Movies & TV / Columns

Kate Ginna On Starring In and Co-Writing Stargazer, Approaching Her Character

May 2, 2024 | Posted by Bryan Kristopowitz

Image Credit: Freestyle Digital Media

The 411 Interview: Kate Ginna

Image Credit: Kate Ginna

Kate Ginna is a writer and actor who made her feature film debut in the 2022 movie Hannah Ha Ha. Ginna’s latest movie is the comedy drama Stargazer, directed by Alan McIntyre and set to hit all major digital Video On Demand platforms and DVD starting April 30th, 2024 from Freestyle Digital Media. Ginna stars in the movie and also co-write the screenplay with Rob Ackerman. In this interview, Ginna talks with this writer about making Stargazer, working with the McIntyre, Ackerman, her co-stars Matt Bogart and Lei Nico, and more.

Image Credit: Freestyle Digital Media

Bryan Kristopowitz: Why did you want “Stargazer” to be your second movie as an actor?

Kate Ginna: I would have let any movie be my second movie if it paid me, but it was especially lovely to work with such a passionate crew–and with Rob who is just an all-around stellar person and mentor.

BK: How did you approach your character Grace Campbell?

KG: With humor and empathy.

BK: What was it like working with “Stargazer” director Alan McIntyre?

KG: A pleasure! He’s so knowledgeable. Watching someone who knows as much about lighting and editing as he does about directing is amazing. He’s able to work so efficiently and give time to the important things, like character and plot and mood.

BK: What was it like working with your “Stargazer” co-stars Matt Bogart, who plays Spike, and Lei Nico, who plays Diana?

KG: Also a joy. Matt is a veteran who was an anchor for me (and Lei) as we navigated our first times on a feature set. Lei made everything fun, which isn’t to say she doesn’t take her work seriously. She’s very methodical in the way she works.

Image Credit: Freestyle Digital Media

BK: Describe your working relationship with co-writer Rob Ackerman. How did you develop the tone of “Stargazer”?

KG: I think our working relationship is both fiercely loving and at times chaotic. We developed the tone mostly by talking about things we liked to watch/read and applying it to our own material. I think Rob would agree that he’s more of a dialogue guru while I tried to help keep track of the plot and character motivations…but we were both heavily involved with all aspects.

BK: What was the hardest part of making “Stargazer” for you as an actor? What was the easiest?

KG: I’m not sure about the hardest…probably turning off the writer in me and not judging the words. The easiest was working with such a wonderful group of people. There was not an ounce of judgment in the air.

BK: Is it right to call “Stargazer” a comedy or is it more appropriate to call it a comedy-drama?

KG: I’m not opposed to calling it a “comedy” and luring people in, then surprising them with some feeling.

BK: How did you get into acting?

KG: I did a lot of theater throughout high school and college. Eventually, I figured I should learn how to properly act, so I graduated from college and did a two-year acting program at William Esper Studio.

BK: Any moviemaking heroes?

KG: Oh, many. Nicole Holofcener. Diablo Cody. Barry Jenkins.

BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell is about?

KG: There are some irons in the fire….but none that have taken shape enough to immortalize in writing yet!

BK: What do you hope audiences get out of “Stargazer”?

KG: Mostly an understanding and respect for Cecilia Payne. I could say for female scientists in general, or for women in history, but the fact is there are other works that demonstrate the woes of the undersung sex. This really is a love letter to Cecilia.

BK: Any chance of a docudrama about Cecilia Payne?

KG: Never say never!