Where did you grow up and what was your child hood like?
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I am the oldest of six kids, of a single parent and proud of it. Growing up a Plains Cree, Nehiyaw in the late 70’s – 80’s wasn’t easy, but it sure made us all stronger mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was very different then it is today that’s for sure, there was even more discrimination.
What is your true passion in life?
My true passion in life is what I’m doing, I’m a performer, I sing and the play guitar, I act on a stage and on camera. Performing is my true passion!
When did you first get into film and acting? How did it all happen?
I first started acting in Elementary school plays, which involved singing and dancing. I remember a lot of my friends were “too cool” for it. I ignored them and did it anyway. It led to me to do other things in life, like taking Martial Arts (influenced by Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan), joining Air Cadets and even joining a Marching Band, playing a Bugle (basically a trumpet ), yes I can play trumpet. But it wasn’t until I was 19 when I met my Agent, Darryl W. who saw something in me and pursued me to be on his actors roster. I was hooked since. 26 years later here I am still with the same Agent. I’m a consistent and loyal person at heart. I’ve seen many Actors be fickle and have no loyalty. I’m different from most maybe and proud to have my integrity in this matter, meaning I don’t dump everything and everyone for a role that’s offered to me by other agents.
What was your big break in film?
After doing a couple of Industrial/Docu-Dramas I auditioned for a TV series called “North of 60” .
I did three versions of this character named “William McNeil”. I got the role and the rest is history.
What projects have you been a part of in the last two years?
The projects I’ve been part of for the past two years have been, starting singing and playing guitar on stage. So far I’ve been getting gigs here and there. I’m working on writing some original songs because I’ve been covering every song I know and love. One day soon! I directed my first short last year which deals with Murdered and Missing Women and the cause and effect of it on spouse and family. I’m hoping to do the Film Festival circuit this year for it. Also I’ve been involved in a theatre play called “Beneath the Surface”, a play about suicide. We have been touring this at Templeton Secondary School. This play resonates with anyone who sees it, whether they’ve dealt with suicide or not, well written. Most leave with tears in their eyes! I don’t mind dark projects that share a lesson. I can play whatever I need to.
What is your favorite part of being in film?
My favorite part of being in film, is the understanding of what I am specifically doing and how the director wants me to portray certain individuals. Not just getting the point across to the audience halfheartedly. It takes away from the audience’s experience of being in the moment, people can always see fake. As well while acting bringing a character to life and making it believable, I have now ventured into directing and it’s a whole new ball game. I just finished directing a few episodes of a kids science show for APTN called “Coyote Science”! It’s coming soon, it was a great experience for me.
Nathaniel Arcand
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