NM: Ashley, your character Ava is a pretty complex person. Do you see yourself in her?
Ashley Bauman: I see a lot of my 20-year-old self in her. I relate to her because I was in a pretty bad relationship with someone addicted to drugs and alcohol. I let it fall on my shoulders to take care of him, and this [script] really struck a chord in me. I don’t know that I handled it the same as Ava. She tends to be a pushover at times, and I think I put my foot down a little more.
NM: So you brought real life experience to both the Calvin and Ava characters.
CZ: Ironically, yes.
NM: What about the aspect of Ava being a writer?
AB: I think that’s a really romantic thing. I have been a bookworm like her since forever. I was always the little girl who would spend indoor recess reading instead of playing board games. I was perfectly fine being in my own little world. From age 9 to whenever, I figured I read a lot, I write a lot, so I should be a writer. I think that Ava gets a big break, which is wonderful, whereas I don’t know if I’d ever have that kind of success.
NM: Were you raised in St. Louis?
AB: I was born in St. Louis, raised in Overland until 4 when my little sister was born, and we moved to South County. So I’ve been here my entire life. I went to Notre Dame High School, and recently graduated from University of Missouri St. Louis with a degree in English, emphasis on British Literature and specifically Shakespeare. Kind of a Jack of all trades, master of none.
NM: Chelsea, when did you start writing I Miss Me?
CZ: It’s been about a year and six month process. I sent it to script analysts, sent it to teachers to get their opinions. I still don’t feel like it is perfect, but you continue rewriting – even when on set. Things change even while you’re in the moment.
NM: Do you have a production company?
CZ: It’s Milestone Pro Films, Jason’s production company. This is his first feature film.
NM: Jason, how did you and Chelsea come together?