Asha Mormon

She played in Simon Scott’s Dollar Baby For the Road as Diane.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Asha Mormon: My name is Asha Mormon, formerly Asha Sawyer. I was just married in December 2018. I was born in India and adopted as a baby. Growing up, I have always loved television and film. My day job is in a school as a Paraeducator. I love to cook, travel, sing, sew, make duct tape wallets, and I love taking photos of my travels. I started acting around 10 years ago and it is a very unique job to have.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?

Asha Mormon: I was 34 and happened upon a Facebook post from a good friend about a local agency who was looking for Background Extras. I was looking for a change and found that this was a perfect opportunity. I am extremely shy, and used to use singing as my way to learn how to be more outgoing. The exciting thing about being an actress/model/voice actress/singer/dancer/improv artist is to create art in many shapes and forms. You can use your life experiences to tell the story. I’ve worked on many productions in the Portland, Oregon area and find there are so many creatives here. There is no shortage of collaborating with amazing people. You work hard at it and it shows!

SKSM: How did you become involved in For the Road Dollar Baby film?

Asha Mormon: My good friend Diego Giovanni Sanchez who produced the film asked me to do the role and I was so excited to be a part of Simon Scott’s passion project! We set up a Facetime meeting after I submitted an audition video. Yes, I was shy and wanted to make sure the part was in line with his vision. It was!

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Asha Mormon: I think people connect with Mr. King’s storytelling in general. You never know ahead of time which monster is in the shadows. In this piece, the viewer is the outsider waiting to find out what exactly is going on and where the story is going to take us. We were in the middle of nowhere, seemingly alone, not sure what to expect. That’s scary!

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Asha Mormon: I was one of the last roles booked and in a sense just for me. I found out that the role was not cast yet before I was asked. Diane (Plumly) is a hard working, strong character and I wanted to show that. I had to pinch myself when I landed the role!

SKSM: You worked with Simon Scott on this film, how was that?

Asha Mormon: Simon was so great! He was patient and kind, as he helped me navigate through the scenes. The tone of the set was so comfortable and fun. I am still awestruck by my fellow castmates. I had so much support! We worked together to make the film successful and I have to say, it was one of the best projects I have been a part of! I worked as a Production Assistant, driving cast to set on the night shoot.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Asha Mormon: It was a snow/rain mix on the night shoot, which wasn’t planned and very real. The location definitely conveyed the scary ominous impending doom!

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?

Asha Mormon: Yes! The community where we are has a smaller film family. I have been on a hiatus with life events recently, but right after the film wrapped, I heard from Simon Scott, and  Diego Giovanni Sanchez (DGP Productions) and I will always remember how much fun I had with the cast and crew.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Asha Mormon: Last summer, I was cast as a Driver in an Uber Commercial. I will be in the pilot episode in background on Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, on Freeform channel.  I was background in “Leave No Trace” Movie. I was Dr. Oceans on “iClaudia”, a short film for the Portland 48 Film Festival,  A Dancer in a few music videos, “Dance with Me” by Blitzen Trapper, “That Devil” by Elke Robataille and “Antics” by Duddy, and “Rubbed me the right way” a music video for Jive Genie. Now I wait for the fame! I have been fortunate in my career! Usually, I just brag to the kids at my day job.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Asha Mormon: I connect with the idea that he has a masterful way of telling a story and you are transported there. Stephen King is amazing. I’ve read and watched quite a few of his books and movies. To have approval from such a creative mind is so humbling.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Asha Mormon: I can sing. I had to sing badly as a Rockabilly Singer for a commercial called Musixmatch, “Words to Your Voice”. That was hilarious, because it really was me acting!

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Asha Mormon: To the Fans: I am so happy you connected with the film the way I did. I love a good scary movie and I am just a regular person who found a passion for acting at age 34. It is never too late to do what you love, even if the audience sees the back of your head.  Your head could be seen in 50+ countries!

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Asha Mormon: I just want to say that Portland is now on the map for places to be in film. The connections with the crew and the actors  I have been blessed to work with are not like other film communities, in my opinion. Thank you so much for reading! My IMDb page is https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6375907