Hayley Law
stars in film
Mark, Mary & Some Other People
Interview by TESSA SWANTEK
Hayley Law, Canadian actor and singer, has landed a few roles that underscore her multi-talented nature. As Valerie Brown, a band member in Josie and The Pussycats on Riverdale, her acting and singing skills are able to shine. Josie and The Pussycats returned to Riverdale for a recent episode where Law was able to debut her newest single “Go On” in the Archiverse, blending her reality with her role on the show. In her most recent role, she plays Mary in Mark, Mary, & Some Other People, a millennial navigating ethical non-monogamy with her partner Mark, played by Ben Rosenfield. She wears an assortment of fruit themed earrings while fronting a band with a multitude of sexually themed names that contrasts Josie and The Pussycats in several ways, yet Law is still able to showcase her passion for music in her brilliant newly debuted role. While not all of her roles merge these two worlds, Law shines as Mary and tells us about being able to fully explore a character for the first time. She also tells us more about her own music, behind the scenes details, and what we can look forward to from her next projects!
First I want to ask about the return of Josie and The Pussycats on Riverdale! You play Valerie Brown who we haven’t seen in the show in quite some time until recently. On the show, you performed your new single, “Go On” which is so exciting! So many Riverdale fans praised the performance online, how did it feel to sort of merge your real life and your character?
It was so great to go back and perform my own song. I felt like Valerie deserved this revival as well as a farewell to the show. I mean, you never know with Riverdale what could happen to the characters, but this was a special moment for me. Especially being able to share that song with everyone through the show. I’ve wanted to write music for the show for so long! It was incredibly satisfying.
Out of your own released music, what song do you feel most personally connected to?
There are a few songs I haven’t released yet that I feel the most connected to. When I look back at what I have released, I feel so far from who I was when I wrote those. I still love them, but the new songs definitely have more emotion and current truth to them.
Knit Bra, sweater, shorts & boots: Valentino Red, Bags: CHANEL
You play a singer in your most recent film, Mark, Mary & Some Other People. If you formed a band as yourself with Valerie and Mary, what do you imagine the result would be?
I think it would be a sick band. I wish I could be in a band with Mary and Valerie. Mary would definitely be the lead! Valerie on keys, and me as the songwriter and tambourine in the background.
You’ve said in another interview that you were excited to play Mary because you felt like it was the first time that you got to explore and create a full life for a character. How did this change the way you prepared for the role as opposed to previous roles?
There’s something really special about independent filmmaking. You can explore more with your dialogue and even body language. On big studio productions, things are much more calculated down to every move. That is also amazing and fun in a different way. But, I found myself often asking before a scene “what would Mary say about this? How would she react? What is her body language like?” and I wasn’t afraid to try anything.
Knit Bra, sweater, shorts & boots: Valentino Red, Bags: CHANEL
What element of Mary’s personality did you find most important to portray? What do you like most about her?
It was very important to me to show that Mary is free spirited, adventurous, but also very aware of herself. I wanted to make sure that Mary’s spontaneity did not come across as ignorant or selfish because that is never her intention.
I think that despite the film looking at a couple through an ethical non-monogamous lense, the film is much more about what the title suggests- Mark, Mary, & Some Other People- it explores monogamy and nonmonogamy but seems much more like a character study. What do you hope people take away from the film?
I just hope people end the film with a question. Not even about whether or not they would have an open relationship, but more about love and human connection. The ending of this film always reminds me that just because a relationship doesn’t last forever, doesn’t mean that it wasn’t incredible while you experienced it. I hope that people can relate to that.
Sweater, bra top, skirt and boots: Louis Vuitton
The film is a perfect mix of fun scenes along with deeply emotional scenes. Which type of scenes did you prefer filming?
I really love doing both scenes. Funny scenes where everyone laughs when we cut are so rewarding, but portraying deep emotion fills my soul as well. Being able to do both is the perfect balance for me.
Hannah Marks has said in a recent interview that you and Ben Rosenfield did a lot of improv throughout filming. Do you have any funny improv stories you can share?
There were so many funny moments while we were filming it’s hard to remember! The bird in the film was always a special surprise. He would start singing and chirping out of nowhere in the scene. Ben and I always found a way to incorporate him into the dialogue.
Sweater, bra top, skirt and boots: Louis Vuitton
While watching the film, I loved all of the little quirky fashion details so much, especially Mary’s assortment of earrings! What was your favorite fashion look or accessory of Mary’s?
Annie & Hannah! The costume designers are some of the most talented people I have ever met. I absolutely loved Mary’s style and it’s all thanks to them. I love the cracker earrings- so much.
Other than acting and music, you’ve shared your passions for cooking, specifically gluten free lifestyle cooking (your cooking looks delicious by the way!) and for crocheting. How important do you feel it is to have passions outside of your work?
It is so insanely important for me to have things outside of work to stay calm and sane. Crocheting is something I can do for hours. I can set my phone down, put on a movie, light a candle, and all of a sudden, 4 hours have gone by. It’s so relaxing.
You’ve worked on a few independent films, with Echo Boomers being one of the more recent. Are there any big differences between acting in an independent film versus studio productions in terms of creative freedom and things of that nature?
YES! I touched on it earlier but most definitely. Both are amazing but completely different. I think both sets require an open mind and a high level of focus.
You are set to star in Avan Jogia’s directorial debut Door Mouse and have mentioned new music coming! Can you tell us a little about what we should be looking forward to from you next?
Hopefully a tour! Fingers are crossed that I will be able to perform this new music soon, as well as many more film and TV projects!
Photography
Frederic Auerbach
Interview
Tessa Swantek
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
Deborah Ferguson
Makeup
Daniele Piersons @ Atelier Management
Hair
Ashley Lynn Hall @ Atelier Management
Web Layout
Tori Smith
Thank you
Viewpoint & Vert Entertainment
