Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with From’s Avery Konrad

From the dynamic characters she’s brought to life on the stage and screen, Avery Konrad has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new faces. This year, she stars in the gripping new show from Epix titled From.

The contemporary sci-fi horror series unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the forest including terrifying creatures that come out at night.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Avery to learn more about From and the process of stepping into her character’s shoes.

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling and the arts?
Avery: I never realized how much I was drawn to storytelling when I was young. I always loved making skits and videos with my friends. That curiosity propelled me into wanting to explore it in a more in-depth way as I got older, and it led me here!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Avery: I find inspiration everywhere I go just by spending time with people I love or observing others. I don’t think there is one person who has influenced me but many people along the way.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Avery: My most cherished experience has been making From. It’s something I’ll look back on as one of the best times of my life.

PC: Speaking of From, tell us about the series, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Avery: When I read the breakdown for From, I was so intrigued. I was such a big fan of Lost. It was a dream project. John Griffin, the creator of From, wrote Sara so beautifully. I connected to the material right away. I really felt like I understood her.

PC: You’ve shared on social media that Sara is a beautifully flawed character. How did you prepare to tackle her arc? How did you create the space for yourself to dive into her storyline?
Avery: It was my first experience working on a show and living with a character for that long. We shot in beautiful Nova Scotia for five months. It was a learning process for sure. Thankfully I had the rest of the cast to lean on for support when I needed it. Because we were on location I had the luxury of really taking the time and space I needed to step into Sara’s shoes. I also had guidance from my acting coach Deb Podowski who helped me refine and prep throughout the season.

PC: If you had to describe Season 1 in a sentence, what would it be?
Avery: I’ll describe it in one word: Rollercoaster.

PC: What can fans expect from the first season of From? What do you hope they take away after they see it?
Avery: Expect the unexpected. I hope people get invested in the world we have created. Everyone has a monster they are battling. Internal struggle is something we all deal with in our own everyday lives. It’s something I think people will connect with.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Avery: Selling Sunset.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Avery: The Princess Diaries.

PC: Favorite book?
Avery: The Four Agreements.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Avery: Grease.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Avery: I pretty much only listen to R&B, so anything besides that.

PC: Dream role?
Avery: I have always wanted to do a musical. I would love to voice a Disney animated character one day!

To keep up with Avery, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch From on EPIX.

Photo Credit: Jenna Berman