Interview by Paul Salfen
In the bustling world of Hollywood adaptations, few stories grip the imagination quite like Stephen King’s The Institute. The MGM TV series, a chilling tale of psychic kids trapped in a shadowy facility, has viewers on the edge of their seats as it hurtles toward its finale. But behind the telekinetic thrills and government conspiracies lies a cast that’s as tight-knit as a family—albeit one with superpowers. AMFM Magazine caught up with host Paul Salfen for an exclusive morning chat with three of the show’s young breakout stars: Simone Miller as the fierce Kalisha, Joe Freeman as the prodigy protagonist Luke Ellis, and Fionn Laird as the enigmatic Nick. What unfolded was a lively conversation filled with laughter, heartfelt advice, and glimpses into the chaos of filming a King classic.
Picture this: a 12-year-old genius named Luke Ellis is snatched from his ordinary life and thrust into The Institute, a clandestine compound teeming with children who share his extraordinary gifts—telepathy, telekinesis, you name it. Meanwhile, in a sleepy nearby town, ex-cop Tim Jamieson (played by a brooding Ben Barnes) is trying to rebuild his shattered world, unaware that his path is about to intersect with Luke’s in explosive ways. It’s a story of resilience, rebellion, and the dark underbelly of power, but according to the cast, making it was anything but grim.
Simone, Joe, and Fionn waste no time confirming what fans suspect: this set was a playground disguised as a horror-thriller. “Hell, yeah,” Joe exclaims when asked if it was as fun to film as it looks. “You nailed it on the head.” The chemistry is palpable, a testament to the “close-knit cast” Simone describes, where even the most intense scenes couldn’t dampen the vibe.
Fond memories spill out like secrets from The Institute’s halls. Simone recalls the ping-pong showdown in episode two, a lighthearted break amid the tension that had everyone in stitches. “We had quite a laugh,” she says, her eyes lighting up. Then there’s the finale’s high-octane running sequences—exhausting, sure, but exhilarating. Fionn chimes in with a gem: a hilarious outtake from episode three where a young co-star, playing Avery, took an unexpected tumble while “riding” a dog statue. “It was really unexpected,” Fionn admits with a grin. “Maybe we shouldn’t have laughed, but it was quite funny.” The kid bounced back like a champ, ready for take two, proving that even in King’s twisted world, resilience reigns.
But it’s Joe who steals the show with his self-deprecating tale of generational awkwardness. Despite being only a couple of years older than his co-stars, he earned the nickname “old man” on set. During that same ping-pong scene, he flashed the classic “loser” symbol—forehead L and all—only to realize it was “grossly outdated.” The cast’s genuine reaction? Pure gold. “It led to a good, honest, very genuine moment of camaraderie,” Joe reflects. “It was a wake-up call, but fun.” In a series packed with psychic showdowns, these human moments remind us why The Institute resonates: it’s as much about friendship as it is about fear.
Of course, no chat with rising stars skips the big question—what advice do you have for aspiring actors dreaming of sets like this? Their responses are a masterclass in grit and passion, delivered with the wisdom of veterans in young bodies. Joe keeps it simple: “Just do it.” He emphasizes that nothing’s guaranteed in this feast-or-famine industry, but if you love acting for its own sake—not just the fame—go all in. “There’s acting everywhere if you want to find it.”
Simone builds on that, urging dreamers to be their own biggest cheerleaders. “Don’t limit yourself by putting a cap on what you can do,” she advises. Bet on yourself, seize opportunities, and remember: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Her own bold move—relocating to Toronto—paid off with this role, a step-by-step gamble that turned into gold. Fionn rounds it out with a nod to the volatility of the biz: “Follow your passion.” He warns against comparisons, reminding us that everyone’s timeline is unique. “What is meant to find you will,” he says philosophically. Having started at age ten, Fionn knows the grind firsthand—hone your craft, keep your head down, and embrace the journey, no matter how winding.
As the interview winds down amid some playful audio glitches—third time’s the charm, as Paul quips—the deeper layers of The Institute peek through. Beyond the entertainment, it’s a story that sparks conversations about power, ethics, and the unbreakable spirit of youth. What do these stars hope viewers take away? In the midst of the chaos, it’s clear: resilience in the face of the unknown, the joy of unlikely bonds, and the reminder that even in the darkest facilities, laughter can light the way.
With the finale looming, The Institute isn’t just a series—it’s a phenomenon. Catch Simone, Joe, Fionn, and the rest on MGM TV, and who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire the next generation to chase their own extraordinary paths. After all, as this trio proves, the real magic happens when you just do it.
