Erica Serna

I was honored to sit with soon to be thirteen year old, Erica Serna, as she talks about her journey in the entertainment industry and what her experience has been like so far. She goes on to enlighten us about the stresses, anxieties, yet greatness that can come as a young role model in such a hard and hectic industry.

Q & A

Question: How old were you when you started showing an interest in film/acting?

Erica: I would say I was about six years old.

Question: What prompted your interest?

Erica: We had to perform a class play in the first grade, and I felt a sense of pride in proving to myself that I was worthy of doing something that held myself to another standard. I was proud to know I could do more than just sit in class and learn.

Question: What was the first project you completed on a more professional level? How has that experience changed your life or even prepared you for future roles?

Erica: The first professional acting role I had was playing the supporting lead part in a film called Connie. It changed my life because now I can truly see the aspect of filming and I had a lot of stress and anxiety during filming, but now that filming is done, I know how everything works and my anxiety is much better than it was. Knowing how the process of film works helps me understand what to expect in the future.

Question: Sources tell us that you had a nervous breakdown on the set of Connie. Can you tell us what happened and how you were able to overcome it?

Erica: Well, playing the role of Connie was a huge role for me. I only had a few weeks to prepare from the time I was cast to the time filming happened, and I was afraid I wasn't putting forth my best performance. I was able to overcome my fear and anxiety by talking to one of the other actress' mothers who also suffers with anxiety, and she was able to talk me through getting over my fear and getting in front of the camera.

Question: What other projects do you have coming up?

Erica: I have been cast for a small part in a film called Raw Power, which is the first ever powerlifting film ever to be made. I have also been cast as the lead in a Disney pilot, which if picked up, I am hoping to maintain my role as the lead in that.

Question: We also have a source that says you will be doing more that just acting in the Disney pilot. Can you tell us more about that?

Erica: Yes! I will not only be acting as the lead, I will be singing the theme song to the pilot, with hopes that the song will be kept as part of the project, if Disney accepts the pilot.

Question: How has moving from Arizona to the east coast changed your life? Has this been a benefit or a draw back to your acting career?

Erica: Its given me more opportunities and it has been a benefit in my acting career, but a little bit of a set back in my personal life. I can't really do anything that regular teenagers would be able to do because I can't do things like color my hair, or get any piercings because I have to keep appearance in a certain standard with acting. I need to be able to be marketable on many platforms and take on different roles, so I have to be careful about my choices.

"I also look up to my famous Great Aunt Fay Wray, because she has achieved major goals in her life as an actress."

Question: Do you have anyone that you look up to, admire, or aspire to be like in your acting or singing career?

Erica: I look up to my mother, Amy Philbert (Serna) when it comes to acting and modeling because she has shown me that no matter what, it is possible. I also look up to my famous Great Aunt Fay Wray, because she has achieved major goals in her life as an actress. My Aunt Fay will always be remembered as King Kong's love in the original 1933 film, King Kong, and I strive to reach a level of greatness just as she did. When it comes to singing, there aren't many people I really look up to, other than Grace VanderWaal. I listen to modern day pop songs just for vocal warm ups and try to match their pitches, but at far as admiring anyone famous, that really isn't a thing for me. I do however, look up to my brother, Jonathan, who is a musician and singer himself. He took me under his wing and began teaching me how to use my diaphragm and how to properly use my voice.

Question: What is it like being in a recording studio while recording the theme song to the Disney pilot?

Erica: Recording with High Profile Entertainments & Productions, Inc. has changed my prospective of singing. There were so many different ways I had to sing and different takes just to be sure I got the vocals 100% down. Being in the studio really opened me up to how music production works and I have a new respect for what actually happens when it comes to song writing, producing and more.

Question: Do you have any plans to expand your music career?

Erica: I don't have any plans yet, but I hope that it goes further than what it is now. Singing is a big part of my life, right along side with acting, but I am focusing more on my acting career at the moment. I would love the opportunity to record and album and be a positive impact on the music industry and to other young teens such as myself.

Question: What is your favorite moment on set thus far?

Erica: There are so many great parts of being on set, but my favorite part is developing relationships with everyone on set from other child actors, to their mothers, to the crew and other cast members. They have really shown me a new meaning in life, how to have fun, and that work isn't always boring and can be something to look forward to.

Question: Has filming impacted your focus on school? How do you have time to complete school, rehearsals, filming and recording music?

Erica: It has been a little bit of a struggle, but I split my free time into homework first, then I focus on memorizing my lines and whatever free time I have left after that, I like to chill out and listen to music. I am learning how to manage my time, stay productive, and on top of all that I am doing, I am also learning how to speak Korean, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, German, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, French and Tarascan.

Question: What advice would you give to any child or teen who is looking into getting into the industry?

Erica: Follow your passion. If you're passionate about acting, modeling, or singing, go for it! Also, try to be good at other things too; with modeling, you have to know how to be an actor. With acting, you may have to know how to be a singer. With singing, you may have to know how to dance. It's not just a single path. You have to be able to be diverse and don't be afraid to try things. Also, stay focused, manage your time, and learn how to be professional on set. People are definitely looking at you and are taking notes.

"Follow Your Passion." - Erica Serna