We were lucky to catch up with Augie Duke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Augie , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I feel incredibly blessed to have worked on a handful of projects that have meant so much to me. I’ll start with my first, way back when, because that project sparked my passion for acting. Jessica Sonneborn and Billy McAdams, two incredible filmmakers, were working on their first feature-length movie. My baby brother had just collaborated with them on a pilot, and my mom mentioned my name to them, knowing they were casting for their next project.

I ended up auditioning, got a callback, and eventually booked the role. It felt amazing—like I was on the right path. It was one of my first films, and I made lifelong friends during that experience.

Trauma is a Time Machine was another pivotal project for me. Written and directed by the incredibly talented Angelica Zollo, the film explores a woman’s self-destruction and healing after the trauma of rape within her relationship. I remember reading the script and immediately knowing I had to be a part of it. The collaboration on that set and the safe, supportive environment Angelica created were unparalleled.

As I write this, I realize there are so many projects I could talk about, but I’ll highlight a couple more. Burning Kentucky, directed by the ever-talented Bethany Brooke Anderson, was another unforgettable experience. And then there’s Moon Garden, shot entirely on 35mm film. The dedication and artistry that went into this movie were extraordinary. It’s breathtaking, and I feel so lucky to have been part of this magical project with Ryan Harris, John Michael Elfers, and so many others.
Also, last winter I shot a Film I’m really excited for everyone to see, I worked on it with my good friends Shane Brady and Emily Zercher, coming out soon. It starts as a true story about how they were hacked in 2021, then takes a wild turn into what their revenge plot could have been—if it weren’t illegal, of course! I had the honor of playing the brilliant Emily on screen. This one is full of twists and turns—you’re in for a treat! Look out for HACKED: A Double Entendre of Rage Fueled Karma.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! My name is Augie Duke, and I was born and raised in the playground that is Los Angeles. I grew up in a wonderfully blended family with divorced and remarried parents who brought amazing stepparents into my life. Half my family works in the wild world of film, while the other half are therapists—so I guess I was destined to be both overanalyzed and overdramatic!

I have two biological brothers, one half-brother, and two step-siblings, and I’m so incredibly thankful for my big, wacky family.

I’ve always loved make-believe for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I had a wild imagination. I’d go into my room and put on “shows” with my dolls, books, or whatever I could get my hands on. My mom eventually signed me up for acting classes, and as a kid, I had so much fun performing in plays.

I didn’t actually pursue acting until my early twenties, though, and in hindsight, I’m so grateful for that. I got to enjoy being a kid and a teenager without the pressure of the industry.

I’ve also battled stage fright, and while I still get those nervous butterflies, I’ve learned to embrace them and use them to fuel my performances.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A few years ago, I started feeling like I needed to expand my creative endeavors. I’d always secretly wanted to direct and produce, but I didn’t think I had the experience or even knew where to start. Then one day, my mom called me and said, “Why don’t you direct one of my short stories?”

The story was based on a true event—her trying her first cigarette and not liking it (lol). But it also had deeper themes of identity and teenage struggles. I was so nervous about taking it on, but one day, I just said, “Screw it, I’m going to direct this.”

I hired some talented friends to help me shoot it, and it turned out better than I ever imagined. I’m really proud of it. The short is called One Is the Loneliest Number.

From there, I directed a music video for my friends’ band, Egg Drop Soup, and a short written and produced by two lovely, talented actresses. I also helped produce a film with my amazing husband, Michael Reed, and the ever-so-talented Craig Singer.

While I love directing and producing, my real, true love is acting. Nothing compares to the joy and fulfillment I feel when I’m performing.

What I’ve learned from all of this is to trust yourself and sometimes just fake it till you make it.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe the best way to support artists is to invest in them—especially in the smaller-budget indie world. Seek out those films and the incredible filmmakers who might be flying under the radar or just starting out.

If you’re an actor, make your own art—write your own script or story and put yourself in it. And most importantly, don’t give up. You have something unique that no one else does, and that’s your superpower.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Augie Duke
• Linkedin: Augie Duke
• Twitter: Augie Duke
• Youtube: Augie Duke
• Other: Instagram which I mostly on @DukeAugie

Image Credits

DP and Photograph By Eric Giovon for Trauma is a Time Machine

Picture Lila Rosenberg

Headshot Bader Howar

Directing Riley Jackson Actress in One is the loneliest number. DP and photographer by Kevin James Barry

Photographer and Filmmaker the late Great John Michael Elfers