The focus of the film is on the complications of human emotion within relationships. Linda, an upcoming photographer whose talent shows a lot of promise is in a long-term relationship, but feels like something may be missing from it. She meets an established photographer named Brian who interviews Linda for a job at a magazine. He takes it a step further and invites her out with his friends. The story follows them as they explore the chemistry between them, only to end with Brian wanting to take their connection to a place that Linda cannot commit to. It is a film about trust, faithfulness, and the temptation that so many people face in relationships. It’s an uncomfortable situation thematically but one that has been portrayed countless times in different formats. As someone who views loyalty in a relationship as paramount, Alyssa concedes that it was a psychological irritation; one that she used to her benefit and motivation in this production.
Veniece’s character Meg is the girlfriend of Joel (played by Mikelle Virey). She’s cool, laid-back, and likes to smoke with her friends. A self-proclaimed fitness and health fan, smoking falls short on Alyssa’s list of life experiences to attain. Still, when you want to act…you act. She comments, “There’s a scene that is kind of a chill party in which we are all smoking a fake spliff in a circle. I was always passed the e-cigarette first in the shot, so even if they called ‘cut’, I always ended up having an inhale or two. The chemicals in the e-cigarette did a number on my stomach after puffing it on every take. I was the first one to get the pass in the circle, so even if it never reached anybody else, even if we cut after 30 seconds into the shot…I always had a puff. This went on for hours. Because I am a nonsmoker as well, the difficulty was not in pretending to be a smoker, it was the effect of the substance I was inhaling which made it rough. It had to be the most challenging part of that entire shoot.”
While she may have suffered a smoker’s hangover needlessly, accessing the character and situation was not nearly as challenging for the actress who states, “Meg and I have some things in common. We’re both extremely chill, don’t expect too much from people off first impressions, and have friends in circles that may dabble in illegal substances. I myself was never a pothead in high school. Though I was never into drugs, I definitely could remember what it was like to hang out with friends who were so it was pretty easy to tap into this character. It reminded me of days when I would kick it with friends of my own.
Being an actor is a great life in many ways. The continual changes in your schedule, location, and surroundings are a bonus to some and problematic for others. One of the less popular facets of any production is when it goes nocturnal. Anyone who flips their circadian rhythm understands this nuisance. Alyssa’s onscreen love interest, Virey states, “We did an overnight shoot and those can be tough on all the crew and the actors. My character was the host of the party all the characters were attending. Alyssa remained in very high spirits and kept a great attitude throughout. We did 4 scenes in a condo living room and the scenes flew by, especially considering how tired we all were. I think what made Alyssa’s performance exceptional was that you would never be able to tell that it was the middle of the night or that she was exhausted. It did not affect her performance at all and she was professional the whole time. Often when you get to other people’s coverage actors who are off-camera will “take a break” since the camera is not on them but Alyssa kept her energy up as the other actors did their close-ups remaining full engaged in the scene.”
Most of us think only of the recognition and the adulation actors receive from an adoring public. It is easy to overlook those inconveniences that are numerous for these professionals. Sleeping in your bed at night, not being subject to being sick because of something you do at work, not to mention the absolute necessity to create immediate onscreen chemistry with those you sometimes barely even know…all of these are requirements of this vocation. Even in this, one of her earliest professional roles, Alyssa Veniece exhibited total dedication to her craft and consideration of the production. She notes, “I love stepping out of my comfort zone - it was a step in the direction of what I always dreamed about, so I was excited. Feeling pressure to perform well gives me a rush, but it’s a high I will willingly take. I wanted to do the film justice. I’m hungry to live. When you want something for so long: a career path, an experience, a goal… all you want to do is live in that moment when you get it! It’s like a drug. That’s where my energy comes from - my passion. Throughout my entire life people have commented on two things: my mix, and my ridiculous amount of energy. I like that it’s one of my trademarks. I don’t think my mind processes the difference between day and night, maybe it’s the rebel in me, but as long as I’m creative, I’m awake.”