Local teens to make big-screen debut

Two local high school students will be on the big screen in September.

Ariel Hayes, a recent Clear Creek Amana High School graduate, and Evan Smith, a freshman at Marion High School, both have feature roles in the new film “Logan.”

“I just thought I was going to be an extra,” said Hayes, 18.

Smith, who had worked with Real Bean Entertainment before, also believed his part in the film would be an extra. Instead, he plays a student in Logan's brother's band.

Hayes is a member of a high school clique.

“Logan” is the story of two teenage bothers, Logan and Tyler. Tyler is the brother everyone admires, while Logan struggles to find his place in the world. The film addresses issues such as bullying and teen suicide.

“It's about teens in high school,” said Hayes, who lives in Tiffin.

“It really shows the impact of bullying,” said Smith, 15. “It has a lot of lessons to be learned.”

“Logan” stars Leo Howard (“GI Joe: Rise of Cobra” and the Disney Channel's “Leo Little's Big Show”) and Boo Boo Stewart (“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”).

Both Hayes and Smith traveled to St. Louis last summer to film their roles.

“Everything was so much fun,” Hayes said. “Getting to meet Boo Boo Stewart and Leo Howard was great. They are both so down-to-earth and funny.”

Smith, who lives in Marion, said being on set is an experience that's difficult to describe.

“Things are moving somewhat fast, but they aren't pushing you,” he said. “There's just a lot going on.”

“Logan” is Smith's third movie role. He's also been featured in print and television commercials and was a recurring character on “Completing Kaden.” The television show aired in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“I love playing a character,” he said. “Acting is something I want to do, but I don't know if it will be the only thing I do.”

Hayes has wanted to act since she was a child.

“I like the lights, the action,” she said. “It's always been my passion.”

Hayes' experience includes regional theater productions. She traveled to Michigan last summer to film a video for the Disney Channel's new tween sitcom, “The Wannabes.”

She will study performing arts and theater at Kirkwood Community College in the fall.

“Logan” will be released in select theaters Sept. 10. For more information about the film, visit

www.realbean.com/loganthemovie/