#work:eric

With Eric's biggest dream to become a film producer, the first suggestion was to begin the journey somewhere else, on the opposite side - as an actor. Eric's career didn't start with a loud bang or whatever one might expect from an already famous last name; he wanted to earn all the points himself, prove that he didn't need the preferential treatment. He didn't ask his parents to help him get a certain role or into a particular project, but he did appreciate a fistful of advice based on their own experience, a few invaluable dos and don'ts for an easier start, all the nuances he hadn't learned in his acting classes.

His first role was in a romantic comedy. The main character's secret lover meets a tragic end and dies at the beginning of the movie over a silly misunderstanding. The few lines Eric had been entrusted with, he delivered with the right mix of humor and desperation, making the small appearance memorable. With his looks and charm, he quickly got a role in another movie of the same genre, then another one, until he proved he could easily shoulder a story himself as the male lead. Eric's father suggested getting a manager, having already found a suitable candidate. His career gained momentum, and although he was proud of the nominations and awards he earned, he didn't necessarily appreciate being labeled a romantic lead and wanted to prove he was far more versatile than that.

The first opportunity struck almost immediately, and he took it, ignoring the media predicting a disaster and his inevitable failure. The role of an eccentric Spanish American detective, Jack Castillo, wasn't the first step into the crime genre, but it was unprecedented for Eric to have no female co-star to highlight his strengths. A sneak peek on social media revealed his new character's look, which was so far from the usual, it released another avalanche of hateful comments... But Eric didn't back off. Instead, he let the negativity fuel him, working hard to make the detective a real rather than likeable or unlikable person. Soon, everyone was comparing this case to Heath Ledger's Joker, all but apologizing for their lack of trust in Sanders' talent and potential.

While more awards flooded his shelves and even more diverse offers filled his inbox, Eric's private life had gone from a dream come true to a shattered one when he discovered his wife's infidelity; a heartbreak they miraculously managed to keep private. As if reading Eric's mind and his need for a secret emotional outlet, his manager suggested accepting a controversial role of a murderous stalker that allowed him to use a pinch of what he had learned on the romcom sets, and give it an entirely new flavor. A challenge he needed in order to erase his lover label for good and open the door that had remained stubbornly closed until then.

The video shows Eric Sanders leaving the hotel where he's staying. He's approached by the paparazzi; a couple of greetings can be heard in the background, but first, he stops to sign a few photos for the fans. The camera follows the actor to the car that's waiting for him.

Signore, si sta godendo il suo soggiorno a Roma?

"Sì, certo; ci sono già stato un paio di volte ed è sempre fantastico. Ma ora, essendo il nuovo Bond e tutto il resto… Come si fa a superare un'esperienza del genere, vero?" Eric holds out his hand to be pinched, and they all laugh. "Sono davvero qui, vero? Mi dia un pizzicotto?"

Sì, ci sei, ci sei…! Questo fine settimana è volato negli Stati Uniti: è vero che lei e Autumn Manchester non state più insieme?

He tries to make light of the situation; the smile on his face is something between the last warning and a genuine, joking expression. "Stiamo benissimo, sia insieme che separati."

La tua stazione radio locale—

"Ottima musica, pessime capacità di verifica dei fatti."

Aspen Reynolds è a Roma. È il vostro primo giorno insieme sul set?

"Sì, augurateci buona fortuna, o qualcosa del genere?!" He laughs, ready to get into the car, but waits to make sure they have asked all their questions.

Certo, in bocca al lupo! Un'ultima domanda, signore. Come si sente nei panni di James Bond in Italia?

"Fucking awesome." They all laugh. "Fucking awesome... È allo stesso tempo facilissimo e impossibile trovare quel 007 che c'è in me, e in una città come Roma, la città che conosco e amo, una città così affascinante, è come una pacca sulla spalla, capisci. Ce la puoi fare."

The video ends here, with a few Grazie! in the background as Eric climbs into the car.

With Eric's biggest dream to become a film producer, the first suggestion was to begin the journey somewhere else, on the opposite side - as an actor. Eric's career didn't start with a loud bang or whatever one might expect from an already famous last name; he wanted to earn all the points himself, prove that he didn't need the preferential treatment. He didn't ask his parents to help him get a certain role or into a particular project, but he did appreciate a fistful of advice based on their own experience, a few invaluable dos and don'ts for an easier start, all the nuances he hadn't learned in his acting classes.

His first role was in a romantic comedy. The main character's secret lover meets a tragic end and dies at the beginning of the movie over a silly misunderstanding. The few lines Eric had been entrusted with, he delivered with the right mix of humor and desperation, making the small appearance memorable. With his looks and charm, he quickly got a role in another movie of the same genre, then another one, until he proved he could easily shoulder a story himself as the male lead. Eric's father suggested getting a manager, having already found a suitable candidate. His career gained momentum, and although he was proud of the nominations and awards he earned, he didn't necessarily appreciate being labeled a romantic lead and wanted to prove he was far more versatile than that.

The first opportunity struck almost immediately, and he took it, ignoring the media predicting a disaster and his inevitable failure. The role of an eccentric Spanish American detective, Jack Castillo, wasn't the first step into the crime genre, but it was unprecedented for Eric to have no female co-star to highlight his strengths. A sneak peek on social media revealed his new character's look, which was so far from the usual, it released another avalanche of hateful comments... But Eric didn't back off. Instead, he let the negativity fuel him, working hard to make the detective a real rather than likeable or unlikable person. Soon, everyone was comparing this case to Heath Ledger's Joker, all but apologizing for their lack of trust in Sanders' talent and potential.

While more awards flooded his shelves and even more diverse offers filled his inbox, Eric's private life had gone from a dream come true to a shattered one when he discovered his wife's infidelity; a heartbreak they miraculously managed to keep private. As if reading Eric's mind and his need for a secret emotional outlet, his manager suggested accepting a controversial role of a murderous stalker that allowed him to use a pinch of what he had learned on the romcom sets, and give it an entirely new flavor. A challenge he needed in order to erase his lover label for good and open the door that had been closed until then.