Ferocious, a movie directed by Robert Cuffley, is due for release in The Fall 2012. We met actress Amanda Crew to talk about the upcoming psychological thriller. Amanda plays the part of “Leigh Parrish” in the film; the TV celebrity whose career is turned upside down when a videotape from her past rears its ugly head. Here’s what Amanda had to say about the movie when we spoke with her recently…

1) What drew you to a film like Ferocious?

The script.  The director.  The cast.  A big part of it was actually Dustin Milligan and Michael Eklund who both alerted me to the project.  I respect Dustin and Michael as actors and when they both told me that I needed to read it, I didn’t hesitate.  After reading the script it seemed like a no brainer.  It is so rare to get the chance to play a strong, female character who uses more than her looks and sexuality to succeed.  I lucked out that Robert Cuffley turned out to be one of my favorite directors that I’ve worked with.  Double lucked out that Kim Coates is a brilliantly, fierce actor with the enthusiasm of a wide eyed child.

2) Can you describe the process of making the film in one word?

That’s like asking if you can describe your first time falling in love in one word.

3) As an actor who has done large and small projects, how does this fit in terms of how much you were challenged as an actor?

One of the reasons why I was excited to do this project was BECAUSE I knew I would be challenged.  To sit in my “comfort zone” is a waste. I was challenged by many different aspects on this shoot, and loved every minute of it.  It was physically and emotionally demanding.  It was fast paced with a lot of dark material.  It was intimidating to work with Kim Coates.   And I was pushed by Robert (in a super supportive way) to go to a lot of uncomfortable places.  But mainly I was tested by the -40 degree Saskatoon weather.

4) What personal elements of your character appealed to you…what were you able to draw upon to help create Leigh?

I loved that Leigh starts off as this sweet, innocent looking girl.  Poised, together, confident.  Guys want her and girls want to be her.  But the truth is that isn’t who she is.  She’s actually like every other girl out there, struggling with self confidence, self worth and a true sense of self.  I loved that she had been living this life that was essentially a lie because she was trying to protect herself and her family.  After a while wearing that mask all the time becomes too much and you have to show your own face.  I loved that she had been running from her past, avoiding dealing with it and finally decided to do one of the hardest things, take action to face it.  I can totally identify with that moment in your life where you decide to be honest with yourself and then take the steps to clean up your mess.  It’s terrifying yet necessary to move forward and become the person you are meant to be.  She ends up drawing from some inner strength that is incredibly inspiring and becoming one fierce chick.

5) Was the low budget aspect of Ferocious ever frustrating?

The only frustrating part of doing a low budget shoot is when you don’t have as much time to play around with a scene, grabbing extra angles, alternative takes or extra fun adds.  I know Robert had so many things that he wanted to do had he had more time and it frustrated him deeply.  However, he always managed to honor getting what he wanted without compromising his vision.  Truly inspiring.

6) Three mental images that come to mind when you think of the making of the film are…

Bruised Knees.  During the entire shoot I was dealing with a brutal knee injury.  I had to bandage my knee up most of the time which holds all the blood in one spot which in turn caused me to bruise easily (which I already do.)  The result was some NASTY looking knees that were impossible to hide in the interview scenes at the beginning of the film.  Let’s just call it foreshadowing.

Nostril Icicles.  Saskatoon in December equals the coldest environment I have EVER been in.  The sensation of icicles was a new one that first startled me. “What’s that in my nose?”  Which then quickly turned into excitement. “There are icicles in my nose!”  Which then turned into fear, “Get me the f*** inside.”

Soaps Improv Show.  I don’t know how Kim did it, but he managed to persuade the entire cast to join him in an improv show in front of 300 people.  There was a lot of alcohol consumption before stepping on that stage.  It ended up being incredibly fun.  And Michael Ecklund was adamant about keeping his bloody face makeup on for the show so he looked like he ran into a wall.  Comedy. 

7) You’ve dabbled in comedy, drama, romance and now suspense…what else are you anxious to try out, if anything?

I’m anxious to dabble in anything that pushes me, challenges me.  If I sign up for a project that gives me anxiety, I know it is the right choice.  Being scared means I’m out of my comfort zone.  I never want to feel like I could do a role in my sleep.

8) Can you tell us about what you’re working on? What other exciting roles are coming your way?

Right now I’m working on WORKING.  I don’t like to paint this false picture that I’m always working on a movie.  Down time is hard but I try to keep busy and focused with acting classes.  I just finished doing a little stint on JOBS, a movie with Ashton Kutcher about Steve Jobs.  I also have another movie called LONG TIME GONE that will hopefully be doing the festival circuit this season.  It’s Sarah Siegel-Magness’ directorial debut (she produced PRECIOUS).  Added bonus is that it was written by Karen McCullah Lutz who wrote a ton of my favorite movies growing up including TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU and LEGALLY BLONDE.  It’s a totally different genre than FEROCIOUS (dramedy) that I’m really excited about because I think it shows a side of myself that hasn’t been fully seen.  It also reunited me with Virginia Madsen.

Ferocious is due to hit the big screen in The Fall 2012 and after meeting Katie Boland who plays “Tess” in the movie, we’re simply itching to take a seat in the front row for this highly talked about psychological thriller. Here’s what Katie had to say when we met recently to talk more about the Robert Cuffley directed film…
 

Q 1) What drew you to a film like Ferocious?

I first heard about the film from my good friend, Michael Eklund. We had worked together before. He told me he was doing Ferocious and that there was a good part for me. Instantly, I wanted to be a part of it because I loved working with Michael so much. I then got in touch with the director, Robert and read the script. I loved it and felt that this was something I had to be a part of. After I sent my audition I spoke to Robert on the phone and I could tell we would have a great time working together. I felt so lucky that he wanted me to play Tess. So, in part, instinct drew me to this film. From a character perspective, I thought Tess was fascinating and very, very layered. Robert wrote a brilliant character and what I loved about her was that she existed in her own world in her head, in some ways separate from the reality the rest of the characters were facing. She also has balls, and I both admire and fear that in a character. I love playing someone who has balls, nothing is more fun.

Q 2) Can you describe the process of making the film in one word?

Thrilling.

Q 3) As an actor who has done large and small projects, how does this fit in terms of how much you were challenged as an actor?

Frankly, any type of film is challenging, regardless of the scale. Larger films can be challenging because there is so much down time, and it can give you too much time to think. Smaller films are challenging but fun because each day is like a race and you’re never sure if you’ll reach the finish line. As an actor, I think regardless of money, time, scale, the challenge is in the character. I was very challenged by Tess. I wanted to bring a real personality to Tess. That was challenging because although she’s larger than life, she also had to be grounded in reality. Furthermore, Tess is hilarious. I wanted to do justice to the comedy while staying true to the tone of the film, which is a subtle, psychological thriller.

Q 4) What personal elements of your character appealed to you…what were you able to draw upon to help create your character?

I think Tess has a very active imagination, and so do I. I also think Tess looks at everyone around her and knows what’s up pretty quickly, and I think I’m the same. Tess goes after what she wants. At the end of the day, is that wrong? I don’t know the answer but it was definitely interesting to consider. I also could relate to Tess’ feeling of wanting to get out and wanting a bigger life, I think that’s a very human feeling that almost everyone can relate to. The difference between she and I is that I think Tess actually has more confidence, or her insecurities manifest as a false sense of confidence. Also, I think Tess is more naive than I am, but sometimes I wish I was more naive because Tess really believes that anything is possible for her. That’s a brave way to look at the world. Answering all these questions makes me miss her!!

Q 5) Was the low budget aspect of Ferocious frustrating at all?

Only in that we had to do a lot of the stunt work that is usually done by professionals. I am NOT athletic or agile so that was definitely scary, but at the end of the day, I was always safe and I think it was good that I got pushed to do things I thought I couldn’t. Otherwise, the crew was very professional and we had everything we needed. There is a wonderful spirit in low-budget productions. Everyone is there because they want to be. Film making is just a frustrating process at times and so to think that’s because of budget alone would be ridiculous. We were so lucky that everyone on the crew and in the cast was a stellar, talented, wonderful person. This movie was a special one, for sure.

Q 6) Give us three mental images that come to mind when you think of the making of Ferocious?

Snow, the Saskatoon mall, lace gloves.

Q 7) Can you tell us about new roles coming your way in the near future? What you’re working on/excited about?

I just finished up work on a film called Looking is the Original Sin which I am really excited about. Also, I have a role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s new movie, The Master, and I felt beyond lucky to be able to work with him and I’m very excited to see the film! I am currently shooting a movie called Sex After Kids which is hilarious and a really fun set. My collection of short stories, called “Eat Your Heart Out” is coming out in 2013 and I’m excited to finally get them out into the world!

For now, she plays the part of “Tess”, a young, wide-eyed celebrity wannabe in the Robert Cuffley directed film Ferocious. Desperate to develop a career in television, “Tess” will do whatever she has to do to make it in the business. And that’s where any similarity ends between this actress and her latest character because from our conversation with Katie Boland, we’d say she already has what it takes to make it big.

Now in post-production for a Fall 2012 release, Ferocious (the movie) is creating buzz within the independent film industry. Written and Directed by Robert Cuffley, the story focuses on a sensitive subject prevalent online today.

A star on one of North America’s most popular TV shows has made it big, but her past is coming back to haunt her. Long before becoming famous she worked in a sleazy nightclub. A videotape of her escapades in the club has fallen into the wrong hands and an extortion attempt ensues. And that’s where the excitement begins. 

“In an age where celebrity sex tapes are ubiquitous, Ferocious takes a different spin on things,” says Cuffley, “I was more interested in a character knowing this tape is out there and having to live, day-to-day, not knowing when (or if) it will be sold to the media. That kind of inner turmoil is great for an actor to play with.”

Starring Amanda Crew in the lead role, Ferocious explores the vulnerability of any celebrity in this predicament.  

“There’s an element of violation whenever someone is photographed/recorded/videotaped without their knowing about it,” explained Cuffley. “People didn’t even much like Google taking pictures of where they live, so you can imagine how an intimate act videotaped without someone’s knowledge, stored for later use, then surfacing at the absolute least opportune time, would be a terrible thing to live through.”

Ferocious is the story of the dark side of ambition, the high price of fame and the blindness caused by desire.

Every character in a movie script should be “special” in some way. They don’t have to be wild, crazy or eccentric in order to be engaging. What they do need is certain qualities or mannerisms that set them apart. 

The new independent film Ferocious introduces many intriguing characters that are sure to make a lasting impression on the viewing public. Today’s exposé is on the lead female character Leigh Parrish. 

Leigh:

Leigh Parrish (Amanda Crew) has become the envy of many a struggling actor. Even when pundits attributed her popularity to luck, Leigh continues to bring a surge of attention to whatever projects she’s attached to.

Beautiful, charming and determined, the once rural farm girl is every bit not the sassy, spoiled celebrity we so often hear about. Kind and devoted to her fan base, Leigh takes a genuine interest in people around her, preferring her non-celebrity friends over Hollywood elite. Or at least that’s the story, anyway…

What Leigh really wants and how much of her background is merely a concoction of savvy management remains to be seen. As does how savagely she’ll cling to her fame if someone ever threatens to pull it from her grasp.