New Life-Interview With Erin Bethea

Disclosure: I received this product in exchange for a post. All the opinions are 100% my own. I was also given the opportunity to do an interview with Erin. 

New Life is a movie that was just released yesterday March 7th.

About the movie: Seven-year-old Benjamin Morton’s life changed forever the day he met the little girl next door. Ava was and always would be the girl of his dreams. What began as a childhood friendship grows into a meaningful relationship as the two plan out their lives together. When life takes a turn neither of them expect, their entire future is called into question. Now they must decide what it really means to make the most of life.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Erin, who appeared in this film as well as wrote and produced it. Erin made her feature film debut in the lead role opposite Kirk Cameron in Fireproof, which became the #1 independent film of 2008.  Since then, she has appeared and starred in over a dozen film and television projects as well as hosting an Emmy Award winning television show. With the launch of her production company Argentum Entertainment, Erin has branched out into recently writing and producing, with NEW LIFE being the first project out of the gate.

1. Can you tell us about the movie New Life. 

New Life is an inspirational love story about Ben and Ava who meet as children, fall in love and begin to build their lives together.  Along the way, life throws them some challenges that make them realize that, no matter your circumstances, life is beautiful and should be lived to the fullest.

2. What have you enjoyed the most about writing and producing this movie? 

I’ve loved being a part of the story from it’s conception.  It’s been so rewarding to see it take shape and become reality.  It’s also given me HUGE respect for producers and writers who work so hard to tell good stories.

3. I see you also starred in the movie. What did you enjoy most about being in the movie? 

I was so grateful that our director Drew Waters wanted me to play Ava.  That’s how I got involved in the film to begin with was just as an actor and then Drew asked me to work with him on the script and produce.  It was intimidating to play someone who had to be so real and reflect some very difficult emotional circumstances, but it was also really fun to play a character that I helped create. 

4. Did you run in to any challenges with this movie? If so, what were some of the challenges? 

Every challenge you can think of! I mean, there were huge challenges so much that at one point we thought the film might never even get made. There have also been small battles along the way, but every bit of it has worked out exactly as it was supposed to.  Ultimately it has made me even more grateful to see us finally releasing the film nationwide for everyone to enjoy!

5. What made you take the role in this movie? 

Drew Waters and I met on the set of another film and he told me about this short film idea that he had about a husband and wife.  He initially wanted me to play the wife but the more we talked the more it became clear that he needed to turn this idea into a feature.  Luckily, he still wanted me in the lead role in the feature  Honestly, though, what really drew me to the role and the story was that it seemed so real and relatable.  Even though it is a fictional story, I think people will see themselves in Ben and Ava. I loved that Ava was strong and soft at the same time and that she truly loved her husband and prioritized their relationship.

6. Have you always been interested in acting? How about writing and producing? 

Acting always, ever since I was a little girl.  Writing and producing kind of snuck up on me with this project.  I’m still not sure how I feel about writing, it’s so challenging and good writers still send me reeling – I have so much respect for good writers.  Producing has been surprisingly enjoyable for me.  So much so that Drew and I now have our own production company Argentum Entertainment and we are committed to making more films that folks everywhere can enjoy!

7. What are some of your hobbies? 

Other than working (which is pretty much all the time) I also love being outside.  Hiking and taking my dogs out to parks are so relaxing and help me get my head on straight.  I’m also a big reader.  I will pour myself into a good book without looking up for what seems like days 

8. What has been your biggest career challenge so far? 

I think I’d have to say producing New Life.  It’s been so far outside of my comfort zone, and SO MUCH harder than I ever imagined.  There have been entire weeks of no sleep.  But it’s all been a labor of love and so worth it to get to this point.

9. Do you have any goals for the year? 

Yes, I hope that we’ll be starting another film at some point this year!  We’ve got a few ideas that we are really excited about!

10. Do you have a favorite actress/actor you have worked with?  

That I have worked with?  That’s so tough, because really everyone I have worked with has been amazing.  I’d have to say that working with Bill Cobbs on New Life was a dream come true for me.  He lights up my heart just by speaking.  He’s a great character actor and such a legend.  But I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of people who I also grew up watching as a kid.  People who made me want to be an actor as a kid – like Sean Astin and Candace Cameron Bure who have been role models personally and professionally since I was young.  It’s so great to meet people you’ve admired and find out that they are even better than you imagined!

11. Does anyone inspire you? Do you have any role models? 

The people who inspire me most are my family.  They are so supportive and honest and give so much of themselves.  I couldn’t ask for better.  Professionally there are a lot of people I look up to, but ultimately, I draw inspiration from anyone who is following their dreams and breaking boundaries and changing the world in their own little way…

12. What role would you love to play/any dream roles?

So many!  I’d love to do a period piece, so anything like that would be a dream!  I’d also love to be in a heist movie –  I don’t know why it just always seems like it would be so fun to be the girl in an action-packed heist film!

13. What do you enjoy most about your job? 

The people I get to work with in this business are amazing.  There are so many different skill sets and personalities on a movie set and I love seeing them all come together to make one vision a reality.  Getting to form a little family for a while during filming is such a sweet feeling!

14. Is there anything you’d like to add or say to my readers? 

Just thank you so much for taking the time to check out this interview and I hope that you all love NEW LIFE as much as I do! Send me a note on Facebook and let me know!!

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Thank you Erin for taking the time to answer all of my questions! Also make sure you all grab your copy of New Life!