Today we’d like to introduce you to Ford Ferreira.
Hi Ford, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, I loved watching movies. I was the kid who didn’t just want to watch the films but would wait to see if there was any behind-the-scenes footage or interviews that could give me a glimpse into the process. I was fascinated by the entire journey of making a film, from developing the story, casting, wardrobe, lighting, special effects, and on and on. I wanted to be a part of that world of make-believe, telling these incredible stories and working with these talented artists. However, the idea of becoming an actor in film and television seemed so foreign to me since I never saw any characters that looked or sounded anything like myself.
So as the years passed, I just accepted that it wasn’t a possibility. I decided to return to school later in life to pursue a psychology degree, with plans to move into a grad program. Eventually, I graduated with honors from SDSU despite simultaneously working full-time and maxing out my classes every semester. Definitely one of the hardest things I ever did and certainly one of the most rewarding.
While ramping up my applications, I was haunted by this crazy dream I had as a kid to pursue a career in the arts. I knew grad school would take over my life for the next four to five years, leaving little time for anything else. [Laughs.] I don’t know if my husband Michael could read minds, but one day he said, “Why don’t you take an acting class while you have some downtime.” I would laugh it off, but then he would bring it up a couple of days later. And one day, I just did it; I signed up for a class.
I remember when the day came for me to perform my first monologue in front of the class. I had to do a dramatic piece. Right before I was to go on, my heart was beating so fast. I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, and my face was burning. I honestly thought I was going to faint. But suddenly, my coach called “action,” and the fear disappeared. It’s still a blur, but I remember finishing, and my entire class was on their feet jumping up and cheering. [Laughs.] For someone who was bullied for being gay and tormented through elementary and high school, I can assure you this wasn’t the kind of reaction I was used to. But, after that experience, I knew I had finally found my tribe in the artist community.
Soon after, I got on some of these casting networks and started submitting myself for roles. Since doing so, I have wrapped a couple of great shorts, booked two projects in pre-production, and I am currently filming a feature that I’m really excited about with an incredibly talented cast and crew. It’s a horror film with a very Rosemary’s Baby vibe, which will be out later this year. The minute I read the script, I knew I wanted to be in this film, and it wasn’t until my fourth or fifth audition I finally found out I had booked it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge was changing my mindset and reminding myself I belonged in this business. In an industry that caters to actors who start young and, although changing, create stories that mainly suit the hetero-normative, I felt I would categorically be denied a majority of opportunities. [Laughs.] Which still may be, but I won’t let that discourage me. Another challenge was the initial lack of support from certain family and friends. It was startling the microaggressions I received in conversations when mentioning acting. However, as painful as those experiences have been, they were enlightening. That hurt can catalyze incredible growth, build character, and be used in your art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m currently working on a movie called Hera’s Devotion, a horror film set for release later this year. My character serves as the comic relief in the story. I’ve always found that the scariest tales are grounded in reality, a scenario you can see playing out. And usually, even in the darkest of times, we have these funny episodes. When I spoke with the director, he was very firm that my character acts as an almost fulcrum throughout the story, pivoting the audience back and forth between these two worlds.
So far, I’ve been fortunate that my work has varied: from an apathetic boss to a charming con artist and now this sassy, fun-loving firecracker I’m playing. I feel like it’s way too early in my pursuit to say I specialize in anything. By contrast, I am a consummate student, always seeking advice from other actors through their experiences navigating the industry.
I’m proud of pushing past those initial fears and insecurities. Challenging myself not to listen to the inner dialogue that plagues so many of us, that stinging self-talk keeps us frozen and afraid to pursue or be who we are. And lately, I’m very proud of the support system I’ve been building that consists of other artists in San Diego. Our group usually meets once a month to check in, champion each other, and collaborate. Local actors and crew members interested in our meetups can contact me on my website; due to my filming schedule, our next event may be closer to March.
I think my ability to connect with other cast and crew members on a job helps to set me apart. I’ve made some great friendships, and it’s been one of the best gifts to be a part of this creative community, which only continues to grow.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
[Laughs.] I would say an incident I first deemed bad luck was the best thing that could’ve happened. As I mentioned earlier, I was going to school to pursue a career as a therapist. After finishing my undergrad, I applied to a pretty competitive grad program with an acceptance of close to 15% that year. What some people don’t know about the arduous process of applying to grad school is the torturous waiting game to see if you are accepted. I think it was six months of waiting when I got a devastating rejection. What was peculiar was, at first, I was crushed, but oddly a strange wave of calm, followed by relief, hit me. I knew at that moment the universe was leading me to another path. After a heavy full-time school and work schedule for four years, I was desperate to find a creative outlet, which led me here. Had I gotten into that program, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to say no and continue acting. So, what I used to refer to as doomsday was actually the moment that cleared the way for this incredible adventure, I’m on now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fordferreira.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ford.ferreira/
