Erik Fellows – Break Even

By starrymag | March 5, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) My most recent projects-we recently released our 6th Season of my 19X Emmy Series “The Bay” The Series on its new network PopstarTV! The series was formally on Amazon Prime but still can be viewed on both networks. My latest series “Purgatory,” Season 1, is out now also on PopstarTV! We will soon go back into production to finish off the 2nd Season, which will be released later in 2021. My other projects coming out in 2021 are – the dark comedy “STARF*CKER,” A Christmas Movie called LOVE IS IN BEL AIR, a comedy “DIVORCE BAIT,” a new vampire series called “ESSENCE OF LOVE” and a drama called “ZERO ROAD.”

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Break Even.

 

A) Four scuba-diving friends stumble across $50 million in cold hard cash. However, the dirty money was planted by a crooked DEA officer working for a ruthless drug kingpin who wants the loot retrieved at all costs.

 

Q) How was your character Dash originally described to you?

 

A) Dash is fun and energetic with a rocky past with addiction issues, more or less. He is always fighting to win in life and a down on his luck kind of guy who hasn’t ever gotten many breaks in his life. Sort of gets by on day-to-day, so a win for him is huge and would be life-changing!

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) Well, the one thing as an actor that I have come to learn, which (believe it or not) is bringing yourself to the character. As actors we all know this, but we still find it hard to do. So, when you really live the character; you’re just living you and making the audience see that character through you. In Break Even, I just raised the stakes for myself really from life experiences and little elements I have taken from and out of life along the journey and applying to my performances.

 

Q) What challenged you the most about your portrayal?

 

A) I would say, for all of us, it was filming on the boats/yachts, etc. It was timing filming a movie on a boat, and it was at times quite difficult. Mostly everyone got super seasick at one point or another.

 

Q) Did you have to do anything physically or mentally to get into the mindset for this role?

 

A) I definitely got myself in shape as much as I could leading up to filming and staying on a routine of exercising/tons of pushups per day between takes and during days off. As far as mental prep, I’m just an actor who lives his roles in the moment. I take what has been given to me from the character from the director/writer and go from there and just create as we go!

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on Break Even?

 

A) No, this was the first time I worked with almost everyone from the cast and crew except one actress I have known for years (Leah [Ann Cevoli]) from an old acting class. But I made a great family with on this film and am forever grateful!

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) There were so many, actually, but the one that stands out was when I did my own stunt jumping from the speed boat to the back of the truck WE STOLE. I named that truck in the movie (BUCK). Shooting the scenes on the sailboat was amazing; there were so many in this film that I will forever remember!

 

Q) What did you personally take away from your time working on this movie? 

 

A) I took away new friendships, especially with the director (Shane Stanley). I learned so much from him as a talent and as now a good friend. He helped me realize so many things in a short period of time and the main thing was to trust myself! My co-stars Tasya Teles, Alisa Reyes and Brent Bailey are amazing people and talents; we had a blast and still speak regularly. The writer, CJ Walley, was such a sweetheart and motivating voice in my ear. He is out of London, so, unfortunately, I don’t get to see him but we stay up to date with each other. I truthfully made amazing relationships from this movie.

 

Q) We also love seeing you “The Bay!” What do you love most about playing Damian?

 

A) Thank you so much for that. “The Bay” is like family. I have been a part of the series pretty much from the beginning and, actually, initially played the role of young Steve Jensen and then Damian Blackwell. I love my character; he has made such transitions as a character. He started out as this party guy who dabbled in addictions and what comes with an anything-goes lifestyle; he had an almost-death experience from an overdose that led him to see life from a new perspective. He is now a loving, affectionate guy who has an amazing girlfriend (Avery) on the show played by the super beautiful and talented Alicia Willis. I don’t get a chance to play the good guy too often, so this gives me my fix!

 

Q) What would you like to see happen next season for him?

 

A) Well, if you had a chance to see the season finale? It seems to me that my character might or might not be alive! So, I would love to see me survive. They haven’t told us anything yet, so crossed fingers on that! [laughs]

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to keep in touch with your fans?

 

A) Social media has given us and our fans an everyday connection that we didn’t use to have. Now, more than everything, being able to not only stay in touch and speak to them frequently but also to let them know on a daily basis what we are up to and keeping them updated about new work they can look out for and our daily interests and activities and letting them get to know us better on career and personally.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

 

A) I would love to say to everyone thank for all the years of countless support and love that has kept me going and has helped build my career and for taking me on the journey that is ever so tough, but to know that I have the support just gives me that much more fire and I’m forever grateful for it! Thank you so much! God bless you all!