Katie Parker talks about her new movie ‘The Beldham’ and the digital age

Katie Parker. Photo Credit: Yana Yatsuk.

Actress Katie Parker chatted about her new movie “The Beldham,” which was released on November 7th.

The synopsis is: A new mother returns to her childhood home, only to face a malevolent, age-old entity lurking in the walls.

As the haunting escalates, she’s pushed to the brink to protect her baby—and her mind.

How was your experience on this film ‘The Beldham’?

I know that every creative experience I commit to, I will be transformed in some way by the end of it.

A part of me will be different and that is always exciting. I had a very enriching and full creative experience on this film.

We shot “The Beldham” in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and I loved staying in that town and becoming a part of the community.

Filming on location is always special because it kind of grounds you a little deeper into the world of the film, as you are adjusting to living in a new place.

The air felt different in Oklahoma, the smells of the earth, the landscape — this helped me as I was finding Harper, the character I played.

This was also a very physical character. Very physically different from me which stretched me as a performer and was gratifying to explore.

What did you like most about your character Harper?

Her courage and femininity.

How does it feel to be an actress in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)

It’s taken me a long time to find my way as an actress and human being in the digital age. Social media has never felt natural to me.

Posting, followers, likes, and figuring out your brand. All this has always felt like pressure on my system and inauthentic for me and I know I’m not alone in that.

Everything is a double-edged sword, everything is dark and light. I think social media
can also be a great tool to use for publicity, sharing and connection.

Same with streaming – it’s incredible that an ultra low budget indie film can find a home on a streaming platform and find an audience but ultimately the CEOs of these streaming companies are the ones who are going to be profiting and the people who made the film aren’t able to live off of what they created. It’s not a fair system, you know?

Also, miracles can happen and people can pop off and find sustainable success through streaming, social media and technology! It’s all a mixed bag!

What do your plans for the future include?

To keep acting, painting, making music, finding creative flow each day, traveling, hiking, moving my body, loving my dog, loving people, being of service.

What did this screenplay teach you about yourself?

To lean into the natural irritability that can be a very loud part of me that I’m always trying to quiet down. That part got to live out loud through Harper.

It’s satisfying to explore all the parts of “the self” through different characters and having the creative container like a set or stage to freely investigate and expose those parts.

What is your advice for young and emerging actors?

You are an artist! Be out in the world, observe people, nature, animals. Go to museums, read, dance, get into your body, get to know yourself, find your creative community, stay curious.

Notice when flow state arrives, what were you doing/engaging in that called forward that response? Keep showing up.

Keep putting yourself out there. You don’t have to be good – just show up, listen, the magic you are looking for will always find you.

What does the word success mean to you?

Success for me, success is moving through the day with a peaceful nervous system and not losing myself to the very active mind I have.

What’s the one thing you want our readers to get out of ‘The Beldham’ movie?

Things aren’t always what they seem — call your mama.

To learn more about actress Katie Parker, follow her on Instagram.