IN CONVERSATION WITH JACOB WHITEDUCK-LAVOIE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie is a Canadian actor from Quebec and a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. He first gained widespread recognition for his acclaimed performance in A Colony (Une Colonie), earning nominations for both a Canadian Screen Award and a Prix Iris. Since then, he has built an impressive résumé across film and television, with credits including Bootlegger, Billie Blue (Cœur de slush), District 31, and Eaux turbulentes. Now, Jacob stars as Ellis in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming YA drama Sterling Point, premiering on 5th August. Created by Megan Park and executive-produced by Josh Schwartz, the series follows twin siblings who inherit a mysterious island from their estranged grandfather, setting the stage for family secrets, self-discovery, and unexpected adventures.

We’ll soon be seeing you in Sterling Point. What first drew you to the role of Ellis?

At the time, I wasn’t getting a lot auditions for English language projects. In fact, I only shot one before Sterling Point and it was a short film back in 2021. Every time I would get one, I would get really excited,  and knew that I had to give it my all. I remember reading the email and I immediately had this feeling, the feeling that this was the one. That it was meant to be. Reading the show’s logline, and Ellis’s description, made me feel butterflies in my stomach. I felt like I was him and he was me. I immediately sent my tape and 2 days later I was being flown out to Toronto for a chemistry read. So I did an up and down to Toronto and not even a week went by and I get a call from Megan Park saying that she wants me to be her Ellis in the show. I remember getting really emotional and knew that my summer plans were going to change because I was about to spend what was going to be the best summer of my life in Toronto.

Without giving too much away, how would you describe Ellis, and what makes him stand out?

I would describe Ellis as a very simple, quiet, hardworking teen. The dude grew up without internet or a phone. He’s an interesting introvert. He’s the kind of guy that reads a room easily, a man of few words. Hardworking because he grew up on an island helping his dad repair boats. He’s the type of guy who would know how to build a canoe from scratch, you know. I feel like his sense of humour makes him stand out because he’s not Gen Z, TikTok,  modern reference kind of funny. He’s an old soul kind of funny. His kindness also makes him stand out. If he really cares about you, he would do anything for you.

The show blends family drama, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. What do you think audiences will connect with most?

I hope the audience will connect with the different relationships the characters have with each other, but also the different relationships they have with their own families. Throughout the show, we see the different dynamics, different values and different reactions each character has to different situations. I feel like Megan Park really makes us open our eyes to the reality of today’s world, whether you come from the city or a smaller town.

Josh Schwartz has helped create some iconic teen dramas. Did knowing he was involved influence your decision to join the project?

I was even more excited to audition. Gossip Girl definitely left a mark on a generation. Everyone I know watched Gossip Girl. And The O.C. is just so remarkable and stands out in its genre. Honestly having to meet him and work with him was an honour. I would notice him on set and think to myself, »Wow, I’m really on a set with one of the greatest producers«. Obviously had to play it cool though.

The series is set on a mysterious island. How much did the filming locations add to the atmosphere and your performance?

All of the outside locations were shot in Muskoka, which is like 2 hours north of Toronto. I’ve been to Sudbury before, which is in Ontario also, but Muskoka was a different beast. It’s like the perfect representation of what Canada would be like for someone who’s never been. The trees, the lakes, the views. I was blown away when I first got there. I felt so lucky not only to be there, but to share the experience with our lovely group of people. Every day felt like summer camp. You know when you’re 9 years old and every day is the best day ever? That’s how it felt for the whole summer. It made me dive in even deeper and understand what Ellis’s environment was. I also grew up near a lake and in that atmosphere, so it felt like home. It sort of felt like a relief and a flashback to my own childhood. 

Looking back at A Colony, how do you feel you’ve grown as an actor since that breakthrough role?

A Colony was my first job ever. Prior to that I had no experience whatsoever with acting or theatre so it definitely felt terrifying to act in front of a camera and having to learn lines. But after we wrapped, that’s when I knew this is what I wanted to do. I fell in love with it. The work, the different challenges, getting to meet a bunch of people on every new project and getting to connect and work with them for an x amount of time. And obviously, at that time, missing school for it was the best part. So most of my knowledge comes from being on set. I loved the set life so much that I decided to attend to a Film school in Montreal after graduating high school. We basically touched on every role on and off of a set. Film and TV. Learned it, practiced it and put it into action for our final project. I learned a lot and I do believe it made me a better actor getting to dive deeper and knowing who does what and why on a set. I’ve learned a lot throughout the years I've had the chance to work with some amazing people and I’m so very grateful for that.

You’ve worked across independent films, television, and now a major streaming series. How does your approach change between those projects?

I feel like every actor has their own creative process. Everyone’s is different. I’ve never been coached or taken acting classes, so I feel like mine is different every time. As an actor, you are constantly training/learning. There is no such thing as perfect knowledge or a perfect performance. So I always take from what I know best, with what I’ve learned from the last project and go forward. I approach every project like it’s my last because I think life is precious and you never know what tomorrow will be like. I live by that. I know I’m very lucky to do this as a job, so I give my all no matter what the project is.

As a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, how important is authentic Indigenous representation in today’s film and television landscape?

Very important. I feel like the educational system has lied and overlooked Indigenous communities since forever. They are told the wrong stories, and barely learn about important events that happened in the past. I speak from what I’ve read in the Quebec History books in high schooI. I found them inadequate and not informative. The books themselves are entirely written by non Indigenous people. How do you want to educate the new generation when you don’t even associate with the culture? I think it’s sad. But to see Indigenous faces on screen is definitely heartwarming. I don’t remember watching a lot of movies or shows as a kid and going, »Hey that’s me«.  Obviously you relate to every character in everything as a kid, but it’s different when you’re First Nation. So it’s definitely time and exciting to see Indigenous people making it in this field. It gives me hope and ambition for the future.

What kinds of roles or genres are you most excited to explore in the future?

I’ve always been into horror films. My mom introduced me to them at a young age and obviously, I was terrified. But as I grow older, the suspense/horror genre really gets me going. I love when a movie or show makes me jump and feel scared. As it’s a feeling that you don’t get often in everyday life. She also made me watch Breaking Bad when I was younger and I fell in love with it. Especially with Jesse. He inspired me a lot growing up and I would love to play a character with similar characteristics as him. I don’t know why but I’d love to play a drug addict or a troubled person. It’s a different type of work and challenge I haven’t had yet.

When you’re not filming, what does a perfect day off look like for you?

A day where I’m outside, walking or running, playing sports, hiking or some sort of activity with friends and people I love. Cooking some bomb meals and going to bed with tired legs. I’m a simple guy.

What’s something people are usually surprised to learn about you?

That I’m not a sauce guy. I grew up like that so I like all my stuff plain. No condiments, no dressing. It irritates people and I love that.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent JACOB WHITEDUCK-LAVOIE
photography STEVE LIMONES
creative direction ALEK AND STEPH
styling AISHA DANDIA at Maison Privée PR LA
hair and makeup SONIA LEE at Exclusive Artists using Armani Beauty
movement JAMES LUKE BURKE
production and location BELLO Media Group
photography assistant NICK AHMET
interview JANA LETONJA