Nominated for an Annie Award for her role as Jenny in Steven Speilberg’s feature “Monster House,” Orlando-born Spencer Locke has also appeared in the “Resident Evil” films, and “Spanglish.” Her TV credits include “Cougar Town,” “In Plain Sight,” “Without A Trace,” “Vampire Diaries,” “Cold Case,” “Love Bites,” and Lifetime’s “Bling Ring.” Her indie film appearances include “Karaoke Man” and a lead role in Joseph Kahn’s “Detention.” In “Mad Genius,” Locke is Sawyer, a mysterious girl who tries to convince Mason (Chris Mason) that mankind can’t be reprogrammed to perfection using a headset and some mind-altering source code.
“Mad Genius” is a mixed-genre film with many elements. What attracted you to the role of Sawyer?
Spencer Locke: I was so impressed with the script. It’s completely original. I had never heard of people hacking into the human mind, which it turns out is actually happening. I was so in love with Sawyer because she has such a different point of view than the lead character, Mason. She really challenges him as far as what he’s doing with the power of technology and how far he’s pushing it. Is he playing God? Maybe we’re flawed for a reason. She’s just naturally optimistic and believes in creating things in this world and not destroying them. I just fell in love with her energy.
Did you audition for the role? If so what was that like?
SL: I was first contacted by a long-time friend, Tina, who had cast me in a few films in the past. She sent me the script, raved about Royce Gorsuch, the director, and brought me in to meet him. After hearing his vision and dedication—he’s a mad genius himself—we clicked. A few days later, I was offered the role.
What did you find most challenging about being in this film?
SL: I had to learn how to roller-skate. In reading with Royce, we started talking about roller-skating. After hearing that I had received these funky roller skates, they assumed that I could roller skate. There’s not much skating in the film, but I taught myself to skate at home and I didn’t fall once during filming.
The film addresses a number of important societal issues. What do you see as the film’s core message?
SL: Great question. I think it acknowledges the growth and power of technology and how accessible it has become to any of us. And I think it questions ‘where does it end?’ Where does it cross the line? It tackles ego and pride and craving too much power. Yet while it takes on all these major issues, it never sacrifices its entertainment factor.
What was your favorite scene in the film?
SL: I love when Sawyer first meets Mason. You may not know this, but he’s now my husband. So when I say this film was meant to be, that it was a gift, I really mean it.
So how did he pop the question?
SL: He nailed it. When filming “Mad Genius,” we became inseparable. I had been given some flying lessons and I always took him with me. After running out of lessons, Mason got me another flying lesson for my birthday. So I was flying the plane and right before we were descending, he asked me to marry him. We were overlooking Santa Monica’s sunset. It was a dream. When we first met on screen, I was impressed by what a brilliant actor he was. He really elevated me in the scene. In the film, our first kiss is on screen. Royce even asked us to tone down the sparks (laughs) during that scene because our chemistry was so great.
How are you like Sawyer and how do you differ?
SL: I really enjoyed Sawyer because she’s such a ray of sunshine in this dark world of madmen. I’m a pretty optimistic, happy person. I try to always look on the bright side. And that’s who Sawyer is. She was such a breath of fresh air in that way. As far as how we differ, she has pink hair and I could never pull that off in real life. And she can skate. She’s way cooler than I am.
When did you get the acting bug? Was it a film you saw or an actor you admired?
SL: As a little girl, I was always playing pretend. So when I realized I could do that as a profession, I asked my parents if I could take acting lessons—when I was 8 years old. So I did commercials and little jobs here and there in L.A. and that opened my eyes to all the possibilities. There was never a doubt in my mind. This was my biggest passion. I’m grateful that my parents helped me every step of the way. The first movie I saw was “Shawshank Redemption.” I was still young but it shocked me that a movie could have such an impact and such an incredible story.
In addition to films, you’ve done a lot of television work. Do you have a favorite show?
SL: Right now, I’m obsessed with “The Handmaid’s Tale.” It’s so good and scary.
What’s your favorite sport to watch and your favorite to play?
SL: You’re asking the wrong girl. I was never athletic. I dance. I guess that’s my sport, but not very well. My sister is a better dancer. But my husband is the biggest soccer fan. He’s from Liverpool and his team is Everton. So I do enjoy watching Everton games with him.
What can you tell us about “Five O’clock Comes Early”?
SL: I can’t tell you much about that. It’s been in development for some time. There is one upcoming project that’s an incredible dream role for me. But I can’t talk about that project right now.
Check out the “Mad Genius” trailer.
Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
