Meet Maurice Whitfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Whitfield.

Hi Maurice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Durham, NC., singing in church and in my school and state choirs/choruses. In high school, I was in a show choir called “Spotlight” and a drummer in the marching band. Music and performance became an escape from high school stressors for me. I leaned into it and became a Music Theatre Major in college, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. I moved to the west coast immediately after graduating to complete an Acting Internship at the B Street Theater in Sacramento. This was a fantastic transition from Live Theater on the east coast to TV in Los Angeles because it was an intimate theater which meant the audience was only a few feet from the stage. It was my first real transition from stage to on-screen Acting and a crash course in “doing less.” After completing the internship, I was ready for LA.

When I arrived in 2008, I wanted to work but had no experience and the industry was recovering from a Strike. I worked four jobs and spent thousands of dollars on Casting Director Workshops and began to work my way up the IMDb ladder of Co-Star, Guest Star, Supporting, etc. Then came the DIY era of YouTube and Instagram Stars and it seemed like, no matter what you’d already done, the only way to get noticed was to do it all yourself. Write it, direct it, shoot it, edit it, promote it, premiere it, and ultimately sell it. So I did. I began Producing exactly what I wanted to book. From 2015-2019, I produced a short film, a spec commercial, and a TV Pilot presentation, which led me to a National McDonald’s commercial in 2016, a Feature-Length Action/Drama “Call Me King” (Supporting/Producer) trending on Netflix, and a Short Film “Variable” (Lead, Executive Producer) getting into Film Festivals and winning many awards including “Best Film” and “Best Male Actor in a Lead Role.”

Last year was hard for everyone. There were times that I had to remind myself not to give up on my dreams. In the last 15 months of quarantine, I produced a “Target Film Audition” which is a self-produced audition for your favorite film franchise in the form of a short film. The film started as a class assignment at Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles’ Waco Theater in North Hollywood. But because of the last year and the pandemic, the project has become so much more. The creation of the piece has provided me and my team with a renewed sense of focus and determination because of the many positive themes and images that could impact those that view the finished product — especially during difficult times. We knew that we had to get this film out there for people to feel inspired and motivated — especially communities of color.

I am currently pitching a ROM-COM series called “Crowded” (Lead/Executive Producer) which captures the ups and downs of a Newly Wedded couple living in LA. It reveals real love and touches on the messy idea of open relationships to cover rent. It’s witty and hilarious, showcasing this All-Star casts’ comedic timing and romantic charm. Stay tuned.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. One of the hardest struggles has been the people that I’ve worked with taking advantage of my kindness and money. Producing is expensive and no one outside of my family gave me money to Produce my dreams into reality. Kickstarter and Indigogo didn’t work for me. So I had to work lots of jobs, part-time and full time, sometimes simultaneously to pay for Casting Director Workshops and my own Productions. Collaborating with new people in a new city left me vulnerable to theft and deception. A lesson I had to learn is, don’t base everything on capitalist ideals. Don’t make too many decisions based on what you think people can do for you without really knowing the person’s character. Trust no one. Really get to know the people you want to work with and believe their actions over their words.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Actor/Producer. I specialize in Comedic/Dramatic Acting.

Most recently, I am known for the role of “Franklyn” on the Lifetime Original Movie “Deadly Dating Game” now on Hulu LIVE, iTunes, Lifetime Movie Network, and more. I am also known for the role of “Khalil” in the riveting Action/Drama “Call Me King.”

I am most proud of creating my “Target Film Audition” which is now streaming publicly. My team and I are presenting the film to the casting offices of all of my favorite movie franchises from Marvel’s “Black Panther,” and Warner Bros. “Justice League,” and “Mortal Kombat” to Universal’s “The Fast Saga” and more.

What sets me apart from others is this visceral, intrinsic belief that after all that has happened in my life, when it comes to my dream, “I can still win.” I won’t quit and I won’t wait. Once I demystified the role of “Producer” I gained confidence and courage via experience and knowledge. I am committed to Producing my ideal career and truly manifesting my dreams into reality.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’d like to thank all of my creative teachers growing up and the safe spaces they provided for me to play with creativity. Thanks, Elon University for doing a great job of highlighting the importance of patience in the industry. Thank you to all of the Casting Directors and coaches I’ve had over the years for helping me to better understand how to be a clear reflection of my reality and perspective. I’d like to thank Chris Valenziano for writing and directing “Variable” which has given me leverage in the industry as an Actor and Producer.

I’d like to thank my mom for being my rock through hard times in the industry. I’d like to thank my wife and son for giving me purpose when I felt I had none. I’d like to thank my personal trainers and therapists for helping me stay healthy, physically and mentally, through the pandemic and onward. Mostly, I’d like to thank God for allowing me to continue chasing my dream during global chaos, deadly racism, and this evolving industry.

Contact Info:

• Email: maurice.whitfield@gmail.com
• Website: https://vimeo.com/user6022652
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/only_1_maurice/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Only1Maurice
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/smoovmo9