Calling The Shots
Stephen Moyer talks to Us about directing A Bit of Light
Stephen Moyer hopes A Bit of Light (in theaters and on demand April 5) will “show that there’s hope at the end of the tunnel,” the True Blood alum tells Us. The drama stars his wife, Anna Paquin, as Ella, a recovering alcoholic grappling with her mistakes, when she meets a teenager named Neil (Luca Hogan), who helps lift her spirits. Here, Moyer dishes on the drama.
Q: Tell Us more about the film.
It’s about a mom who, due to her destructive behavior, has given up custody of her children while she tries to sort herself out. She feels like her life is over and starts going to the playground where she used to take them, in order to watch other kids play [and] punish herself. But this 13-year-old boy sees her and feels her sadness, and takes it upon himself to rebuild her life for her. In doing so, he ends up doing it for the other people around her as well.
Q: What are some of the perks and challenges of directing your spouse?
The perks are easy: We know each other inside out and have worked together for many years. I have the luxury of knowing I can leave her to it because [she’s] very good at working out what she wants to change. There aren’t any downsides because when we work together, it means [our] kids get to have both of us there at the same time.
Q: Do you prefer being behind the camera or in front of it?
You don’t choose acting; acting chooses you. I adore [directing], but it’s not taking the place of the acting. If I can keep doing all of it and produce at the same time, it’s a dream.