This past week I had the opportunity to film an interview for a new movie that I’ve signed on for! This was my first real “film interview” and like anyone doing something for the first time, I was a little nervous! At the end of the day, I could not have been happier with how it came out but I certainly learned some great lessons along the way!
When I found out that I was going to be interviewed for my next film, “Day for Night,” I had so many emotions! I was so excited because it was my first real film interview but I was also very nervous about how I’d do and how I would come off to viewers. While I have just begun landing credited acting roles, I have been an actress and involved in the arts for my entire life. While I definitely consider myself “up and coming,” one of my concerns was that I would come off as a “new actress” which is not accurate.
I filmed my interview with Sean Evans from Back to the Movies the day after I had a huge photoshoot! To say I was exhausted would be the understatement of the century! I was to the point where I couldn’t even get my thoughts together and was getting more nervous by the minute about the upcoming interview! Luckily, I am blessed to have a team that works hard non-stop and they not only calmed my nerves, but they reminded me to just be myself and that if I could do that then I’d be fine. As is usually the case… they were right!
All I can say is that I am so proud of how my first film interview went! I think that I really gave viewers some insight as to who I am as a person as opposed to the characters that I play on screen, which was such a joy for me! My past two movie roles have been of the “femme fatale”/serious type, so getting to be myself on camera was great!
I really enjoyed giving viewers the opportunity to know me as an artist and as a person by giving them some insight as to how I got to where I am today. I love sharing what I’ve learned with others because I know what it feels like to be on this journey and how difficult it can be to get back on track after feeling like you’ve been knocked down. It’s not easy! However, I have learned that if you work as hard as you’re able and know in your heart and soul that this is what you’re meant to be doing, things will come your way. Don’t lose sight of what you want because someone else is trying to knock you down... which is a perfect segue into the character I am playing in “Day for Night,” Elsa Sharpless!
Let me tell you about Elsa Sharpless: She’s the casting director that everyone in Hollywood fears and tries to avoid. She gets a thrill out of knocking people down and she is, unfortunately, the exact type of person who could make people quit on their dreams and just give up! Most actors and actresses have had experiences with one (or many!) of this type of casting director and hopefully you’ve come out of those experiences stronger and more dedicated to succeed in SPITE of them! Continue to work hard and stay true to yourself! That’s the best advice I was given and it has allowed me to conquer some incredible things!
I am so thrilled to be playing such an important role in what is going to be a great movie! The film is currently raising money on kickstarter because after the team had begun filming, they realized how much BIGGER and BETTER they could make the film with a bigger budget! I love being part of this team and helping to spread the word about the campaign because I really do believe that this is a film that people deserve to see! The Hollywood “underground” lifestyle is not a pretty one and you’d be surprised at what lengths people will go to in order to get what they want! I really can’t wait for you all to see this movie!!
The team behind this film is also incredibly talented! Aside from the cast, all of which are amazing actors and actresses, the writer and director of this film are truly gifted individuals who are going to ensure that this film is spectacular! If you’ve seen any of Michael Chrisoulakis’ past films, you will know that this movie is going to be done impeccably! The writer of the film, Guy J Jackson, is someone who I worked with on my last movie, “Caesar and Otto’s Paranormal Halloween,” and I can tell you first-hand how talented he is, not just as a writer but also as an actor! There are so many other talented people who are a part of this film who I would love to talk about, but check out the kickstarter page to learn more about the team behind this amazing project!
My first movie interview was another milestone that I reached. I am incredibly proud of how it came out because it was all genuinely me. I was not playing a character; viewers were simply seeing JamieLee Ackerman! The entire interview really showcased who I am as a person which I loved giving viewers the opportunity to see!
I started off as a young girl in Ireland with dreams bigger than I was able to even comprehend myself and I can tell you from experience that there are always going to be people who try to stand in your way and tell you that you’re not good enough. Believe it or not, even people who love you may try to discourage you from going after what you want. When other people have insecurities or other things that hold them back from chasing their dreams they will try to make it so others can’t chase theirs either. Whatever you do, don’t stop dreaming! Anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard! Just know that there will ALWAYS be haters and people telling you that you can’t do something-but that’s what hard work and training are for!
I started small and would practice my tap dancing on a wooden board and also sing and dance in the mirror when I was younger because it was all I had. I would work on my skills any way that I possibly could because I knew that I was the only one who was going to fight for my dreams! Now I am really starting to live those dreams after so many years of hard work and it is the most fulfilling feeling in the world!
When people come into your life that genuinely have your best interest at heart, you’ll know in your soul and spirit. They may be part of your family, a significant other or even a friend! Keep these special people around you and cherish those relationships as much as you can! Remember that relationships are a two-way street: as much support and love that they’re giving you should be returned to the best of your ability. These special people are often few and far between, so really appreciate these people who make you feel genuinely cared about, supported and secure!
I really do feel proud of this interview because it really did reflect me. I hope you all were able to get some insight into what makes me the person and actress that I am today! It’s been a long road and I am so happy with the direction it’s taking. I know that my hard work and tireless dedication have really helped shape my path, but also being true to myself and honest with those around me. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself! You are wonderful!