Behind the Screen with Actress Darla Grese

Last week, the World Premiere of ‘Atlantis Down’ may have concluded its’ one week run at the Commodore Theater in Portsmouth, Virginia.  But, the memories continue to linger.

I had the unique opportunity to see the film industry from a different vantage point.  It was an exciting week for me to be able to work behind the scenes.  Throughout the week, I met a number of celebrities and V.I.P.’s that came to Portsmouth.  More importantly, I also got to know some of the cast and crew from the movie.

The people involved in the movie ‘Atlantis Down’ were truly amazing.  Darla Grese was no exception.  She was one of the Virginia-based actresses that appeared in the film.  Her laid back personality had a certain charm about her.  During the week, we saw each other at some of the local restaurants including Longboards, Baron’s Pub and Montgomery Grill.  We had an opportunity to discuss her career, the movie and how she felt about filming the movie in Hampton Roads - her own backyard.

Darla Grese (shown right) enjoyed being a part of the cast of the movie ‘Atlantis Down’.  She played the role of Astronaut Mary Bishop.  Although her character was short-lived, she made a great impression on the big screen.  Grese hopes that at least having the opportunity to enjoy a nice, dramatic dying scene will have at least attracted a little attention to her acting career.

"Filming the movie ‘Atlantis Down’ was an experience that I'll hold close to my heart for the rest of my life", states Grese.   "I made some incredible friends and worked with such a talented group of people and for that reason I'll always be grateful", she said.

A Pittsburgh, PA native, Grese confided in me that she remembered being extremely nervous at the start of the production.  After all, she was on the set with seasoned actors like Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder) and Dean Haglund (X-Files).  Initially, she felt completely out of her element.  But as the days passed, Grese’s comfort and confidence level grew.  Then, she did what came natural to her.  Grese was herself on the set.  “I suddenly remembered why I love acting so much.  It's when I'm the happiest”, stated Grese.

Director/Producer Max Bartoli and Executive Producer/Producer Ethan Marten could have chosen to film this movie anywhere – Los Angeles, Italy, the United Kingdom.  Anywhere.  But, they chose Hampton Roads.  They filmed sixty percent of the movie in Portsmouth.  The remainder of the film, with the exception of one scene filmed in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, was shot in Virginia Beach.

Filming close to home was a unique opportunity for Grese.  That does not often happen.  The Virginia Beach resident often travels due to the nature of the movie business.  "Filming locally was very special for me because I was able to share my experience on set with people that I love and that made the experience even sweeter", stated Grese.

Grese (shown right) is being interviewed on the red carpet for the World Premiere of 'Atlantis Down'.

"I hope this is the first of many films that are filmed locally here in Hampton Roads.  I'm proud to call this my home and would love the opportunity to remain here versus heading West”, she said.  ”We have so many beautiful locations to choose from and I'm hoping that Atlantis Down will highlight some of those to other filmmakers,” noted Grese.

Marten had worked with Grese on past projects.  "Darla Grese is one of those actors you love to have on your set.  She is always pushing the envelope to grow as an actress, and to develop her character", stated Marten.  "Simultaneously, she embodies the spirit of teamwork and cooperation with her cast and crew.  She is a pure joy to work with", he added.

Grese also served six years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. She was stationed in Portsmouth and worked at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and then in Naples, Italy.

After taking a few years off from the acting circuit to have her son Brady, ‘Atlantis Down’ was really the first project that Grese took part in after deciding to return to acting.

Exactly one year to the day of the Oct 1st World Premiere, Grese got discharged from the hospital after nearly two weeks.  After a minor surgical procedure, she contracted a severe and nearly fatal blood infection and became septic.

Grese did not want her hospital stay to detract from her ability to be in the movie.  She kept her make-up next to her hospital bed in case the Executive Producer and Director came armed with camera for the reality series "Atlantis Rising" based on the movie ‘Atlantis Down’.  Grese also kept the script close-by as well.  She finally recovered after a long and tough treatment regimen and she came out of that experience a stronger and better person.

With her ‘hospital family’ by her side, Grese moved forward and was able to get the time off to shoot ‘Atlantis Down’.  They all rallied behind her.  You see, Grese plays a different role in real life.  She works as a Respiratory Therapist at Sentara General Hospital.  Grese often describes her ‘Sentara Family’ as “incredible”.

At the World Premiere, there was a sudden roar in the crowd when Grese’s name was flashed onto the screen at the start of the movie.  Grese had those same supporters in the audience to cheer her on.  They included Respiratory Therapists, Nurses, Surgeons, Care Partners, Managers and Operations Coordinators.  Grese credits her manager, Vickie Roche, for allowing her to constantly switch schedules around to meet the demands for auditioning and filming.  In addition, fellow actors, friends and most importantly, her family were there for her.  This was Darla Grese’s night.

Looking beyond ‘Atlantis Down’, Grese’s goal is to continue to write and produce future projects locally.  That is her preference.  However, she is not ruling out up-rooting her family and heading to Los Angeles, CA.  She hopes to stay in Hampton Roads and sustain enough of an income as a full-time actress, writer and producer.

Grese has written, directed, produced and acted in her own short film, ‘Lost Without Ashton’.  Click here, to see the video clip. 

So, what’s Darla’s secret dream?  She would love to get on the reality show "Survivor".  (Maybe Virginia Beach resident and Survivor Rudy Boesch can open a door for her.  How about it, Rudy?).

So, the space shuttle ‘Atlantis’ may have landed in Portsmouth last week.  But, the film career of Darla Grese is about to take off.  Remember the name.  Darla Grese.  She will definitely be coming to a theatre near you…soon.

If you would like to know more about Darla Grese, visit her website at www.darlagrese.com.  Click here, to visit Darla's Facebook Page.  Click here, for her official acting page.  Click here, to  see more photos of Darla Grese.

 

RELATED STORIES:

Hollywood Comes to Olde Towne Portsmouth Oct 1

The Men Behind Atlantis Down The Movie

Exclusive Interview with Hollywood Actor Michael Rooker

Stars to Collide as Shuttle Lands in Portsmouth Oct. 1

 

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Thanks for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

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