In the ever-changing world of acting, few artists manage to leave their mark across both the stage and the screen as seamlessly as Eric Mamann. With a career spanning over a decade, Mamann has built a reputation for his depth, versatility, and unwavering commitment to storytelling. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the actor to discuss his journey, his inspirations, and what’s next.
Q: First off, congratulations on your film Jane and Fitch being picked up for production! How does it feel to see this project come to life?
Eric: Thank you! It’s honestly surreal. Jane and Fitch is a story that’s so personal to me, and to see it finally being brought to life is a blessing in itself. Years of endless writing and editing, going through getting optioned by multiple production companies in the past, and now it’s actually getting made. It’s crazy what a journey these films go through on their way to the first scene being shot. Writing it was a cathartic experience—it allowed me to explore themes of resilience and redemption in a way that feels very raw and honest. Now, having it picked up and knowing it’s in the hands of an amazing production team who is ready to roll, I couldn’t be more excited.
Q: Can you tell us more about the story behind Jane and Fitch and your role in the film?
Eric: Of course. Jane and Fitch is set in a gritty urban landscape and follows two greatly flawed characters whose lives are intertwined by circumstance, fate, and tragedy. It’s a deeply human story about survival, addiction, love, and redemption. I’ll also be starring in the film as Fitch, which adds another layer of responsibility but also a deeper connection to the story. Fitch is a parallel of myself—him being an ex-MMA champion who just happens to have artistic talent as a writer, and myself being an ex-boxer who ended up becoming an actor. Playing a character that I’ve written is like getting a custom-tailored suit made—there is nothing that fits or works better for me in this case. I am very excited to see where this leads me.
Q: In addition to Jane and Fitch, you have two other exciting projects in development. Can you share a bit about those?
Eric: The first is a limited series, 6 episodes, that I can’t say too much about yet, but it’s a dynamic, character-driven story with a fantastic team attached and shot in sunny Los Angeles. Another feature film explores completely different themes—more of a psychological thriller with a deeply emotional core. Both projects are great, and I’m incredibly excited to dive into them.
Q: Eric, your career has had such a unique trajectory, balancing both stage and screen work. How did it all begin?
Eric: It’s funny because I never set out to become an actor. I was boxing full-time back then and literally got tossed into an indie film. After that experience, it was like a major lightbulb going off. It wasn’t until I started training at the Lee Strasberg Institute in NYC that I truly fell in love with acting. It was there that I discovered the power of performance and what a profound effect it had on my fulfillment and well-being.
Q: You’ve had a prominent stage career in New York and transitioned to film in Los Angeles. How do the two compare for you?
Eric: Both are so different, yet they feed the same part of me. On stage, you have this immediate connection with the audience—it’s raw, and there’s no second take. It’s like walking on a tightrope high up in the sky with no room for error. With film, you get to explore the nuances and dive deep into the subtleties of a character, getting each take completely different so that there are choices for the director. There is room for error in the search for something great in film because there’s always another take if the version you create in that moment does not pay off. So you can afford to take very big risks in film; if the scene is flat-out wrong, you just reshoot it in a different way. I’m fortunate to have had opportunities in both, and I think each medium has taught me something valuable about my craft.
Q: What do you hope audiences take away from Jane and Fitch and your upcoming work?
Eric: For me, storytelling is about an escape—a time out from life, if you will. With Jane and Fitch, I hope audiences get sucked into the chaos of these two beautifully flawed characters and yet learn valuable lessons in watching them fight for a chance at redemption and forbidden love. As for the other projects, I’m always looking to challenge perceptions and create work that resonates. Whether it’s on stage, on screen, or behind the scenes, my goal is always to leave a lasting impact.
Q: Do you think you will ever write another project after Jane and Fitch again?
Eric: Oh, that’s tough. This screenplay took me years to perfect. Writing is rewarding, but it’s very taxing, especially as you get into the later stages of the drafts. Honestly, it was a lot of work—it felt like work. Acting feels more effortless for me. I guess it depends on how Jane and Fitch turns out in the end product. If it does as well as I am hoping it will, I may go another round of creating another screenplay. If not, I’ll just stick to what I love to do best, which is acting.
Q: Any famous last words?
Eric: Work hard, love passionately, and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses from time to time.
Eric Mamann’s career is a testament to his passion for storytelling, whether through acting, writing, or crafting new worlds.
