Actress Erika Hoveland Earns Lead Role in CDI's 'Best Years Gone'

LANSING, Mich. - June 19, 2020 - PRLog -- For Erika Hoveland, earning the female lead in her first turn with Collective Development Incorporated, in the upcoming dramedy, 'Best Years Gone' (as 'Sylvia'), the role is both exciting and challenging in its scope.

"I've worked as an actor with Erika on two projects now," said longtime CDI collaborator and 'TribeCDI' member Shane Hagedorn, who will direct 'Best Years Gone.' "I think she's an exceptional actress and person. When casting for 'Sylvia' ('an attractive 40-something with mileage' and who has not always made the best decisions in life for herself or her twin daughters), Erika was one of the first actors I wanted to see audition. And now, I'm excited to work with her as director and tell this story."

A graduate of the University of Alberta (B.A. in Theater), Erika continued her training in Vancouver, British Columbia, at Studio 58, Langara College, then a professional acting program on Gabriola Island, BC.

Following six years of professional theater in Edmonton, Alberta, Erika and her husband, Dale, moved to metro Detroit. And Erika has earned more than 30 film and TV credits. She has also performed in numerous stage productions.

A U.S. Citizen, Erika explained, "I became aware of CDI and their films when I was acting with Shane (Hagedorn) a couple of years ago. The first film I watched was 'Wild Faith' and I have been a huge fan ever since."

The role of 'Sylvia' is rich, layered and nuanced. And as 'Sylvia' falls deeper and deeper into the depths of alcoholism and the murk that is mental illness, she becomes an all-too-familiar cautionary tale. A damaged single mother of twin girls, 'Julie and Peggy,' (Detroit-based actresses Zoie Dye and Tessa Dye), trying desperately to make her way in the small town where she was born and raised.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to be involved with such a strong team," enthused Ms. Hoveland. Added the 25-year veteran of the stage and screen, who has two films to be released this year ('Ash and Bone' and 'An Intrusion'), "The quality that comes out of this production company ('Forty Nights,''Chasing the Star,' 'The Christ Slayer,' 'Wild Faith,' 'Man's Best Friend' and this year's release of 'Lost Heart') is insane.

"I feel incredibly honored and blessed to be a part of 'Best Years Gone' and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented team," Ms. Hoveland concluded.

'Best Years Gone' (written by CDI's DJ Perry, who also stars as 'Gil'), is slated to film Michigan in early fall.