Orion Smith talks about starring in the short film ‘Higher Education,’ working Awith Elizabeth LiMei

Orion Smith. Photo Courtesy of ‘Higher Education.’

Actor Orion Smith (“The Conjuring: Last Rites”) chatted about starring in the new short film “Higher Education,” and working opposite lead actress and creator Elizabeth LiMei.

LiMei wrote, executive produced, and stars in this short as Mia opposite Smith as Ryan.

This coming-of-age movie follows idealistic Sociology major Mia Shen (Elizabeth LiMei) and her best friend Ryan Connors (Orion Smith) over the course of four undergraduate years as they navigate the trials and tribulations of college life.

Amid systemic failures and personal struggles, their dreams are tested forcing them to confront who they are, and who they want to be.

‘Higher Education’ experience

On his experience doing “Higher Education,” Smith remarked, “It was great. Yeah, I really loved working with the creator, Elizabeth.  She was so great. From the very beginning, I met with her and the director at a coffee shop.”

“Liz really wanted to make something, and I told her that I would do whatever I could to support,” he said.

“I told her, ‘I would absolutely love to work with her.’ I think it ended up being a beautiful little short film,” he acknowledged.

Playing Ryan in ‘Higher Education’

On playing Ryan, he stated, “I was drawn to playing Ryan because he has a beautiful heart.”

“I think at his core, he is a really good person. Ryan cares deeply about Mia in the film, and he is not going to cross the boundaries or let her betray herself,” he explained.

Lessons learned from this short film

On the lessons learned from this short film, he shared, “I think it taught me that life isn’t always easy!”

“There are so many beautiful moments and beautiful people that you meet along the way that it truly is worth it,” he noted.

Smith on the success of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’

On the commercial success of “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” where he played the younger version of Patrick Wilson’s character Ed Warren, Smith said, “It had a great box office opening weekend. That was the highest opening for horror movies.”

“It also went to No. 1 on HBO Max, so that was awesome,” he added.

Stage of his life

Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Smith revealed, “Progress.”

“I think right now really feels like a big, expansive moment in my career and in myself,” he said.

“I think I’ve grown so much since filming ‘The Conjuring,’ and I think I’ve made so much progress,” Smith added.

Future plans

On his future plans, he shared, “I plan to keep working hard. I really love exploring acting, watching movies, and just delving into the world of movies as art. I really believe that’s true.”

“So doing more of acting is what I am excited for,” he added.

Closing thoughts on ‘Higher Education’

For his fans and viewers, Smith concluded about “Higher Education,” “I want people to get that life is beautiful, not simple.”

To learn more about rising actor Orion Smith, follow him on Instagram.

Read More: “Higher Education” review.