Interviews: Actress Avery Kristen Pohl Talks About The Horror FIlm Watch Over Us



The Exorcist meets Stranger Things in writer-director F.C. Rabbath’s Watch Over Us, which premiered on digital this September.

Avery Kristen Pohl (The Glades), Ella Schaefer (Criminal Minds), and Daniel Link (Krampus Unleashed) headline the frightening story of a family having to face a paranormal force on a farm.

A father and his young daughters move onto their grandfather’s secluded farm following the breakup of their parents. But once there, they are soon plagued by paranormal events that reveal a deadly secret that has haunted the family for generations, and an evil force that demands they uphold a deadly promise made by their ancestors.

Available on digital VOD everywhere nationwide.

TMS: Tell us how you got into acting?

AKP: I had done some commercials through my modeling agents when I was younger, then Zal Batmanglij found my picture in W Magazine. He had casting director Danielle Aufiero get in touch with my agents in New York to read for the role of Abigail Pritchett in Sound of My Voice. I instantly fell in love with the process. 


TMS: Did ballet provide a good training ground for you as an actor? Natural progression?

AKP: For me, absolutely. I loved performing as a dancer. The work ethic and dedication of constant practice with dance prepared me for take after take on set. Keeping the performance real and captivating in spite of repetition is critical to dance and acting.

TMS: Growing up, was it the goal to get into acting? Did you study it?

AKP: Not at all actually. I was a child model and ballerina. The acting came about through an odd set of circumstances and I had a couple of opportunities that translated to some amazing bookings. I started studying seriously after already having done commercials, a couple of short films, and 3 features. I realized I wanted to pursue acting as a real career option so I came out to LA and started training.

TMS: Any particular genres you chase?

AKP: Not a particular genre really, but definitely the characters. I particularly gravitate towards and am captivated by characters that are complex and maybe a bit unpredictable. I think those can be found in any well written story, I love a character that makes the audience think through either comedy, drama, or a combination of the two.

TMS: How did you get involved in Watch Over Us?

AKP: I had worked on two of Fred Rabbath’s previous projects. It is always great getting to work with him again!

TMS: Did you watch these types of films growing up?

AKP: That’s a big nope! I have only recently stopped being a chicken and started enjoying horror films. I am taking baby steps though and tend to be selective in the films and shows I watch.

TMS: How was the director to work with?

AKP: Fred is a self taught and constantly evolving filmmaker. He is an absolute brainiac so we have a really great sort of inner geek bond. Fred has a very specific idea for his characters, and as a writer/director he guides you to play them exactly as he envisions them. As always, Fred is fantastic to work with.

TMS: Have you done any films since Watch Over Us?

AKP: Several projects actually. Sunset on the River Styx is a feature film written and directed by Aaron Pagniano and is about to hit the film festival circuit. Tease is a coming of age film by Rachel Earnest scheduled to begin filming in October in Los Angeles. I am getting into pre production on the last of a series of short comedy films that I co wrote with Zack Ogle, as well as produced and starred in. I also play Goldilocks in the web series The New Hardy Boys.