Former Eagles Cheerleader Amie Barsky

Amie Barsky Interview: Knuckle Draggers
Movie Room Reviews
November 1, 2009

Amie Barsky is one of the talented members of the ensemble cast of a film quickly gaining accolades on the film festival circuit. Knuckle Draggers is a romantic comedy movie told from a male’s perspective. Barsky plays a co-lead in the movie and is also a co-producer.

Thanks very much to Amie for taking the time to answer a few questions for our readers in this exclusive interview Q&A. Learn about her background, including a stint as a cheerleader for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, and her current and future film activities.

Knuckle Draggers Movie Review

Q: What would you like people to know about “Knuckle Draggers”?

A: I would like people to know that Knuckle Draggers is an Indie film with a lot of heart and sole. Each character goes through an interesting journey, and the audience can easily relate to at least one of the story lines. It’s definitely a “laugh your butt off, maybe even shed a tear” kind of movie.

Q: Your character, Patricia, plays the female counter to Kyle’s aggressive male view on relationships. How do you personally relate to your role and did you enjoy the character?

A: When I read the script I couldn’t wait to bring Patricia to life. She is a girl that is very relatable because there are times in life when we are “finding ourselves and trying to figure out where we fit in”. I had fun with bringing my “bad ass-punk rocker” self out to play.

As an actor I really enjoy taking on unique roles, whether it’s the “bad girl” or “quirky nerd”. It’s fun to find those different personalities inside myself. Playing the “straight and narrow good girl” is fun too…. but bring on the “tattooed, pierced up bad girl” or “emotional, vulnerable recovering drug addict” anytime.

Q: Knuckle Draggers seems to have a promising future after its film festival success. What are your hopes for the movie?

A: I am so excited that Knuckle Draggers has been very well received at the few festivals it’s screened at so far. I can just imagine that it will be very successful in theaters and DVD domestically and internationally.

Q: Are you actively involved in the promotion of the film? What else are you currently working on and what is up next for you?

A: I am one of the Co- Producers on Knuckle Draggers so I am in the “thick of it” when it comes to promoting. We are constantly sending out screeners to get our movie reviewed and doing a ton of online promotions through the social networks. Our goal is the fill the house at every screening, get it out there and get it noticed!

We have a few projects in development right now, another romantic comedy and a crime thriller.

Q: You were a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader while attending the University of Arts in Philadelphia. First, were you ever afraid being on the sidelines in Philly games that weren’t going so well? Second, how did your experience with dance/cheerleading impact your development into the film industry?

A: Yes, I was a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader while in college and loved every minute of it! Even though Philly fans are pretty rowdy when things aren’t going their way, no I can’t say I was ever afraid on the sidelines, we had plenty of security if things got out of hand.

Dance definitely gave a helping hand to make the transition into acting. Both acting and dance take patience, time and sacrifice. For me they are extensions of each other, they are both about expressing emotions through language verbally and physically. Dance allows me to be more aware and have control over the physical elements when filming and acting allows me to reach the emotional highs and lows when dancing.

Q: Given your background in dance and other entertainment genres, and your multiple talents in film (producing and acting), what is your favorite or most enjoyable entertainment format to be involved with?

A: It is impossible for me to pick between acting and dance, they are both so close to my heart. (ok, that sounds corny, but it’s true) On the other hand producing has opened my eyes up to how the “other side of the camera” works and I find it very intriguing. My preference would be in front of the camera dancing, acting, whatever……as long as I am able to make people feel connected, maybe through tears or laughter it’s all awesome to me.

When working on set I feel like I am on a natural high, it’s like this overwhelming sense of joy and excitement yet calmness. And when the long day of shooting is done (they are rarely less than 10 hour days) I will be driving home and I will realize that I am smiling from ear to ear. I know I am fortunate to be doing what I love and pursuing my dreams but I look forward to the day I get to play in the Big League and do it every day.

Q: Any additional comments or thoughts for our readers?

A: First off, all I want to say thank you for all the support and please spread the love and laughter of Knuckle Draggers to your friends, it will truly be a huge success.