The Memory Book is a new Hallmark Movie Channel original that will premiere on Saturday July 26th at 9/8c. The movie follows Chloe (Meghan Ory), a budding photographer who comes from a family of failed romances. At a local flea market, she stumbles upon an old photo album from the 1970s, chronicling the ideal romance of a happy couple played by Art Hindle and Adrienne Barbeau.
Unable to find her own “true love,” she sets out to find the couple in the album and prove that true love exists. Along the way, she meets Gabe Sinclair (Luke Macfarlane), a mysterious, but charming bartender, who seizes the opportunity to join Chloe’s mission and soon finds himself falling in love with her. Thus we go on an adventure with Chloe and Gabe as they set out to find who the people are in the memory book and at the same time, they both learn something about each other.
Meghan Ory was kind enough to sit down with the Pop Culture Principle to discuss her character Chloe, the adventure her character embarks on and how she too has her own memory book.
Pop Culture Principle – What was it about the script for The Memory Book that made you want to take part in the project?
Meghan Ory – I had so much fun fighting bad guys on Intelligence , but after we wrapped I was eager to do something light and funny. When I read the script for The Memory Book, I thought A romantic comedy, mystery was just what I was looking for. I also loved the fact that the story is based on a real memory book that our director Paul Kaufman bought at a flea market. He also tried to find the owners but was sadly unsuccessful.
Pop Culture Principle – Can you tell us what The Memory Book is about?
Meghan Ory – The Memory Book is about a photographer named Chloe who has decided that people will let you down and love, above all things, is a waste of time. Then she finds a memory book which documents what looks to her like a true romance. She, along with the help of a guy named Gabe, tries to find out the true story of this couple and through doing so discovers if love does in fact exist.
Pop Culture Principle – Your character is an avid photographer. Did you know much about photography before you signed on? If not, what types of preparation if any did you do for the project?
Meghan Ory – I did a lot of amateur photography years ago. It was really exciting to pick up a camera again and start taking photos. It’s actually inspired me to get back into photography and learn a bit more.
Pop Culture Principle – The very first meeting between Gabe and Chloe was very interesting. It’s obvious Gabe was interested in Chloe. What do you think she initially thought of Gabe?
Meghan Ory – I love the scene when Chloe and Gabe first meet. She may have found him cute initially but then he opens his mouth and insults her work. It’s an interesting relationship though because even though he makes her crazy there is something about him that intrigues her.
Pop Culture Principle – Do you think the journey to find the people in The Memory Book was just as much a journey for Chloe to find out about who she is and what she truly wants?
Meghan Ory – Chloe’s desire to find the people in the memory book is 100% about her own relationship with love and relationships. Deep down Chloe wants love to exist and be possible for her, she has just seen no proof of it in her life. The people in the memory book are the first couple she has seen that seem to have found true love. The catch is, she can’t truly believe it’s possible until she hears and sees that love exists for herself. To do this she has to find the people in the book and hear their story.
Pop Culture Principle – In what ways are you like Chloe and not like Chloe?
Meghan Ory – I’m not very similar to Chloe actually. I am definitely a romantic. I suppose we both like to take photos. And I think she has pretty great clothes. I’d definitely raid her closet.
Pop Culture Principle – Although the story was important in The Memory Book, the on screen chemistry between you and Luke had to be believable. You both did an amazing job. What was it like working with Luke?
Meghan Ory – Thank you! To me the relationship between Chloe and Gabe and their journey together is the heart of the movie. Luke is so much fun and a terrific actor. We had a great time shooting the movie together and I hope we are able to work together again in the future.
Pop Culture Principle – The Memory Book also boasts other amazing cast members like Adrienne Barbeau and John Cassini to name a few. What was it like working with these amazing actors?
Meghan Ory – Adrienne Barbeau is so lovely, stunning and very talented. It was a real treat to work with her. John Cassini is fantastic as well and always a riot. It’s pretty hard to keep a straight face when he’s around.
Pop Culture Principle – The Hallmark Movie Channel is known for television series and movies that are family oriented and project positive ideas and images. Do you think the television landscape is ready for more programming like The Memory Book?
Meghan Ory – I think The Memory Book is a great film for Hallmark. I think it has a very positive message of how important it is to have an open heart and be willing to accept love into your life.
Pop Culture Principle – The obvious question would be do you have your own memory book?
Meghan Ory – That’s a great question. I actually have many memory books. My mom is a great scrapbooker and she’s has been making me memory books since I was very young. I have also made a memory book or two in my day. It’s very relaxing!
Pop Culture Principle – How has working on The Memory Book affected you personally and as an actor?
Meghan Ory – Working on The Memory Book was a great experience. I loved filming a romantic comedy and it made me want to do more in the future.
Pop Culture Principle – After people watch this movie, what would message would you like them to take away if any?
Meghan Ory – I hope that people enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed making it. It is fun and lighthearted and I hope it makes people smile.