Lauren LaStrada as US Marshall Toni Armstrong, is how I'm credited in the Tubi movie sensation and real life drama PRISONER OF LOVE. Here's what was most thrilling about playing a US Marshall and having a "cat and mouse" through line...the Director! Every once in a while, you meet and have the opportunity to work with a director that goes perfectly with your style and approach to acting. The last two directors I had this chemistry with was an Equity Theater Director named Hank Bennett and feature film director Jesse Low. This time was the third and the charm because she is a female director.
Girl power! Her name is Jodi Binstock. Jodi's direction gave me the freedom I needed to play Mrs Armstrong with personality. I remember my older brother gave me feedback on the film after watching and said "I felt like I was watching Lisa, it's like you weren't even acting". Of course, not every character is going to allow you to play yourself. If you're cast as a notorious crime figure, you can bring attributes to the character that may be true to self but ultimately you're gonna have to embody their mindset and mentality at some point.
That doesn't mean you go our and commit a crime to get the sensation to conjure up on set later. I'm sick of these so called Method Actors that need to get drunk or take some drugs in real life in order to play an alcoholic or drug attic. That's not the method. I went to Strasberg. I'd know. But the freedom I got through her direction, allowed me to really explore the characters humanity.
Playing any individual in Law Enforcement can cause an actor to go straight for the obvious choices: tough, stern, no-nonsense, straightforward, eating donuts and sometimes obnoxious. Usually these portrayals are very buttoned up, by the book and stereotypical. Jodi allowed me to play this US Marshall in a way that you could relate to this woman/character outside of law enforcement.
There were so many moments where my character communicated with others in a way that was not only down to earth but funny. There were no tropes in my portrayal. No Sassy, neck rolling, snapping of fingers. US Marshall Toni Armstrong was definitely about business while possessing a sort of tough and cheek, dry humor. I felt "Free As A Bird" while working this film.
I have Jodi Binstock to Thank! Lauren LaStrada as US Marshall Toni Armstrong, was a match made in movie heaven! Prisoner of Love stars Nicholle Tom, Adam Mayfield, Stephen Manley and Lauren LaStrada. Now Streaming on Tubi, Apple TV, Roku Produced by MockYeah Productions and Distributed by MarVista.
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