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Your new movie Broken
Innocence - in a few words, what's it about, and what can you
tell us about your character in it?
The film Broken
Innocence
is about how a traumatic past can affect the
future. It’s about a girl named Lily who is sexually abused by her
father at a young age, and as she grows up all of that trauma and abuse
starts affecting her, and leads to her breaking and becoming a cold,
murderous and hateful teenager. I’d describe my character, Travis, as
caring, considerate, and hardworking, yet shaped by challenging
circumstances. He’s ductile and uneducated, having dropped out of
school to
support his family through lawn work and arcade jobs due to financial
instability. With Lily, he notices the slightest dimming in her energy
and instinctively wants to be there for her, reminding her she’s not
alone. For him, it’s crucial to be that safe place where someone feels
seen and supported.
What did you draw upon to bring your character to life,
and how much Herb White III can we find in Travis? I drew upon the
typical ‘boy next door’ characteristic to bring my character to
life, but also I would say upon myself. I think what I have in common with
Travis is that we are both genuinely honest and nice guys and are
supportive of our friends. I think sometimes people try to take advantage
of our nice-ness and take it as a weakness, but they would definitely
find that we are all but weak. So, I guess a lot of me except for the
ending where I let Lily do her little manipulation tactics - no that’s
not me.
How did you get involved with the
projectin the first place, and what
drew you to it? My mom – who I call my “mom-ager” introduced
me in an Actors/DMV Casting Facebook group, and Angela Grimm, director Chase
Ducley’s [Chase Dudley
interview - click here] casting director reached out to my mom to see if I’d be
interested in auditioning for the role. I was very excited because it was
my very first audition – ultimately Mr. Dudley took a chance on me, and
I got the role and I’m so appreciative of the opportunity Mr. Dudley
has provided, and to this day continues does provide - his mentorship and
support is allowing me a safe space to grow as an actor. The other 4
projects sounded amazing and impactful, but I chose the indie project
because it offered a powerful opportunity to address the hidden realities
of sexual abuse and the darkness that can exist behind closed doors. The
story highlights unseen scars that often go unnoticed until it’s too
late. Being able to empathize, raise awareness, and help others through
this role brings me true happiness. If shedding light on these battles
makes even one person feel less alone, then it’s all worth it.
To what extent could you identify with Broken
Innocence's approach to the thriller genre?
The story is filled with tension and suspense, delving
into the darkest parts of human resilience and vulnerability. It peels
back these layers generously, inviting us to empathize with the
characters’ struggles. Also, the film powerfully explores the lasting
impact of fear, isolation, and trust issues in the wake of violence,
capturing the lingering, often invisible scars of trauma, and I feel like
this concept resonates deeply, as we all carry our own unseen battles. What
can you tell us about Broken
Innocence's director Chase Dudley, and what was your collaboration
like? Mr. Dudley is an incredible director, mentor and person I’m truly grateful and appreciative to work with.
He’s supportive, compassionate and generous, making me feel
comfortable and valued, especially as someone new, introverted and
adjusting to an intense set environment. He created a space where I could
relax, adapt, and enjoy the experience, even when things felt
overwhelming. Mr. Dudley saw potential in me, giving me the chance to be
part of this talented cast, to learn, and to feel at ease. I’d love to
work with him again. He’s such an inspiring, creative and passionate
director.
Do talk about the shoot as such, and the on-set
atmosphere! Like I said, it was all new to me, so I was just soaking it all in. The
atmosphere was very busy, if something went wrong it was addressed
quickly and professionally. Over-all the energy was positive and
collaborative thanks to the amazing cast and crew. Any future projects you'd like to share? Absolutely! We just wrapped another film with Mr.
Dudley called Blood on the Bleachers, and I can’t wait for everyone to
experience it Also I’ve recently been cast as a major character in
the upcoming first ever and unique comic shared universe programmed and
original comic series called Motion Man. It is by a Virginia based film
company called Spectacular Ink led by a visionary named Mr. Andre Brown.
It’s exciting because Mr. Brown's vision is to begin a fresh new shared
cinematic universe, something never achieved before. We start shooting in
January so I’m excited to be a part of a potentially groundbreaking
project. Also I had the pleasure of working with another director named
Shelton R. Johnson, founder of Summit Creek Studios where I had a
supporting role in the soon-to-be-released film called Almost an
Angel.
It’s a great story about a man who lived a selfish life and is given 24
hours to show charity, empathy, and forgiveness in order to get into
heaven. It will be available to the public starting the 3rd of January. Last but certainly not least, any projects Mr. Dudley has coming up
I’m down to be a part of it J What
got you into acting in the first place, and did you receive any formal
training on the subject? I haven’t shared this before, but I
got into acting to grow out of my shell and find my purpose through God.
During my sophomore year of college, my passion for graphic design faded,
and I felt so lost and purposeless, which is a scary feeling in the world
to me and probably to others. One night, I prayed for guidance, and the
next day, I received an unexpected email from a director inviting me to
audition for a silent film. I took the leap, got the role, and felt a
profound sense of joy and growth. It showed me that being comfortable
being uncomfortable and constantly challenging myself could lead to
something truly meaningful. Since then, I’ve been taking acting classes
in Washington, DC, and at my college to keep learning and growing. What can you tell us about your
filmwork prior to Broken
Innocence?
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It was my
first real film. Before that I only did a silent student film in my
freshmen year in college, but I’m happy and grateful that Broken
Innocence was my first real film.
How would you describe yourself as an actor, and some of your
techniques to bring your characters to life?
I like to consider myself a student at all times. I’m always looking to
learn and grow from others around me, not just other actors but also from
all the film staff. Because I realize I may not have some of the
experience to draw from for certain characters I study established
actors, read acting books and then try to add my own flair to the
character based on my interpretation – and I try to use substitution
but I take direction well from the director to make sure I’m bringing
to life what the director envisioned.
Actors (and indeed actresses) who inspire you?
That’s a tough one, as there are so many actors who bring
something new and amazing to the table. If I had to choose, I’d say
Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, and Michael
B. Jordan. Honestly, this list could go on and on J
Your favourite movies? I have
many favorite films, especially the Creed series, Training
Day, and
Fences with Denzel Washington and Viola Davis—they truly inspire me. ... and of course, films
you really deplore?
I don’t dislike any film because I respect the passion,
effort, and time put into creating something special. Even if it’s not
my taste, I always find something to learn and appreciate. Your website, social media, whatever
else? My Instagram is Herb White III, it’s the
same on Facebook and IMDb. Anything else you're dying to mention and I have
merely forgotten to ask? Thank you so much for the opportunity!
I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to share my experience working on
the film and to shine a light on the amazing cast and crew that made it
all happen. It’s a honor and I’m very appreciative to connect Thanks for the interview!
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