Kelly Hutchings
She played in Philip Parker‘s The Woman in the Room Dollar Baby film as the old dying woman.
SKSM: Tell us about yourself, who is Kelly Hutchings and what do you do or have you done?
Kelly Hutchings: First off, I am a Christian that loves Christ!!! I am married to a wonderfully loving and supporting husband, Donathan. I have 3 daughters, the youngest is getting married soon, and 4 grandchildren. I just recently left a job as a criminal investigator to pursue film acting full time. I started my career on stage at the age of 4 and 3 years ago, delved into the world of film. In that 3 years, I have filmed 7 feature films, 2 television shows, a web series, several commercials, and a voice over for an audiobook where I voiced 6 characters.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Kelly Hutchings: Very early on. I was 4 when I saw my cousin on stage doing The Sound of Music. I wanted to be her and sing and dance on stage. The next year, I got my chance doing a small play at school and I was hooked. I have done background work for film but it was 3 years ago this past March that I really decided to pursue film.
SKSM: What else do you do besides acting?
Kelly Hutchings: Until recently, I worked as a Criminal Investigator for a local lawyer. I also help out at my church whenever they need it. I spend as much time with my grandchildren as I can. They are one of my biggest passions.
SKSM: How did you become involved in The Woman in the Room Dollar Baby film?
Kelly Hutchings: The instructor of the class is a friend of mine as is the director, Phil Parker. We have done many plays together throughout the years. Her students were needing actors for their projects, so Kim Parker asked me if I would help out. It was doing these short films that renewed my interest in film and gave me the boost to break into the industry.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Kelly Hutchings: With Woman in the Room, I think the attraction is how close it is to the emotions of real life, at least for those that have had to take care of an elderly parent. You love them, you know you will miss them, but seeing the suffering that they are experiencing is heart wrenching. You pray for God to take them but He doesn’t always. At least, not in our time. We want to take matters into our own hands and end the pain. It’s an inner turmoil that we suffer, until the loved one is gone. I think this story intellectually and emotionally shows the charged feelings of dealing with the end of life for loved ones.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Kelly Hutchings: I wish I could say it was written directly for me, but it wasn’t. Likewise, I didn’t have to audition. I know the instructor and she knew I would do it if she asked. I’m glad that I did do it though.
SKSM: You worked with Phil Parker on this film, how was that?
Kelly Hutchings: Anytime I have the chance to work with Phil is a great time. He is so talented at everything that he does. He truly is an amazing person. I never walk away from a project with him without learning something. He lives life very humbly and I truly don’t know if he knows how wonderful he is.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Kelly Hutchings: Oh sure!!!!! Trying to make me look older and like I was dying. Nicole Shelton, who played a nurse in the short, smeared coffee grounds on my face. I hate coffee!!!!!! I hate the smell of coffee and it was all I could do to keep from gagging, like the entire shoot. We smudged dark makeup everywhere. I didn’t drink water for 2 days to dry up my skin and make it look more withered. Goodness, I was so thirsty by the time we finished shooting!!!!!!! But. For amateurs, I think our efforts worked. Btw, I could smell coffee for days. Suffering for my art, I suppose.
SKSM: What do you think of the film The Woman in the Room now it’s finished?
Kelly Hutchings: I think we did a really good job. I’m very proud of it. I did three dollar baby films that semester and this one was the best. Everything from sound to lighting to location to costumes and yes, even makeup, I think it looks professional. I have a clip of it on my actors reel on IMDB and Actor’s Access. I’m that proud of it.
SKSM: How do you describe your experience in this film on a scale of 1 to 5?
Kelly Hutchings: A great big 10!!!! I came in to this project at the last minute. Someone else had originally started the part but couldn’t finish it. I was welcomed with open arms and felt right at home. Again, this is where I decided to pursue a film acting career. I enjoyed it all so much.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Kelly Hutchings: Yes I do, which is a rare thing. Intentions are always good when we say “we’ll get lunch”, or “let’s go do that”. Reality is, everyone gets busy and moves on to other projects. But Phil and I have been friends for over 20 years. We first did Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” together along with his wife, Kim. Along the years, we have done other shows. I feel very blessed to still have his friendship!!!!! Angela Moore, The head nurse, and I did a few projects together, but have drifted apart.
SKSM: What are you currently working on?
Kelly Hutchings: I have a cameo in a feature film in Tennessee filming in July and as I have been sitting here typing out my responses, I just got an audition for a feature film being filmed in Georgia.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Kelly Hutchings: Honestly, not really. I don’t like horror films. Life is spooky enough without watching it. That being said, I never realized the depth he goes into the psychological forces of each character and their lives. I rewatched Carrie and viewed it more from a psychological viewpoint and I got a lot more out of it. I may try to do the same with other films.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Kelly Hutchings: That I am actually a very shy introvert.
SKSM: What is in the top 5 on your bucket list? (Everything is possible and nothing is too strange)
Kelly Hutchings: Oh goodness. I have been very blessed to have been able to do many things in my life. I’ve parachuted, scuba dived, hiked, worked at Disney, traveled, sailed, worked with celebrities, been in plays and movies. Really, the only three things that I want to do is 1) have enough land to build homes for wounded warriors and have things like a wood working shop, black smith, farm, etc where they can make things like furniture, iron work, grow crops, whatever their skill is and sell it to make a living without having to go far from home. I’d like to build up a community of artisian wounded warriors. A place where they can call home, support one another, and live their best life. 2) I’d really like to visit Israel and 3) I’s like to be in a huge, award winning blockbuster and walk the red carpet at the Academy awards!!!!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Kelly Hutchings: Follow your dreams. No matter how far- fetched, no matter how crazy but do it all in the name of God. Give Him the glory for everything for without Him, we are nothing. We will never fully accomplish anything to its fullest if it isn’t done for Him. Also, to be kind to one another. Support and love each other no matter our differences. If we don’t do this, we will all suffer.
