I willingly admit that I am drawn to those industry professionals who might be considered nontraditional in their journey within this profession, and Ann Lukens is an actress who has certainly demonstrated that there is no expiration date on dreams. Because of my affinity for the indie film community, I happened upon this delightfully talented woman, and this summer, we finally had the opportunity to connect. I am honored to be able to share our interview with my readers today.

Photo by Megan Dougherty

RH:  What inspired you to start acting?

Al: I started in school plays in the fourth grade. My school system had an active theater and music department. I continued on through high school doing stage plays several times a year and stopped when I went to college. I started acting again after my son graduated from high school.

Your earliest works are stage works. What do you enjoy about acting in the theater?

The preparation and camaraderie of the theater are unique. You spend a tremendous amount of time on every aspect of the show- props, wardrobe, sets, music, and rehearsal. It’s a wonderful thing when your project finally plays for the audience–a tremendous energy and some nerves too!

Salvation Mountain film 2015

I understand you took time off to raise your son. What caused you to return to acting?

A friend prompted my return. I had been doing some live appearances on local news for the American Red Cross in Atlanta and a friend suggested I look into doing commercials. I landed a local commercial and then started taking classes for film and television acting. My husband supported the family and I did not need to have a full-time job, thankfully. I was blessed to be able to stay home with my son and I always kept busy with volunteer work, but I really didn’t have anything I did purely for artistic joy. I was really happy to find I still loved acting.

When you returned to acting, you began doing film/television. What do you remember about your first role?

I was cast in an independent film in Atlanta called Zombie Tag. It was my first film role, my first film to go to DVD, and my first paycheck. It was a great adventure. We filmed in cabins up near Ellijay. Much of the cast was high school-aged and there was great energy among the cast and crew. We cooked out, camped out and shot a film that ultimately was accepted to Sundance.

Photo by Jan Lukens

How has your paramedic and rescue technician experience helped you to work in the television/film profession?

Being a paramedic and part of the rescue squad has put me in many experiences of life, death, urgency, responsibility, and conflict. I have been to scenes of domestic violence, crime, traumatic injury, and natural death. This set of experiences has challenged and enriched me and allowed me to see many of life’s experiences.  I think this helps an actor prepare for any number of roles.

Please tell us about any of your more well-known works and what your memories are of these works?

Ann Lukens as AnnaLisa in Curveball

A film called Curveball is one of my most memorable roles. I played a very nasty foster mother in scenes that included screaming at, hitting and chasing my foster son and having loud arguments with my husband. It took a lot of energy and was very different from my own self. There is a scene in the film of a funeral, and my character is dressed more like a prostitute; that was a very memorable scene! The cast and crew were great to work with and very supportive. I’m still friends with most of them. The Curveball role led me into several other roles of very angry people.

Any current/upcoming works you would like to tell us about?

I have just been asked to come back as CIA Agent Natalie Cox for the web series Bermuda City. I played Natalie for the first time in a film based on the Bermuda City comics, called Dormant. It will be fun to bring her back to life and I need to sharpen up my Irish accent for that one.

As one who works in the independent film community, what do you see as the positives about indie film? What are the challenges?

Indie film is thriving in Atlanta and many people, including actors, are writing and directing their own projects. I’ve seen some tremendous creativity in prop, set and wardrobe-making; there are some tremendous special effects makeup people here as well. Learning who finishes projects and has a good crew, especially sound, takes time. Overall, I’ve met some fabulously talented people through indie film, in front of and behind the camera. The challenge, of course, is to find money to shoot an independent film. Everyone is crowdfunding, private messaging, and pitching for funds. Some are better at it than others.

Photo by Teri Lyn Reimer

Other challenges include cast members who book a paying job and abandon the project, locations that fall through or scripts that require crazy locations, and equipment problems just to mention a few. I worked on a short film called The Talk by J-Kic Productions (Jay Ward) that truly was a passion project. Jay put out a plea on Facebook looking for people to help and a great team came together to do it. He secured a nice location through a friend and was able to do it on a very small (almost non-existent) budget. It was completed, edited and submitted to festivals. Contacts of the cast came on board to provide music and special effects for free because we all were so passionate about the film. It was a prime example of what can be done.

As a woman in the industry, how have you seen things change in the past few years?

Perhaps as an older woman, I have not been subject to sexual harassment as much as younger women experience. I cannot complain about that because I simply haven’t experienced much beyond a few inappropriate messages on social media. I still see social media posts of actresses and women in the business being harassed and feeling unsafe, which is very sad. There is much more open discourse about this now and people are discussing how to change the industry, as well as providing support and wisdom to new people on how to handle such situations. All of this is good and I hope this continues, as well as spreads to set safety in general. Everyone should be safe and respected on every set. Period. That’s the goal.

I know you’ve done acting and producing. Any plans to do any writing/directing?

Ann Lukens as Officer Sarah Morgan in The Bailey Case: Sins of the Father July 2013

I’m playing with some script ideas, two from my paramedic experiences and another mystery thriller type. I would love to develop the skills to make these projects come to life and I am slowly working towards that goal.

Do you have a quote or two that keep you inspired or encourage you on a regular basis?

I love the phrase “Never let them see you sweat”. Contain your fears and nerves and be outwardly calm, and you will feel calmer inside. When you are in a stressful environment, it doesn’t do any good for you to get stressed as well. Find a way to get things done. You will usually find that both calm and stress are contagious, but only one is helpful.

Also, the phrase “this is a marathon, not a sprint” rings very true for me. It takes years of study, developing skills, relationships, and a reputation before you can expect to be successful. There are a few overnight sensations and they get a lot of press, but most will tell you their overnight success took a decade or more. Perseverance is the key. Having a healthy and happy life aside from acting is a key to keeping you going. And setting the right goals is extremely helpful. Nowadays my goals are more about my skill and relationship development, factors I can control, rather than “I am going to be a series regular on XX show by 2019”. That can be a very difficult goal which only leaves you disappointed. And find a good supportive tribe of people who support and encourage you, and you them. This is a difficult business, you’ll need each other.

Photo by Megan Dougherty

Even though Ann may have followed a somewhat circuitous path within the world of film and television, the fact that she is continuing to pursue her passion in spite of any potential obstacles is something that is truly noteworthy and inspiring in of itself. She has been able to use her real-world experience to aid in the creation and execution of various scenes in her career so far, and I tend to believe that as time goes on, those skills will present even more opportunities for her within her chosen career. Her strength and determination, as well as the unwavering support she has received from colleagues, friends, and family, are elements that have proceeded to propel her forward in her pursuits, and there is no doubt that she feels quite humbled and blessed to be enjoying her current successes. She readily appreciates every opportunity that comes her way, and I greatly anticipate her upcoming projects, for it is evident that she pours her heart and soul into every role that she is honored to portray. I invite all of my readers to check out her links below and consider following her where applicable. While the vast majority of people may not be aware of her acumen and giftedness, I am convinced that as long as she remains committed to her current ideals and goals, nothing will keep her from ultimately attaining her destiny within the entertainment community, and I hope to support her every step of the way.

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