Here at OneFilmFan.com, it has been decided lately that the intention will be to spoil our readers with as many interviews as we can, given the myriad of opportunities that have been offered, all thanks to delving into the ever deepening pool that is independent film.  This time, one of this site’s overall greatest benefactors, director Drew Hall and his company Frame 29 Films, have once again come through with our second interview from Hall’s recently completed feature-length comedy, “Nigel & Oscar Vs. The Sasquatch”, yet to be released, but previewed and reviewed here! After getting the thoughts of actor Adam Herschman, we now get a perspective from one of the film’s most beautiful and talented co-stars, actress Sherri Eakin, who brings her Southern charm and straight-forward thoughts to life for our reading pleasure.  Yeah, Bigfoot doesn’t stand a chance! (plus we threw in a little “Aether: Prologue” talk, too!)

 

One Film Fan: From the beginning! Tell us a little about the girl from Metairie, Louisiana and what factors were involved that ultimately lead you to acting and choosing it as a career.

Sherri Eakin: I was always an artistic child. I loved drawing and painting, and was always very interested in music. When I was in sixth grade, the school drama teacher came to our classroom looking for kids to sign up for an upcoming school play. They needed the younger kids to play Munchkins in their adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz”. I jumped at the chance, and immediately fell in love with theatre. I spent the rest of my school years involved in drama class and school theatre productions.

Years later, a coworker friend heard that a feature film would be made in my area. She remembered I had done some acting when I was young, and told me I should sign up to be an extra in the film. That extras casting call started a chain of events that ultimately led me to start taking film acting classes, sign with a talent agent, and start pursuing acting as a career. It has been the most wonderful adventure ever since!

O.F.F.: How did you further learn the art (ie: mentors, influences, and schooling)?

S.E.: The film community in the Southeast is amazing for young actors. I have met so many wonderful, helpful people at acting workshops, film festivals, and on independent film shoots. Every day I spend with other film makers and actors is a day that I learn more about my craft, and about this business. I try to take as many classes and workshops as I can, not only as practice and a learning opportunity, but also as a way to meet people and network. I learn so much just by sitting and talking with someone who has been working in the industry for a while, and picking their brain a bit.

O.F.F.: Based on your bio, you’ve covered quite a bit of ground in the types of film genres and characters you’ve had the chance to dive into. Are you a creature of habit when it comes to researching and/or preparing for roles you’ve experienced so far?

S.E.: Some roles require a lot more preparation and research than others. We all have personal experiences we can pull from to relate to what is going on with a character, so that is a great place to start. I recently played a woman who was addicted to drugs. Since I have never experienced a lot of the things in her life, I had to do more research to find out what those particular substances really do to a person, and how it would affect how she would think and act. While I might not ever make the same choices some of my characters would make, I always try to relate them in some way to understand what drove them to make those choices.

O.F.F.: Along the same lines, re: the diversity of roles you’ve played, do you prefer more physically driven characters or emotionally driven characters? Or both? Why?

S.E.: My preferences usually relate to the overall story. It can be fun to play someone really tough and in charge, but I also love to see characters who overcome internal struggles that are more subtle in delivery. The most interesting characters are a mixture of both.

O.F.F.: Has there been a certain character (or characters) to date you’ve enjoyed playing in particular and why?

S.E.: I play a woman named Kendra Brock in a feature film called “Tangled Web” (due to be released next year). She was so much fun to play because she had to make a lot of really tough decisions to protect herself when there was really no one she could trust. She’s not a helpless victim, she takes control and goes on a mission to find answers. She still makes mistakes along the way, too, which I like because we all make mistakes and she did her best with what she had. I can’t wait for people to be able to see the finished film.

O.F.F.: You’ve had quite the solid run of work since 2012, via both short films and feature length efforts. Yet, how hard is the road when it comes to staying employed/working consistently in the industry?

S.E.: Staying busy as an actor is always an uphill battle. I am thankful to have a wonderful agent who keeps me busy with auditions, but the competition is always tough, and there are thousands of people out there going after the same jobs as me every time I audition for a role. I just stay focused and put out the best work I can, and keep working hard to always improve and learn. I hear the word “no” a lot, but that doesn’t discourage me from working for the “yes”. It is always worth the effort to do what I love!

O.F.F.: Do you feel a true sense of accomplishment when completing a film role, or does it just feel like “your job” at times and that’s it? Do you consider how a particular film (or films) might impact (or DO impact) those that watch them? Does that reaction (or lack of reaction), whether critics or fans, affect you in one form or another?

S.E.: I love acting in films because I think the process of making a film is really fun. I love being on set working with crew members from all over the world, working in places I’ve never been, and engaging in scenes with talented actors. Even in difficult conditions like harsh weather, or uncomfortable costumes, or strenuous physical scenes, I really love what I do and would rather a 12 hour day on a film set over an 8 hour day in an office any day.

I don’t find myself thinking about audiences or critics at all when I’m working. A film is a collaborative art piece, and every person who views the finished product will have a different opinion. It can be interesting to hear audience reactions and how they differ, but I don’t let it affect the decisions I make when I’m filming.

O.F.F.: So, onto two recently completed projects, “Aether Prologue” and “Nigel & Oscar vs. The Sasquatch”, both through Frame 29 Films and director Drew Hall. What drew you to these films respectively?

  

S.E.: I first worked with Drew when he was a member of the crew on “Hayride 2”. We had a lot of fun the days that he was there, and I really liked his personality. We have now worked together on four other film projects. Honestly, I work on just about anything he asks me to because I love working with him and I always have a great time on his film sets!

O.F.F.: Tell us about the characters of Madeleine (“Aether”) and Lana (“NOVSS”) you play.

S.E.: Madeleine is a member of the Wavelinde people. She is among the rich upper class, and spends most of her time at social gatherings consuming as much of the Aether drug as she can.

Lana is described as one of Claus’ “goons”, but she is way smarter than her boss gives her credit for, and she doesn’t plan on being pushed around forever.

O.F.F.: Steampunk-inspired science fiction to goofball humor. Quite the contrast in styles, yes?

S.E.: Absolutely! And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love jumping into a new character and a new “universe”. I hope my career continues to surprise me and keep me on my toes.

O.F.F.: Between the two efforts, how was it working alongside actors like Tim Fields, Jasi Cotton Lanier, Jeremy Sande, & Philip Fornah on “Aether” and then Paul Brittain, Adam Herschman, Christine Bently, Neil Flynn, and Tim Meadows in “NOVSS”? 

S.E.: Well, of all my cast mates I am particularly fond of Jeremy Sande. Not only have we worked together on over a dozen film projects, he’s also my best friend–and boyfriend! It is never a dull moment when we are on set together, and I can honestly say that he is my ultimate “co-star” on and off camera.

O.F.F.: On both films, how has it been working with Drew Hall and Frame 29 Films?

S.E.: I absolutely love working with the Frame 29 crew. They are a wonderful group of professionals, and they know how to make even the most stressful productions a lot of fun! Horst and Drew are a fantastic team, and Drew comes with the added bonus of his lovely wife Sara who wears way too many hats for me to name all of the incredible work she does.

O.F.F.: What other projects are you currently working on or are on the horizon?

S.E.: I mentioned “Tangled Web” (directed by Jeremy Ivy) a little earlier, in which I star as Kendra. And I recently wrapped filming the feature “The Hollow”, directed by Mississippi director Miles Doleac. I am looking forward to promoting both of these incredible films in the coming year.

O.F.F.: The world of indie and smaller budget films is still one that seems to remain on the fringes relative to the mega-budgeted Hollywood movies. How do you see the importance of independent cinema and the promotion of it as a whole and then personally as an actress?

S.E.: Personally, I would not have a career if it weren’t for independent film. I am so thankful to have access to so many film makers near me that I can work with and grow as an actress. The work I have done in independent film has helped me build a professional resume and reel, which gives me more opportunities to be hired on big budget Hollywood productions.

O.F.F.: Classic ending question! What is YOUR favorite film of all time and why?

S.E.: It may seem cliché, but I love “The Sound of Music”. I couldn’t count how many times I have watched it in my lifetime, and I know I will be watching it over and over again for years to come.

 

Well one thing is certain, there is nothing cliché about “The Sound of Music” or the wonderful actress and person we just finished interviewing, Ms. Sherri Eakin.  She remains another great example of persevering and truly dedicating oneself to doggedly pursuing their real passion for acting and demonstrating a willingness to take all those “no” answers in order to find the next “yes”!  We will be watching intently for these two current projects as well as the upcoming efforts Ms. Eakin is involved in and hope this will not be the last time we get the chance to check in on Louisiana’s treasure.  In the meantime, check out the following sources for information on, and to keep up with, Sherri:

“Follow” Sherri on her Twitter account: here

“Like” Sherri’s Facebook Page: here

Check out Sherri’s website: here

“Like” the “Aether” Facebook Page: here

“Follow” the “Aether” Twitter account: here

Check out Frame 29 Films’ website: here

Our heartfelt “Thank you!!” to Sherri Eakin for being willing to take time out of a decidedly busy schedule and do this interview for OneFilmFan.com! Again, we hope to be able to connect again in the future!  Until next time, dear readers, our appreciation to YOU for visiting, reading this interview, and for supporting independent cinema!  More to come, so stay tuned!  Spread the word!