Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell
I am a multi-faceted performer. I am not just an actor, as I write, produce and star in several films created by my production company Fletch Films. I adore all aspects of storytelling and want to be a part of every portion of telling the audience a tale and create relatable and entertaining characters. With the primary focus being on comedy, some of my films have gone on to win several international awards including numerous audience choice awards.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
It began during my days of performing live comedy with my Toronto-based sketch troupe Awkward Silence. The feeling of performing in front of a crowd and hearing the laughter is like no other feeling in the world. I wanted to expand my ideas and reach a broader audience rather than limit it to a few dozen people in a comedy club. I took a couple of the sketches that I wrote and performed that did exceptionally well live and turned them into short films. In Jan 2010, I started Fletch Films. By the end of Feb 2010, we completed shooting our first two comedy short films titled Altarcations and Shaky Grounds.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best and most rewarding part of my job is to sit in a packed movie theatre while one of my films are screening and listening to the response and waves of laughter coming from the audience. The only thing better than making someone laugh and smile is to make hundreds of people laugh and smile. The most challenging part is all the grunt work that goes along with making a film. It takes a group of dedicated people from the cast and crew to the post-production team of editors and sound mixers to create a finished project. There are many long and arduous days that go into making a film and every person involved is important to perfecting and creating a polished, finished product.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself doing what I am doing now but on a much larger scale. Whether it is writing and producing feature films for me to star in, or follow Emmy-winning actor and writer Tina Fey’s footsteps by creating and writing my own shows. I love what I do and only see myself growing as an artist and perfecting my craft through each project.
What does success look like to you?
Success is a personal feat. To be happy is to be successful. To be fulfilled is to be successful. To spend your time and energy doing what you love to do is successful. Success is not necessarily a monetary thing but more of a spiritual goal. I feel happy, fulfilled and love what I do, so I guess you could say I am a successful woman.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Rincon, Puerto Rico, April 2011. Two of my films were selected to be screened at a film festival in the small town of Rincon, Puerto Rico. Not only were they a huge hit, but Altarcations won best comedy and the audience choice award and I won best actor in a comedy. Throughout my time there, I was treated like a celebrity. I was interviewed by the local media and television stations. Everywhere I went, I was recognized and requested to sign autographs. To have that kind of positive feedback from my work was a definite milestone.
Do you have any advice for any young professionals?
Do not ever give up on your dreams no matter how outrageous or silly other people may try to make them out to be. The first step in achieving is believing.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it important to you?
I am a regular blood donor with Canadian blood services. There is no effort put forth, any healthy adult that is eligible can do it, it takes very little time out of your day and you can go right back to normal activities afterwards. The best part is you are helping to save someone’s life! I donate as frequently as I can and currently am trying to get my friends, family and co-workers involved too. What many people do not know is one blood donation can save up to three lives. It benefits people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant surgeries, accident victims; it saves the lives of premature babies and children in need of blood transfusions and many more. On top of that, blood donation is actually healthy for you! Studies have shown that regular blood donors have drastically reduced rates of heart disease. It’s a win-win!
What to you is notable?
Being notable is to be your truest self. To be the best human being you can. To be notable is to be happy and content with yourself and others. To live a life free of judgment, anger and fear. To be notable is to inspire yourself and those around you.
Blackberry, IPhone, Android or other?
I used to be a Blackberry girl. I loved the Storm touch screen. Sadly, there were excessive problems and glitches with it that I had to swap it out for the IPhone. I will never go back. I love my IPhone!