NiceGirls Exclusive: Megan Hutchings discusses her new show ‘In Contempt’ on BET

Megan Hutchings stars in BET’s new legal drama series In Contempt which premiered on April 10th, 2018. Created by Terri Kopp (Law & Order, In Justice and Rebel), In Contempt is set in the fast-­paced world of a legal aid office in New York City and follows Gwen Sullivan (Erica Ash), an opinionated attorney whose passion for her job and clients make her arguably the most talented public defender in her district. Megan plays the role of Tracy Campbell, Gwen’s best friend and roommate. She is a sassy lawyer from the South who is daring and seductive with deep and dark secrets that lead the viewers to realize she isn’t who she claims to be.

Megan also stars in the new CBC original comedy series Crawford about a dysfunctional family with three children
whose home gets invaded by raccoons (sounds fun right?).  Megan has also starred in major television and film productions including The Listener (CTV), Beauty and the Beast (The CW), The Good Witch (Hallmark Channel), The LA Complex (The CW), Nostrum, A Surrogate’s Terror and The Hazing Secret. Most recently, Megan played the recurring role of Jane in the hit television series Reign (The CW).

I was lucky to have the opportunity to interview Megan and talk about In Contempt, Crawford, and working with Erica Ash. She is awesome and my new BFF in my mind. 🙂  Let’s dig in!

Nice Girl Lisa: In Contempt is more than a legal drama. There are strong, diverse, female characters that carry this show and we love it! What was the audition process like, and how did you get the role?

Megan: The audition process was actually really great. Auditions and waiting to hear if you’ve been rejected or not is always tough but this process was better than most! Jason Knight, the casting director, is a really cool guy and always makes me feel welcomed and supported in the room so that made it easier. After my in-room audition I had a callback that I actually taped with my cousin upstairs in her bedroom with a bunch of kids running around downstairs, and finally I had a meeting with Terri and the director Farhad. The meeting was via Skype during a vacation in Greece so that was a little weird for me! I was in my little Air bnb with zero light and nothing appropriate to wear. Luckily, they were both so kind and patient and eventually my amazing agent called me with the good news.

Lisa: Let’s talk about Tracy. She is Sexy, Sassy, Smart and Southern (and my favorite character on the show). She’s not afraid to go after what she wants or break the rules. What is your favorite part about playing her?

Megan: Thank you! I love Tracy. My favorite part about playing her is probably just how free she is. It’s fun to do and say things as Tracy that I would never do and say as Megan. She’s super bold and has a dry sense of humor which is fun to play.

Erica Ash as Gwen & Megan Hutchings as Tracy on In Contempt (Photo: Steve Wilkie/BET)

Lisa: Gwen and Tracy have great chemistry as co-workers and friends and that really is a testament to you and Erica Ash with your great performances. What is it like working with Erica Ash?

Megan: Amazing. Erica is so much fun and FULL of energy. After 16 hours of shooting I’d be trying to catch a nap in the corner and she’d be off dancing and singing – literally. She really was our leader and a perfect example of a strong, talented, professional woman who is also super playful and kind to everyone.

Lisa: As an Atlanta local myself, I’ve got to say you rock that southern accent girl! Was it tough for you to find Tracy’s voice?

Megan: It definitely took some practice! The first episode it’s pretty clear I’m still figuring out how far I want to take it and where exactly she is from. I was lucky to have help from a great dialect coach and Terri was really helpful with resources.

Lisa: In Contempt really shines a light on how unjust the criminal justice system can be. The storylines are relevant and thought provoking. What is something you’ve learned from being a part of this show?

Megan: I didn’t realize how quickly the system processes people. Humans really are just a number and that’s so frustrating. Also the misconception of public defenders “not being real or good lawyers” is bullshit. These people dedicate their lives to trying to make a difference when all the odds are stacked against them. They work with very limited resources and time. I’ve learned something needs to change — in a big way.

Lisa: You also star in CBC’s Original comedy Crawford. Can you tell us about this unique show and your character Veronica?

Megan: Veronica is sort of a mean girl. She totally believes the world should revolve around her and get’s frustrated when the people around her don’t believe it too. She’s Jill Hennessy’s rival at work and a true “daddy’s girl”. It was a lot of fun playing her because she’s so nuts. Just like Tracy there was a sense of freedom in that. I loved working on the show. Mike Clattenburg is such a good man with a wild imagination. He was so much fun on set and let us be weird and crazy and play on set. He actually encouraged the weirder the better actually. Working on this show just felt like playtime – it was awesome.

Lisa: If you could have anyone guest star on In Contempt or Crawford, who would it be and what role would they play?

Megan: Garrett Hedlund – he would play my love interest. Just kidding! Michelle Williams maybe? Or Amy Adams? I don’t care who they play so long as I can pick their brain and learn from them.

Lisa: I’m a huge animal lover and I was so excited to find out you are as well. You founded the non-profit organization Dreams of Rescue. Can you tell us about the organization and how readers can get involved?

Megan: So I make personalized dream catchers in which proceeds go to a shelter or rescue. I’ve always liked making them and I’ve always volunteered or donated to shelters/rescues so I thought it would be a good way to combine what I’m passionate about. I can be contacted on Instagram or Facebook about building one!

Lisa: I love Dreamcatchers so you will be hearing from me! Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can share with us?

Megan: Maybe! Wait to see 🙂

Lisa: I can’t wait to see what you are up to! Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview. Congratulations on all of your success!

In Contempt airs on Tuesday nights at 10/9c on BET. Crawford is currently streaming online and will premiere on the CBC on June 14th. You can keep up with Megan and Dreams of Rescue on Instagram @Megsishere