Becki Dennis
Actor Becki Dennis stars as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in the film which was based on Donna Anastasi’s award-winning novel “Spin The Plate.”
Directed by Eric R. Eastman and adapted for the screen by Tom Anastasi, the film recently made its world premiere at the Boston International Film Festival, attracting attention and earning awards, including a ‘Best Actress’ win for Becki.
A Boston native, Becki stepped into the role of Associate Producer on the project and it wasn’t her first. Previously, she produced the short "Mildred’s Millions" and started the production company InspireWorks, Inc. to continue creating uplifting projects.
Becki has appeared on the big screen in David O. Russell’s "American Hustle" and Seth MacFarlane’s comedy, "Ted 2"; as well as on television shows such as "This Is Us," "Fresh Off the Boat," "Jane the Virgin," "Speechless," "GLOW," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Shameless," "I’m Sorry," Life in Pieces," "Pretty Little Liars," "The Fosters," "Pure Genius" and "The Young and the Restless."
I caught up with Becki Dennis to find out more.
Tell us about the new film “Spin The Plate.”
BECKI DENNIS: “Spin the Plate” is a romantic feature film drama, in which I play a female tattoo artist with a damaged soul and tough exterior, who encounters an awkward, seemingly poor, Bible-touting young man on a Boston city bus. He tries to win my heart, as I battle to heal the wounds of child sexual abuse. Together, we seek justice and meaning in our lives, while a romance blossoms between us, but he's hiding something from me.
What was your initial reaction to working on a project that deals with such an important subject matter?
BD: That I would be honored to serve this subject matter and the survivors of sexual abuse by telling their stories.
Did you do anything special to prepare for the role of Jo?
BD: I spoke with victims of child sexual abuse and researched others experiences online. I read the novel “Spin the Plate,” of course, and had a lot of in depth discussions with the director about my character before filming, as well as rehearsals.
What would you consider Jo’s ‘best’ quality? And their ‘worst’?
BD: Jo is a hero. She saves vulnerable people and animals from harm, and doesn't do it for any attention or recognition. In the beginning of the story, she comes off cold and mean until the audience gets to know why she is the way that she is. I suppose her tough exterior would be her worst quality, although I empathize with her and the walls that she puts up based on her past experiences with people.
Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?
BD: One of the scenes that a lot of people have been positively responding to was actually not in the original script. It is when I revisit my childhood bedroom and have an emotional breakdown. This idea came to our Director while we were shooting and it ended being one of the most moving scenes in our film. A lot of our best moments came from inspiration on the day.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?
BD: To not underestimate myself and my abilities. This project took me into untapped acting territory and I surprised myself with how far I could go. To those reading I would say – don’t let others put you in box in terms of what you can and cannot accomplish. You are capable of much more than you could ever imagine.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
BD: I don’t have one favorite, but I admire the work of Claire Foy, Viola Davis, Kathy Bates, Robin Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Cate Blanchett, amongst others.
What role from the past do you wish you could have played?
BD: I wish I could have been in a movie musical like “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” or “Hairspray.”
Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.
BD: I loved Disney movies when I was a kid, such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.” I also loved “Dirty Dancing,” but most of it went over my head; I think I just liked the dancing.
Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
BD: I almost quit acting 5 years ago. I’m so glad I didn’t. I’ve had so many great roles and experiences since reversing that decision, and I know that there is so much more to come. I’m now living my dream.
How can fans keep up with you?
BD: They can follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/beckidennis link, Twitter @beckidennis link, and Instagram @beckidennis link. They can also learn more about me at: beckidennis.com link and imdb.me/beckidennis link
