Just in time for Halloween, Laurie Fortier, Celeste Desjardins, and Seamus Patterson, star in ‘Zombie at 17’.
With the exception of losing her older sister in a hit-and-run, 17-year-old Tia Scott has had a pretty normal life. That is until she starts exhibiting strange symptoms and realizes she’s caught a virus that’s slowly turning her into a zombie. Desperate to find a cure, the only person she trusts is a loner at school, Flynn, a self-proclaimed expert in all things paranormal. But Tia’s life gets even worse when a friend of her boyfriend, Connor, is murdered. Tia knows that Connor’s friend Jason is involved, but going to the cops makes her a target and with the clock ticking, until Tia’s too far gone to recover, she enlists the help of her mother Kate and a reclusive doctor, in hopes they’ll stop the disease before Jason finds out she’s the snitch.
I had the opportunity to speak with both Laurie Fortier and Celeste Desjardins, about making ‘Zombie at 17‘.
Laurie Foster has been working professionally for over 20 years. She has worked with numerous legends including: James Caan, Dennis Hopper, Claire Danes, Michele Pffeifer, and Louis Gosset Jr. Currently, she stars alongside Josh Duhamel in the USA Network series ‘Unsolved’, a true crime story about the murder of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur.
What drew you to play the role of the Mom in ‘Zombie at 17’?
Laurie Fortier: I had never done a Zombie movie. Pierre David is a talented Producer that I have worked with before, so I felt I would be in good hands. When I read the script I knew it would be emotionally challenging, and the mother and daughter have a great relationship. I have two daughters, so I really empathized with how a Mom would do anything to save her child. Director Alexander Carriere grounded the original screenplay, by Christine Conradt, in reality.
Where was ‘Zombie at 17’ filmed?
Laurie Fortier: It was filmed in Ottawa, by Reel One for Lifetime. It was freezing! Below zero! Because of the horror aspect, many scenes were filmed at night. Celeste and I spent a lot of time shivering in a car. She had to have hot packs on her body. But, it gave us plenty of time together, we really bonded. She is such a super-talented mature actress, eager to learn and grow.
What’s next for Laurie Fortier?
Laurie Fortier: I’ve just finished a film in Oklahoma and have been busy reading scripts and meeting with directors. I’d love to do something in the ‘Serial-Bingeworthy’ TV mode, where you get to spend time playing one character with an extended arc. That would be fun. Being a single Mom with two kids keeps me busy. I’m very involved with their school projects, including feeding the homeless twice a week.
Celeste Desjardins, plays the lead in ‘Zombie at 17’. Celeste is a busy working 20-year-old Canadian actress. She had a recurring role on NBC’s ‘TAKEN’, created by Luc Besson, and has just completed a supporting role in the made for TV movie, ‘The Christmas Wedding Planner’.
How did you break into show business?
Celeste Desjardins: I was scouted by actor/model Nick Bateman, and was signed by the Amanda Rosenthal Agency. I’ve been studying with Salvatore Antonio, at the Armstrong Acting Studios in Toronto.
What is the most important thing you have learned about acting?
Celeste Desjardins: ‘Stay sharp’, ‘remain focused’, and ‘own your voice’!
What drew you to your role in ‘Zombie at 17’?
Celeste Desjardins: I liked the creative , real elements. A teenage girl is stricken with a life-threatening ailment, yes, she’s turned into a Zombie, but it was treated as if it was a real illness that could happen to anyone.
Seamus Patterson plays Flynn in the film. How does that relationship evolve?
CelesteDesjardins: He plays my really close and trusted good friend, but the potential for romance between Flynn and Tia is possible.
What’s next for Celeste Desjardins?
Celeste Desjardins. I just wrapped another film for LIFETIME, “A Very Country Wedding“.
Thank you Laurie and Celeste!
Pierre David, Tom Berry, Sebastian Battro and Christine Conradt are executive producers. Steve Boisvert and Neil Bregman are producers. Alexandre Carriere directed from an original screenplay by Christine Conradt.
‘Zombie at 17‘, premiere’s on LIFETIME, Saturday, October 27th at 8pm ET/PT, and airs again on Sunday, October 28th at 2pm ET/PT.
Leave Us Your Comments.