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.