Meet Ford Ferreira | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ford Ferreira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ford, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The timing was everything for me after seeing that the industry was finally making an effort to include LGBT characters in mainstream shows and films, in addition to Asian-Americans who, for years, were overlooked. It still has a ways to go, but the needle is moving in the right direction. However, after noticing the change, I felt more assured of pursuing a profession as an artist. Ultimately a veteran acting coach saw me perform and insisted I try making it a career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What may set me apart from other actors is my background in Psychology. Before pursuing acting, I was planning on being a therapist. I have always been fascinated by human behavior, particularly the motive behind actions. When exploring a new character, you begin asking why the character behaves in such a way. The process felt natural when I started prepping for a role or performance. It’s no secret the industry is very challenging in that nothing is guaranteed. You don’t have a standard Monday through Friday schedule; you must hustle and network if you want to work. As a new actor, I am very fortunate to be working and getting paid to work in this creative space so early. The business is incredibly competitive, and the auditioning process can be mentally exhausting if you haven’t the tools to cope. I have yet to begin seeking theatrical reps and have been submitting on casting networks to book jobs in film on my own. So I am proud that I have had some success there, considering the number of submissions.
If I can pass on one lesson to new actors is be professional always. Understand you are there to do a job, not snap selfies for social media. Be on time, be polite, and leave the drama and gossip at the door. Your reputation is your brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re in San Diego, definitely check out Balboa Park’s: museums, shows at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and the Japanese Friendship Gardens are gorgeous. Hillcrest and North Park is always buzzing with activity from bands at the Observatory, to weekly Farmer’s markets and a ton of great restaurants. La Jolla is another favorite, with fabulous boutiques, beautiful beach views, and the best bakery: Girard Gourmet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would never have been able to play in this creative space if not for the support of my husband, Michael. Also, my Mother, who loves me unconditionally and always made me feel like I could conquer anything if I were willing to put in the work. Family, especially my sister Cecilia, one of my biggest cheerleaders, and other actors and industry professionals, I am fortunate to have shared their experiences navigating the business.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ford.ferreira/

Image Credits
Headshot by Oscar Vera DP Sara Ghita