Erica Whitman

She played in Michael Stafford’s The Last Rung on the Ladder Dollar Baby film as Kitty.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Erica Whitman: My name is Erica Whitman, from New Brunswick, Canada. I’m a wife, a mom, a dreamer, an adventurer, and eternal optimist.

I’m a Massage Therapist by occupation, but I’ve always dreamed of being an actress. So it’s pretty awesome to be doing this interview for getting to do something I’m so passionate about.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?

Erica Whitman: I actually knew this from a really young age. My elementary school did a graduation book for our class in grade 6. One of the questions they asked was “what do you want to be when you grow up”, and my answer then was “Movie Star” haha.

SKSM: What details define you the most as an actress?

Erica Whitman: I love this work, and I want to love the end product.  So I’m motivated to work hard, happy to take constructive criticism if needed, and passionate about bringing forth the raw emotion or light heartedness required.  I want to be able to work in all genres.

SKSM: How did you become involved in The Last Rung On The Ladder Dollar Baby film?

Erica Whitman: I worked with Strongside Productions on a previous film “Visit”. So when Mike was doing casting for this film he asked if I was interested in being an apart of it, and I was all in. What an honour to be apart of a Stephen King adaptation.

SKSM: You wanted to be a comedy actress, but this Dollar Baby film is just the opposite. How did you approach this role?

Erica Whitman: Yes that’s correct. I always envisioned myself as a comedy actress. But there isn’t a lot of acting opportunities in NB. So when I learned about Mike’s inital film Visit. I thought… I’ll try out and see how I do.

His first film, and this one, are both dark. I honestly didn’t know I had it in me, but I have learned a lot about being in character. Feeling emotion, and how to bring it forth. I can cry, I can scream. I can feel. 

I have to bring myself to a place in my mind that brings forth the true emotion. Make myself mad, or sad etc.  then I bring it into the character. So if I’m crying on screen… it’s real tears. That means you don’t have to really act. So the character is more authentic.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Erica Whitman: This story in particular, touches on childhood trauma, and shows two completely different approaches to how people handle such things later in life. I think in its basic form, it’s quite relatable. The drive to be better then the situation your grow up in, or the fall into patterns of continuous failure. It’s deeper and darker because it’s Stephen King of course. But I think the base story is relatable to many.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Erica Whitman: I didn’t have to audition for this role. I was lucky to have already proven myself to the director, in his previous film (which I did audition for).

SKSM: You worked with Michael Stafford on this film, how was that?

Erica Whitman: Mike is great to work for. He’s driven and passionate. He encourages you, and also isn’t shy to give criticism. He’s a well rounded director, and at the end of the day, always makes you feel good about your work.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Erica Whitman: In one of the scenes, I had to smash my face into plexiglass to show me “land” from my fall.  The man filming the scene from below (Alex), got to see me smash the glass and cough up “blood”. And his reaction is caught on camera, and it’s hilarious. He looks so incredibly grossed out it’s pretty awesome.

SKSM: It’s the first time you’ve taken on the lead role in a film. What effect do you think it will have on the audience when they see the final outcome?

Erica Whitman: This is actually my second time in a lead role :). I think the audience will be uncomfortable watching this… but that’s kinda the point. Stephen King films aren’t meant to leave the warm and fuzzys. They are meant to push your limits and leave you feeling uneasy. So when you walk away, you’re talking about it.

SKSM: This was your second performance, but you’ve already won the award for Best Leading Performance at the Silver Wave Film Festival.

Erica Whitman: Yes Thank you.  It was an honour. :). That was my other lead role. And my first real time acting.  So really cool to have won.

Definitely lights a fire in you, and made me think “ok… maybe I can really do this”.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Erica Whitman: Recently Ive worked on a commercial for Irving, and I was a lead in another short film done locally. 

I’m hopeful to get into more acting, and ideally a feature film, or reoccurring role.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Erica Whitman: Oh yes. Love his mind and all the places it goes.  It’s uncomfortable, but you certainly don’t forget anything he makes.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Erica Whitman: Hmmm I’m a trained marksman. I almost chose a career in Military, with a goal of sniper.  But I became a Massage Therapist instead haha.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Erica Whitman: I hope you enjoy this adaptation! We had so much fun making it. It’s dark and twisted, and awesome.