Morcan Books & Films

New York actress Sheila Ball has one abiding memory of the starring role she plays in Anno 2020, the new-release movie helmed by New Zealand-born writer-director James Morcan. That memory is standing inside Grand Central Station and screaming at the top of her lungs. 

The veteran actress, best known for her screen roles in A Prince and Pauper Christmas (2022), Assault On VA-33 (2023) and By Deception (2023), says fortunately for her, she had the place to herself at the time.

“The normally overcrowded rail terminal was, because of the Covid-19 lockdowns, empty with no trains running,” Ball recalls. “It was surreal. If I acted like that at any other time, I would be arrested. That will go down as one of the best experiences of my life.”

Sheila Ball…a standout performer.

In Anno 2020, which was shot globally during the strict lockdowns of that same year, Ball plays the unforgettable role of Heather, a mother who is separated from her screen daughter Emma, played by up-and-coming Los Angeles actress Jessica Castello. Unforgettable because Michigan-based Heather has been struck down with cancer while student Emma is locked down indefinitely in Wuhan, China.

Ball maintains she coped just fine being alone on set – “so to speak” – separated as she was from her fellow actors and crew, and from the film’s director, New Zealand-born James Morcan, who also adapted the screenplay from his published novel Anno 2020.

“I loved the collaborative nature of the whole project,” she says.

“It was great working with such a creative team, and especially acting with Jessica even though we were physically separated. We had each other’s backs during what must surely go down as one of the most uncertain, bizarre times of our lives.

“It helped that we all had the same goal in mind – that goal being let’s make art that reflects this very moment. It was a unique way to make a film and was immensely successful in my opinion. I just hope we all get to do something together again. And soon!”

Billed as a global kaleidoscope of interconnected characters seeking redemption, forgiveness, and answers amidst the chaos of 2020, the Australian-produced Anno 2020 was shot in 17 cities on four continents on a micro budget of US$6,000. A mystery-drama, it recently celebrated its world premiere at a hugely successful red-carpet event in Sydney.

Anno 2020 boasts an award-winning ensemble of international actors. Other cast members include leading Australians Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D) and Greg Poppleton (Last Days of the Space Age, Backtrack and Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader), American veterans Kevin Scott Allen (Alias, Prison Break and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) and Chinese American Crystal J. Huang (Dark Feathers), as well as Castello (Oildale), and Australian child actress Audrey Nitschke (Wolf Like Me).

Ball, who describes herself as “happily married” with two “beautiful” daughters, has an undeniable passion for acting.

“My passion is rooted in the acting process. I love the work, am interested in all genres, and can relate to the characters I play. Humanity is a common denominator, and I’m convinced that connection to self and to each other is of utmost importance.”

She says EM Forster’s “Only Connect” mantra is a philosophy she tries to bring to her acting and to her life.

“Living in the moment is the source of my vitality and creativity, and it fuels my power and my promise to do good work.”

A younger Sheila Ball, who studied acting under acclaimed American acting coach Bill Esper and was mentored by the great English actor Alan Rickman, was once famously labelled by PEOPLE magazine as “A young actress to watch.” She started out on stage, appearing in a myriad of Off-Broadway shows. She also worked in film and TV with recurring soap opera roles. One of those roles saw her guest starring alongside Elizabeth Franz and Stephen Mailer in the PBS series Love and Other Sorrows.

Since 1991, Ball has complemented her acting by giving back to the profession, coaching and teaching NYC actors. Fast forward to 2024, and she says she has never been busier.

“I have been working non-stop, which is the best scenario I can imagine in terms of doing what I most love – acting. In what little spare time I have these days I’m researching new roles and writing.

“In the past three years I have shot 11 feature films, and since June last year I’ve been contracted to act in numerous productions, including features, shorts and one Off-Broadway play.”

Ball’s latest projects include leading roles in the Lifetime movie Controlling Husband and the SAG feature film Traction Park.

This Princeton University graduate’s talents extend far beyond acting. They include a variety of sporting achievements that stamped her as an athlete of some ability. Foremost amongst these was a #9 world ranking in stairclimb racing.

Sheila Ball…actress and former world-ranked athlete.

“I was working out, cross-training on the Stairmaster at my gym when a gym instructor suggested I try stairclimbing,” Ball recalls. “I did and I discovered I was pretty good at it!”

“Pretty good” is an understatement: she won the prestigious “Climb to the Top of the Rock” event at the Rockefeller Center twice, securing her impressive world ranking in the process.

Ball’s many talents came as no surprise to Anno 2020’s Kiwi director Sydney-based James Morcan says he is in awe of Ball’s abilities.

“Sheila is one of the most thorough actors I’ve ever worked with,” he says. “Her attention to detail is quite remarkable. One example of this being the impressive amount of research she did into Leukemia, which she felt was required so as to authentically portray a patient coping with that disease.”

Morcan, who also acts in the movie opposite lead producer Gil Ben-Moshe, says Ball’s role in Anno 2020 has been consistently highlighted by viewers as their favorite character.

“I am delighted that such a skilled, veteran actress is once again receiving the attention she deserves. I would love to work with Sheila again in any capacity as she’s a professional in every sense.”

Ben-Moshe endorses Morcan’s comments, adding, “Sheila is an actress who keeps on going above and beyond to elevate her role. On set, there was nothing she didn’t do in order to prepare or improve her character.”

The producer describes Ball as a true professional both on and off set.

“Sheila often conversed with James about her scenes. She’s a natural and genuine actress who possesses a wealth of experience. Her powerhouse performance in Anno 2020 offers viewers an emotional rollercoaster, which will have audiences begging for more.”

Recounting her experience on the set of Anno 2020, Ball says she wouldn’t hesitate to work with the Down Under filmmakers again.

“Hell, yes!” she says. “In a heartbeat…and Australia and New Zealand are on my bucket list.”

As for her experience working with Morcan, Ball says he’s simply the best. “James is an actor’s director and I felt we were definitely on the same page in terms of our acting approach. He gets that an actor must come from self first and from there integrate the character and story to generate a hybrid between yourself and the character and story.”

Interstate red-carpet cinema launches are next up for Anno 2020 in Australia. These include a Melbourne screening on May 6, and a Brisbane screening on June 4. The longer-term target includes online distribution on major streaming platforms.

The Anno 2020 trailer can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie

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