Monday, November 8, 2010

THE BAY The Series Interviews: Derrell Whitt

You may not immediately recognize the name "Derrell Whitt," but fans of Indie Soaps and the independent blockbuster MANHATTANITES know his face well.  The remarkably talented actor, currently seen on THE BAY, has been featured in numerous films and guest roles in series including GREY'S ANATOMY and GENERAL HOSPITAL.  Here he shares more about his role as Will on THE BAY, and reveals what his original career path almost led to. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Tell us about your character in THE BAY
Derrell Whitt: My character’s name is Will Campbell.  I’m the son of Real Andrews’ character.  He basically the good guy in a love triangle with Vivian and Pete Garrett. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: He likes Vivian, she’s chasing after another guy.
Derrell Whitt: She’s chasing after some guy who is a dirtbag.  She’s hung up on him, I’m trying to sway her my way. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: What can you tell us about what he will be doing to try to sway her?
Derrell Whitt: I’m not at liberty to give that out.  But he’ll try as long as the stroke of Gregori Martin’s keyboard keeps him trying.  The show progresses, the characters progress. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: I admired your work in MANHATTANITES.  Your character in that movie was kind of the focal point for all the madness going on around him.  In your mind, did he ever get that record contract?
Derrell Whitt: Yes.  He got out of the situation he was in, and he got his record contract. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: And what else have you been working on?
Derrell Whitt: Really this is it.  I’m producing on this and we are just working day in and day out on THE BAY.  Producing, directing, editing, acting.  The whole team, Gregori, Kristoff [Andrews], Martha [Madison], the whole things is an ensemble. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: What has been the biggest challenge of putting THE BAY together?
Derrell Whitt: The biggest challenge is organizing everything.  In every area people are enthusiastic, and that makes it much easier to get anything done.  But just literally organizing everything.  But we’re getting down.  We have a lot of people all over the world working on THE BAY.  From fans to producers to actors to all help support it and promote it and keep it going. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: You are an actor and a producer.  Do you ever want to direct?
Derrell Whitt: I believe I will.  Gregori has been my mentor for a long time.  Living with a producer, working with a producer, you get that bug as well. 

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: Was there ever anything besides acting that you wanted to do?
Derrell Whitt: I wanted to be an archaeologist.  I also had a full scholarship to Pace Law School.  But I came out here instead.  I came here to pursuit this.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV: That was brave!
Derrell Whitt: My teacher was pretty upset. But in life you have to follow your heart.  I’d rather work extremely hard doing something I love.  I think everyone should do what they love, or  at least give it a try.  You only have one live to life.  One youth, one life, you’ve got to make it happen the way you want it to.

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Therapist now accepting new clients in New York City.  He is also the author of the popular book "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve." For more information about scheduling an appointment, please email him at [email protected]

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