He is known for his acting roles in Life Unexpected (one of my favorite nostalgic shows), Marvel’s Agent Carter, and Homeland. A Yale graduate in Theater Studies, Reggie Austin is also a writer, director, and proud father. On behalf of Social The Lifestyle Magazine, it is an honor to interview Mr. Reggie Austin, who shared his inspiration behind one of his latest projects, the award-winning short film The Marked, which he wrote and directed.
Meghan Forte: What inspired the storyline in The Marked short film?
Director & Actor Reggie Austin: I’m a big science fiction fan; any trailer that begins with the words, “In a world…” – I’m in! I’m also really taken with the larger themes of free will and how we live in a world that seems out of our control. The Marked was an opportunity to create an environment where everything is spiraling, and to explore how our characters respond. As a father, I am also drawn to stories that explore family and belonging; I like to say that The Marked short film is a family drama wrapped in a sci-fi thriller. Originally, I wrote The Marked as a full-length screenplay. The short was written as a proof of concept for the larger film, which we are currently in the process of pitching to producers.
Meghan Forte: What was your experience like collaborating with Podunk Productions and actor Kristoffer Polaha?
Director & Actor Reggie Austin:
Kris and I have known each other for a long time. We first met on the set of The CW’s Life Unexpected, where we played friends and roommates. Kris has produced multiple short films and was a huge inspiration and catalyst for making The Marked happen in the first place. Kris’s enthusiasm and passion for filmmaking is infectious, and our ideas built on one another’s during the process. It’s a true gift to be able to collaborate creatively with a friend.
Meghan Forte: Can you share a memorable scene from The Marked short film that inspired you as an actor?
Director& Actor Reggie Austin: We shot The Marked short film over one weekend. It was one of those miraculous times where all of the pieces come together and you just make it happen. We shot the final scene last, and we were down to the wire in terms of time. The stakes of the scene are already high, and if felt even higher, given that we were running on adrenaline at that point. But both Kris and Emily Swallow brought their A game, and our entire crew rallied to get the footage we needed. As an actor, I was especially inspired by Kris and Emily’s commitment and uncompromising performances, which helped to elevate mine as well.
Meghan Forte: What were some of Kristoffer Polaha’s behind-the-scenes responsibilities as a producer?
Director & Actor Reggie Austin: Kris was instrumental in securing most of our equipment and crew, especially through his relationship with the film program at Oaks Christian School. We had the distinct pleasure of using Oaks students as part of our crew, giving them invaluable experience in exchange for the opportunity to work on a professional set. We also worked together during rehearsals with the actors to finetune the script and begin blocking, and reviewed footage together both while filming and during the editing process. Kris’s experience on the film festival circuit was especially valuable as we began sending the film out.
We extend our best wishes to Mr. Reggie Austin and the team behind The Marked film. It was a privilege to connect with Mr. Austin, whose industry experiences offer valuable insights. We hope this interview inspires aspiring filmmakers and serves as a source of motivation for the next generation. You can watch The Marked online at https://www.themarkedfilm.com. Follow @themarkedfilm on Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Professional Website of The Marked
IMDb Profile of Mr. Reggie Austin
YouTube Link
Instagram Profile of Actor, Mr. Reggie Austin
Instagram Profile of The Marked Film
