This human-interest story covers the amazing true accounts of the Bucks of America, as well as the story of Christine Salome Hartwick (played by Rodica Isabella Shaldan) and other influential people during America’s fight for independence. Who is Christine Salome Hartwick (woman of the revolution) you ask? If you do not know then you must see this movie! She was the mother of young Christopher Seider who was shot and killed.
Interviewed by IPM, Amalya Christy
IPM: How did you become interested in playing a part in Bucks of America?
Rodica: I was invited to be part of the movie trailer. Once I read the script, I thought it would be a perfect fit for me. I am an emotional person and believe that I can really bring this character to life.
IPM: You’re playing the mother of a child who is accidentally shot during a riot; losing a child is a mother’s worst fear. Does it change your relationship at all with your children when you think about the part you’re playing? Does this part change the way you look at your children?
Rodica: Not at all. Life is so short and losing a child of course is a fear of mine. In that way, I appreciate every moment I spend with my children and grandchildren. We should all cherish each moment with our loved ones since we do not know when it will be our last.
IPM: Playing the part of a grieving mother must be hard all the way around emotionally. What will you do to relieve the pressure after a long day of shooting?
Rodica: To become the character, I dug deep down from my own pain, and I allowed that to show on the screen. To unwind after such an emotional day, I love to set up a bubble bath with a nice glass of red wine.
IPM: Is there anything about the character that surprised you?
Rodica: I think her will, and gumption to carry on after her child passed away.
IPM: Are there any interesting facts that you want our readers to know about your character?
Rodica: There are some interesting things, but for that they will have to watch the movie. Then they can get the entire picture of her.
IPM: Are you excited about this part, and about the Bucks of America movie?
Rodica: Yes, I’m so honored and excited to be part of this historicalmovie, because it was an interesting time in America. Ibelieve it will help our younger generation to become familiarwith a part of history that is unknown, and it deserves to beknown.
What have you found in your research about Christinethat grabbed your attention?
Rodica: Christine Salome Hartwick was born in 1723 and married George Frederich Seider born in 1727. They arrived as immigrants and had to change their familial names several times. They had three children Christina Elizabeth born December 26th, 1754 Sophia born on June 29th, 1756, and Christopher Seider born on 18th of March 1759.
IPM: Do you have any message do you think our readers should know about the character you portray?
Rodica: A mother’s love is always there, and even though there is pain and hardship, motherhood is a journey with highs and lows.
IPM: As the executive producer of a lost portion of history “Bucks of America”, what inspired you to start producing the movie?
Rodica: I wanted to be a part of making history. The story needs to be told, so we decided we wanted to be a part of this epic movie.
IPM: What are the difficulties you have faced while producing this movie?
Rodica: It was difficult to get the most accurate story. And of course, the coronavirus pandemic.
IPM: Some of our readers would like to know, what’s a day in the life of an executive producer?
Rodica: A day in the life of an executive producer consists of staying busy and staying focused. There are many moving parts when creating a film, and we all must work together cohesively. It is something I genuinely enjoy.
IPM: Is it difficult?
Rodica: Once you get your foot in the door, it is not difficult. When you have an effective team it all goes well. We all work together, and we all share the same goal.
IPM: What attracted you to begin a career as an actress?
Rodica: The old Hollywood films is what truly attracted me to become an actress. They were filled with glamour and elegance and I wanted to be a part of it all. I feel as though I am fulfilling my dreams, and I could not be happier!
IPM: What is some advice that you would give to someone aspiring to become an actor?
Rodica: I would tell an aspiring actor to never give up on their dream, to be patient because it is never too late, no matter how long it may take, it is worth it. It is dedication and demanding work
IPM: What is your biggest achievement in the field of acting?
Rodica: My biggest achievement in the field of acting is being requested for a film. I have been in a few now, and I am always honored to be a part of it. Another must be the fact that I’m able to give back to our community. We are always helping others to achieve their dreams and that is one of my goals.
IPM: Where did you learn to become an actor?
Rodica: It came very naturally to me, but most of my learning took place in my country Romania.
IPM: What obstacles have you faced in the pursuit of producing, acting, and how did you overcome them?
Rodica: The acting business is very cut-throat. There is a lot of jealousy, but I learned not to let it bother me and to keep going and never look back. Do not let anything stop you from achieving your dreams.
IPM: Being an entrepreneur in your field, how are you able to manage to be an actress, executive producer, and a mother/ grandma in your life?
Rodica: It is difficult but having a schedule has helped tremendously. I try to include everything and everyone in my schedule and make sure I don’t neglect any aspects of my life.
IPM: Humanitarian work has been a cornerstone in your life. When did you come to the realization that to be happy you needed to be serving others less fortunate than yourself?
Rodica: When I was eight years old, I gave my warm pastry to an old man who looked like he could use something warm to eat, knowing that if I gave it away there was no money to buy another. The joy that I felt the moment I handed the man my pastry has been the inspiration behind my journey into humanitarian kindness.
IPM: You and rock band drummer, actor, producer, humanitarian and your fiancé, Ron Whitaker have teamed up to provide special concert events to benefit a particular group of people in our communities. Will you tell us about “Hope for the Hopeless,” and the people who benefit from it?
Rodica: “Hope for the Hopeless,” is a charity through which Ron and I focus on helping America’s homeless and veterans. We do this by hosting charity concerts, food drive events, and networking. We have worked with children’s hospitals for toy drives and helping the less fortunate. We strive to give back to our communities in whatever way we can.
IPM: On December 5 th of 2020, you were honored with three prestigious awards in Las Vegas, Nevada. What were they?
Rodica: The Producers Choice Honors awarded me Outstanding Executive Producer for the “In3Dragon” film, and Outstanding Executive Producer for the historical film, “Bucks of America,” and lastly, the Outstanding International Rock Music Charity Events Promoter, a Las Vegas Fame Award.
IPM: In October of 2015, both you and Ron Whitaker received top honors for your humanitarian work. What did you receive?
Rodica: We each were presented with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
IPM: Do you have an important message you would like to share with our readers and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Rodica: The most exciting time in your life is now. Now is when you can look forward to what you need to do and dream as big as you would like. Nothing is impossible. Whenever possible, make sure you help your peers, and those less fortunate in their journey as well. There may be a time when you may need their help, accept it and allow others to support you on your path to achieving your goals.
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