‘Amish Abduction’ is the Directorial Debut of a Feature Film by Canadian Actor, Ali Liebert.
Amish wife and mother Annie’s life turns upside down after her husband leaves to live among “normal Americans”, however things turn more dire when he returns, seeking custody of their son by any means necessary. Written by Eric Weinstock
What a privilege to chat with the two starring actors of LIFETIME Thriller ‘Amish Abduction’, Sara Canning and Steve Byers.
Sara Canning is a Canadian actress. She co-starred on The CW television series The Vampire Diaries as Jenna Sommers, and appeared in the 2009 feature film, Black Field. She starred as Dylan Weir in the Canadian television series, Primeval: New World, and as Dr. Melissa Conner on the Global medical drama Remedy. She appeared in the 2017 blockbuster film War of the Planet of the Apes.
Sara, What drew you to the part of Annie?
Sara Canning. I loved the challenge of approaching a character in a niche world, this one being the Amish faith. A world that surrounds a character with specific parameters and belief systems. I scrutinize every job I take. I want my work to be socially relevant and meaningful. Besides the strict structure of living in a devout culture, the role deals with family violence and the trauma it brings. I also felt Annie was a strong Protagonist, which I am always eager to portray.
What other film projects are you currently working on?
Sara Canning. I just finished shooting a Christmas film for Lifetime, and I’m currently shooting the Episodic TV Show Nancy Drew. I play Nancy’s Mom. I love that they are bringing the Nancy Drew character into mainstream TV. She is a leading female role model. I’m also doing a really fun comedy TV mini-series written and directed by Vancouver actor Adam Greydon Reid, called ‘Hospital Show‘. It’s about actors playing doctors on a TV show. I filmed it right after I finished Amish Abduction and it was great to do a zany comedy right after the dramatic intensity of the Amish Thriller. Comedy is challenging in many ways. I love the lyricism and rhythm involved in comedy.
Do you do any script writing?
Sara Canning. Yes! I’m studying at the Whistler Film Festival Screenwriting Program. I love it! I’ve finished a feature that I hope to direct at some point.
Steve Byers is an accomplished Canadian actor internationally known for his his performances in the blockbuster films Total Recall and Immortals. He starred opposite Danny Glver in the action film Gridlocked and with Nina Dobrev in Flatliners. His is familiar on the TV screen for his roles in Hallmark’s ‘The Good Witch‘, Netflix’s ‘Workin’ Mom’s’ and CW’s ‘Supergirl’. Gamers know Steve from his character Nick Rye in the Far City franchise video game.
What inspired you to become an actor?
Steve Byers. I had done some acting work here and there and enjoyed it, but my wife Jennifer Steede convinced me to jump in with both feet. I’m glad she did. I love my job!
What’s it like playing the bad guy?
Steve Byers. I had worked with Sara on ‘Remedy’, a hospital show, and knew it would be a pleasure to work with her again. The part is very dramatic and I was drawn to the challenge of portraying this oppressive character. LIFETIME has a theme happening this month, the ‘Hateful and the Grateful’. I played a ‘hateful’, but I’m ‘grateful’ I did. The cast and crew were fantastic to work with and first time director Ali Liebert was super supportive and kept the atmosphere on the month-long shoot relaxed and fun.
What’s next for Steve Byers?
Steve Byers. ‘Against the Wild: A Journey Home’. I play a blind father on a ship stranded in Alaska trying to make his way back home. They say to never work with animals or kids, but one of my co-stars in the film is an Alaskan Malamute named Shanook. What an experience! That dog was amazing. The film also stars Natasha Henstridge.
Thank you Sara and Steve!
Catch ‘Amish Abduction’ this Saturday at 8pm ET/PT on LIFETIME TV!
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