accused of deliberately setting her house on fire – killing two of her children and causing irreparable damage to her entire family.

 

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

 

A) I so rarely have the chance to dig into a character who is as flawed and vulnerable as Debora. It was too heartbreaking and too compelling to say no. Not to mention working with Shamim [Sarif] and Shaun [Benson]!

 

Q) How was Deb Green originally described to you?

 

A) If you Google Debora the following comes up: “2 concurrent 40-year prison sentences.” She was described to me as a monster who killed her children. In our script I saw a very, very different person. I saw a woman who suffered greatly and was abandoned to her own devices just when she needed the most help.

 

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

 

A) It was always very, very important to me (and Shamim) that Debora not be cast as the “crazy woman.” She is not crazy. She is in deep pain and that is very different. We explored those aspects of the script in a way I am very proud of.

 

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

 

A) I knew of Shamim and Shaun and I was right. They were worth a long quarantine.

 

Q) Often times in Lifetime movies the setting plays a role. In what ways does it project itself in this movie?

 

A) My hope is that everyone who watches this sees their own home or neighborhood or community in the set somewhere. And in seeing it that they feel compassion for what transpires.

 

Q) How close to the Ann Rule book does the storyline play?

 

A) You know, I honestly do not know. I did not read the book.

 

Q) What advice did director Shamim Sarif offer that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) Don’t read the news (about Debora). Just try to be her – as a woman, as a human.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming A House on Fire?

 

A) Well, there is a very goofy picture of me (as Deb) leaning against a silver Mercedes. I am wearing what can only be described as a vest that would make Holly Hobby vomit. Shamim took that picture and put it in every single room I set foot in. I would turn around in a scene, or return back to my dressing area, and there it was. I now keep a picture of Shamim holding THAT picture on my desk.

 

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

 

A) I watched the most astonishing amount of TV. My brain was fried after the long days, so it was difficult to concentrate on a book. And the news was, well, disastrous. So, I dove into “Normal People,” “I May Destroy You,” “Tehran” and every single program AcornTV has to offer.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from this film about mental illness and misconceptions?

 

A) You do not ever, EVER know what you would do if you were in someone else’s shoes. Judge less, help more.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to the movie?

 

A) I always dread social media. What if people hate it? What if I am boring? What if the ratings are bad? Shaun and I have decided to live tweet it together when it airs, so that I can have a support buddy.

 

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

 

A) I would not have a job were it not for you. I owe you my livelihood and the opportunity to pursue my passion. THANK YOU.