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Alexandra Faye Sadeghian On Starring In Guns of Eden, Becoming an Action Star
Image Credit: Uncork'd Entertainment
The 411 Interview: Alexandra Faye Sadeghian
Alexandra Faye Sadeghian is an actress who, according to imdb, has been working in the movie business since at least 2015. Sadeghian has appeared in such short films as Casablanca, Memory Foam Confessions, Viscera, Lockdown Lowdown: Global Glance, and feature films such as Superstorm: A Love Story, I Kill Demons, and Shakespeare Shitstorm. Sadeghian’s latest movie is the non-stop action flick Guns of Eden, written and directed by Gregory Lamberson and set to hit DVD and digital on December 6th, 2022 (purchase the DVD here or here). In this interview, Sadeghian talks with this writer about making Guns of Eden, working with director Lamberson and co-stars Bill Kennedy, Tim O’Hearn, and Lynn Lowry, what it’s like to be an action star, and more.
Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved with Guns of Eden?
It was just through the audition process honestly! Greg and I have a mutual friend John woodruff who is also a talented director so that’s how I knew Greg and Tamar were doing auditions.
Alexandra Faye Sadeghian: It was actually just the audition process. I found out they were casting for their new film through a friend of mine and another talented director John Woodruff.
BK: How did you approach your character Megan Forest?
AFS: I began by seeing where she and I were similar. In Guns of Eden we find Megan on a journey to understand herself and the world around her, two things she’s questioning heavily for the first time in her life. I think these are incredibly relatable for most people and I’ve definitely been there. She questions her profession and if she is a morally good person. I opted to choose the tactic or finding the love as well. By that, I mean where is the love in what Megan does? Each big life decision had love, care, and in her case justice at the root even if it doesn’t immediately seem like it. I liked this route for her because I believe she is a genuinely good person that wants to make the world and the people around her safe.
BK: What was it like working with director Gregory Lamberson?
AFS: Greg is a veteran director so it was very easy to trust him. On set Greg was always easy-going and I don’t think I ever saw him in a bad mood. I’ve worked with directors before that were easy-going but the problem was that they didn’t always have a clear vision or they’d be willing to let anybody direct the vision. The awesome thing about Greg is that he knows exactly what he wants all of the time. That being said, Greg is still incredibly open to collaboration and the opinions of the cast and crew. This was easily one of my favorite dynamics with a director I’ve ever had.
BK: What was it like working with Peter Johnson, who plays Megan Forest’s fellow cop and friend Jeremy? You have tremendous chemistry with him.
AFS: Peter is another pro. Not only is he crazy talented but he’s also so nice and funny. It was an absolute pleasure. Peter and I didn’t know each other beforehand, so you never know what the dynamic is going to be. I remember on set early on in production he arrived and had breakfast for both of us without me asking like we were already close friends. I think the comfort I felt with him reflects in the movie, because not only did I feel supported by him as an actor in our scenes, but also as a friend off set. e. I remember onset early on in production he arrived and had breakfast for both of us without me asking like we were already close friends. I think the comfort I felt with him reflects in the movie, because not only did I feel supported by him as an actor in our scenes, but also as a friend offset.
BK: What was it like working with villains Bill Kennedy, who plays Sheriff Preacher, and Tim O’Hearn, who plays Caleb?
AFS: Although they play villains, those two were some of the sweetest guys! Bill and I actually didn’t have tons of time to get to know each other on set because even though we play against each other in the movie, we aren’t in scenes together until toward the end. I got to know Bill off set which is when I found out that he’s a kind and generous person. It was similar with Tim. We had our big scene together and that’s when I really did get to know him because it took a lot of coordinating and we were together a whole day before we shot it practicing. He’s so nice and was always so supportive throughout our choreography. It was awesome working with both of them, and getting to know them as people as well!
BK: What was it like working with Lynn Lowry?
AFS: Lynn is a legend and a humble one at that! She comes to the set to act and crushes it every take. She cares so much about character development and making sure she’s matching energy in the scene. I learned a lot working with Lynn and hope we are can do it again soon!
BK: What was the hardest part of making Guns of Eden for you as an actor? What was the easiest?
AFS: I think the hardest part was the physical side. I think the rest of the cast can also attest to that. There were some days that you’d be really sore from the stunts the day before and we had to go do it again! I would say the easiest part was working with everyone. It was truly an enjoyable set and everyone really just got along and wanted to help each other.
BK: What sort of physical training/prep did you have to do in order to star in Guns of Eden?
AFS: I went into some more in-depth weight training, as well as some running, and some boxing.
BK: What was it like working in Buffalo and the surrounding area? Was it difficult making a movie in the woods?
AFS: Buffalo is a beautiful area and it was my first time being there. I personally loved it! When I was first chatting with Greg and Tamar they talked to me about the plan for shooting and that we would be in the woods a lot. This was great news for me because I love the outdoors. Being in the woods had its challenges like bugs and weather but I really, really enjoyed it.
BK: What’s it like working with legendary director Lloyd Kaufman?
AFS: Lloyd was not only my introduction to the film scene but he has also been a mentor for me and many others. He loves to push boundaries and is fearless. He also loves to see passionate people pursuing their dreams and tries to help them wherever he can. He’s always been so supportive of everything I do in my career and I hope we can also work together again very soon.
BK: According to IMDB you’ve directed a few episodes of a TV show called P’s in a Pod. Is directing something you want to pursue in the future?
AFS: Directing is definitely something I want to do more of in the future. At this point in my life I have a lot more I want to do in front of the camera, but after I achieve my goals in front of the camera, I do want to direct as well.
BK: Any moviemaking heroes?
AFS: I love Stanley Kubrick and David Fincher! For acting heroes I would say Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron.
BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
AFS: I have a project coming out soon called Bound. It’s a very different type of movie and it was a very challenging role and process. It’s a social drama, domestic thriller, and it centers around tragedy and learning to keep living through it so I’m really excited to share that with the world.
BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Guns of Eden?
AFS: I hope it brings excitement and joy into people’s lives and also hopefully a bit of inspiration!
BK: What do you want to see in a potential Guns of Eden 2?
AFS: Obviously lots of guns!! I also would like to see a lot more types of weapons and I would love to do some more crazy stunts!
BK: How does it feel to be a real deal action star?
AFS: You know, it feels kind of unreal and it hasn’t really sunk in yet. But it’s awesome and I’m so glad I’ve had this experience and hope that it can inspire other people in their lives.
BK: Out of all of the guns you handled in making Guns of Eden do you have a favorite?
AFS: Weirdly enough my favorite weapon in the film is actually the crossbow. It was my first time shooting one and it was such a blast!
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A very special thanks to Alexandra Faye Sadeghian for agreeing to participate in this interview and to Jeff Michael for setting it up.
Guns of Eden is out on both DVD and digital starting December 6th, 2022. Purchase the DVD here or here!
Check out my review of Guns of Eden here!
Check out the Guns of Eden Facebook page here and Twitter page here!
Check out Alexandra Faye Sadeghian’s Facebook page here and Twitter page here!
Check out Alexandra Faye Sadeghian’s Paralysis Productions website here!
