Tribeca Film Festival breakout hit “Mark, Mary & Some Other People” shines thanks to lead star Hayley Law’s dedication to the craft of filmmaking. From improvising on set to gushing about working with a “beast” director of photography, Law exclusively reflects on making “Mark, Mary” and shares why she can relate to the script.
Hayley Law is truly a chameleon onscreen, and her latest turn in Mark, Mary & Some Other People proves she is a multitalented gem of a star. Law spoke with The Knockturnal to dish on collaborating with writer-director Hannah Marks and what’s next.
The Knockturnal: Mark, Mary & Some Other People is such a unique concept for a romantic comedy, and even relatable to those who aren’t in polyamorous or open relationships! Where do you see the film going, post-Tribeca Film Festival premiere?
Hayley Law: It’s hard, I don’t know where it’s going to go – to the freakin’ top, hopefully! Especially with indies, it’s so hard to think what’s going to happen with the film. My favorite part of being an actor is the filmmaking process so anything that happens after that is just a bonus to me. It’s been crazy to see it here, and to have other people see it has been wild. I’m so grateful. I’m excited people are enjoying it and relating to it because I feel like it’s incredibly relatable as well. But I felt that way when I first read the script. I loved that there were some hard hitting topics but also it is very funny, and that’s just the perfect combination for me.
The Knockturnal: After speaking with director Hannah Marks, I know improvisation was encouraged on set. What was it like being on your toes as an actor?
Hayley Law: It’s my favorite thing to do. At the point when we got to improvise, we had already gotten a scripted version and then Hannah was like, ‘Alright let’s just do whatever you guys want.’ So I felt like there was no pressure to be funny. I mean, it was funny but there was not a ton of pressure. Worst case scenario, it isn’t great, and it’s also the best case scenario because have the script done, which is also hilarious. This one is just the cherry on top. I feel very comfortable doing stuff like that. I never felt scared, I just felt an opportunity to see what you could cook up on the spot.
The Knockturnal: That truly is a testament to Hannah cultivating a comfortable and trusting set. She also said that she knew you were the person to play Mary right away. What was the casting process like from your perspective?
Hayley Law: That’s so nice to hear. I felt like I didn’t know that when I first met her. I met her about the script and we talked about it and I remember just feeling like, ‘God, I really hope she wants me to play Mary because I really want to play Mary! But I don’t want to sound desperate at this lunch, like, please can I be Mary?.’ Because I just love the character so much. I’m really happy she felt that way because meeting her that day, I really wanted to do it. And just working with her continuously and getting to know her, I fully trust Hannah’s opinion and I was never worried about how this movie was going to turn out. She has such good taste. I knew it was in good hands and it was going to be great because she wouldn’t let it be other than that.
The Knockturnal: Are there any fun behind-the-scenes moments or improvised parts that didn’t make it into the movie that you want to share?
Hayley Law: I was just thinking about that last night and there are definitely scenes that didn’t make it in. There was another fight scene with me and [costar] Ben Rosenfield that was an interesting one. The camera work was incredible. Casey Stolberg, the DP, he did it all in one shot. I don’t know how he didn’t fall or crack his skull because he was walking backwards through the apartment as we were fighting and walking so fast. It looked amazing. It’s a really sad scene but we need to see Casey’s camera work for that. People deserve to see how flexible he is! In my mind he’s doing par core around the apartment. People who appreciate camera work would be like, ‘Holy crap, this man is a beast!’.