Cowboy Spirit Movie: On Set with Ayla Brown
CowboySpirit.TV- Today we have a blog entry from one of the lead cast members of the Cowboy Spirit movie, Ayla Brown. Enjoy this read as Ayla recounts her experience on set and her thoughts on playing Molly.
In my lifetime, I’ve been on camera a time or two. My first experience came on American Idol when I was seventeen years old. In fact, there were so many cameras on us all the time that we felt as though we were being featured on some sort of cheesy reality show. The cameras became second nature to all of the contestants. When I got eliminated from Idol, I was faced with more cameras, and reporters behind those lenses asking me questions about my past, my future, my career, and my personal life. I was always prepared for those questions because I simply answered honestly about the happenings of my own life. But never did I think I would be in front of the camera, depicting a fictional character…and that’s exactly what happened when I received the role of “Molly” in the film, “Cowboy Spirit.”
I’ve never acted before. When Bill Miller, the director of the film, contacted me I told him I was concerned that I may not be able to handle the main lead female role. Bill told me not to worry and that I would be in very good hands, that people would help me along the way, and not to be nervous. I am one of those people that tackle way too many things at once, so I didn’t want to get in over my head. But Bill Miller and Mike Allison assured me things wouldn’t be too intimidating or too much.
As much as I wanted to, I didn’t commit right away. But when Mike and Bill told me that some of the net proceeds from the film were going to Dana Farber to help children’s cancer research, my heart filled up with joy and I immediately felt a connection to the project. I am the spokesperson for an amazing organization called, “Songs of Love,” (www.songsoflove.org) and we write personalized songs for kids and teens battling serious illness-mostly cancer. This was completely fitting for the role of “Molly” because in the film, “Molly’s” daughter gets diagnosed with a very fatal form of cancer.
And then I asked Bill and Mike the tough question. “Guys, you know I am six feet tall right? Please tell me what the lead male role is tall as well.”
“Yes, Rich Manley is tall, and he’s perfect for this role because he’s clean cut from LA, but he can also be very rugged. He’s the perfect cowboy,” said Mike Allison.
To say this movie changed my life is an understatement. I fell in love with Tess, my daughter in the movie, who was such a pleasure to work with. She was filled with innocence, and had more talent than anyone on the set, regardless of her young age. I fell in love with Rich, the heroin cowboy who came to the rescue and saved me from all of the problems in my character’s life. And lastly, I fell in love with the cast, crew, and the entire process. I loved spending time every night memorizing my lines, and then bringing them to life with the other actors. There’s nothing like the feeling of adrenaline when Bill shouted, “Action!”
I want to say more about the specifics of the movie, but I also want to save it as a surprise. If you are a subscriber to the Cowboy Spirit Blog, you should know that you are in for a treat. There’s nothing better than putting cowboys, rodeos, horses, a good story line, and cameras all in one place. Magic is bound to happen! I was able to sing two songs in the movie, and that opportunity itself was amazing, let alone being part of a film that will raise money to change children’s lives.
Thank you Bill and Mike, and to the rest of the cast and crew for the opportunity to play a role in this film. I’ve been changed forever.
Check out Ayla's website here!
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