Interview with Jourdan Roberson- lead actor in Elimination Strain
Q: How did you find out about Elimination Strain’s audition? How do you make character choices when you audition when making a self tape and was it easy to connect with these sides for this auction in particular? Is there a trial and error process?
A: I found out about elimination strain through actors access. When choosing a character I like to challenge myself on characters that do not necessarily resonate with me in actual space but to be able to pull something relatable from the character itself. Once I pull whatever I find similar or whatever resonates from the character in my life its easy to connect or I go in deeper if I have to create a connection or backstory. The trial and error process is what you make it. Practicing going over lines and mastering the words allows you to manipulate and play with different approaches. It becomes your playground.
Q: Your character is very playful and that creates a very real and organic connection between you and your onscreen girlfriend. How did you prepare for that and did you and your co-star talk about your on camera relationship outside Christopher’s direction.
A: The relationship between me and TJ was great. We talked about what she was comfortable with, for interacting with each other, prior to shooting. We just joked around a lot and actually created a chemistry. I believe being comfortable and intentionally enjoying and being present in the moment made it that much sweeter. I was just being myself, when Christopher explained he was open to me being myself it allowed everything to flow much easier. Even in his direction it gave great space and feeling to be our characters. The communication between everyone was on point, so things were very clear and open.
Q: How was it shooting during pandemic and did that hinder you getting ready before you were called on set? Was abiding by Covid protocol by staying 6 feet away and wearing masks, etc., did that pose any problems for you as an actor?
A: Working and shooting during the pandemic for me has been a great experience. Very different and tedious, but I was so grateful to be working and filming period. COVID definitely has had its affect on the industry and the craft for sure, however it wasn’t so much of a hinderance as much as an adjustment. It was just a different process or a “new” process to go through. But we got through it, and we got it done. Not being able to connect or interact with people in a “normal” or “usual” way has definitely also been an adjustment. But it was still a great experience.
Q: Do you have a favorite experience while shooting?
A: I overall enjoyed the entire experience on set. From the cast to the crew, to the food, and the shots. I just genuinely enjoyed the environment.
Q: What advice would you give actors?
A: Advice I would give to actors would be to, have fun and enjoy the process. Continue to work on the craft but also enjoy life. Experience different things, people and cultures so you can pull from something real. Become a better person, individual and human being. Take care of your mind, body and soul. And lastly, be patient, don’t compare yourself, don’t be too hard on yourself, don’t judge yourself, and enjoy the journey.
Q: Did the set provide you with any inspiration? I can imagine having a good set helps elevate a performance.
A: The set was very energetic. There was great energy and vibes. Just to see the crew working and putting together the set as we change scenes was awesome. I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to represent the writing with my talent.
Q: What sort of direction did Christopher give you that you thought was helpful playing your character?
A: Christopher’s direction was awesome. He knew what he wanted for his writing but he was also very open and receptive. He left space for me to be me in the character while still getting what he wanted across.whenever he wanted to see something or had notes he would relay them with grace. He was also very communicative about his vision and the changes that came to mind with his creativity.
Q: Did you learn anything from this experience? Anything you can take away from being on set on Elimination Strain?
A: Being on set for Elimination Strain taught me that opportunities are going to come and when they do seize the moment and embrace it. Being on set also taught me the dynamics of the diversity of function with the crew and cast. Everybody had a role and job, and everybody did what they had to do even when moments of contrast came up or adversity. Communication was key.
Q: What advice would you give directors when giving direction to an actor? How much freedom did Christopher give you to explore your character?
A: Some advice I would give to directors when giving direction to actors is to be open and straight forward with what you would like. Communication is key but how you communicate is even better. I believe that building a foundation and a relationship with the actor is very important, because the chemistry and dynamics of the work environment make the story come to life so much better. Christopher gave me so much freedom to be while still remaining in the lines of what he wanted. He did an excellent job of communicating what he wanted and also what he wanted to change if need be. He adapted well. On breaks in between scenes we talked about what the upcoming scene needed and he gave me notes on my performance and he also asked questions. I really enjoyed working with him.
Q: What are you up to now? Any interesting projects you’re involved with?
A: Currently I am training at IDSA, sharpening my tools and growing. I’m also working on music, keeping my creativity flowing. The Focus Feature Film “Boogie” just came out in theaters everywhere back in March which was something I was apart of. I’m still auditioning, and I’m working on one feature and a short film right now. I booked an HP commercial recently as well. So I’m staying tapped in with myself. Ive also been writing scripts and films myself, so be on the look out!
Q: Are you seeing more acting opportunities during the pandemic or less? Is it hard to stay positive during this time?
A: During the pandemic, acting opportunities are up and down. When I’m not acting I’m working on music and working on my acting craft. So I’m always keeping myself engaged and creative. I work on keeping a positive mindset, knowing that I can only control what I can control, and too let go of what I can’t.
Q: A lot of films don’t even get finished or the production company isn’t prepared which creates an unfavorable experience on set which is an ugly truth about this industry so I can imagine it’s always a gamble when you sign onto a project. How was it working with Christopher and his crew?
A: Working with Christopher and his crew was sweet. That was actually my first time seeing a short with a feature like crew, and feel. Everybody was welcoming and engaged in their job. We only fought against time and light. Everything else was a smooth sailing.
Q: I saw the film and it’s great and you all accomplished a lot in 2 days. Were you aware of the amount of work that had to be done or are you separate from that aspect? Did it add to the pressure at all?
A: I saw how much work was being done with the crew and the stage setting. It was actually surprising to me for all of that to be for two days and a short that was only but 5 mins maybe. I was impressed and it definitely inspired me and gave me more energy to do the damn job that’s for sure. On my end as an actor I was ready to make my mark, I only want to do this for the rest of my life. I enjoy doing it and its fun! I had a lot of fun. Pressure doesn’t exist, and if it does it makes diamonds.
Q: Can you talk to us about your background as an actor and what you learned along the way? Any advice an acting coach ever gave you that really stuck with you?
A: I’ve always been into performing and entertaining at a big stage. When I was young I used to dance and sing in front of church. I played basketball and sports my whole life. Ive always been in front of the camera as a model. So acting wasn’t to far off, It came natural. I started taking acting seriously in 2017 after Grad school. I signed up with casting networks and did some background work for about a year. Then I was ready to take the next step and really show case my talent. I was fortunate enough to be casted as a supporting role in a local movie, which gave me more than enough footage for a reel. From there things took off!
Q: Besides the director, who else on set did you interact with on set?
A: Besides Christopher, I interacted with a lot of the crew off scene and on break or lunch. I interacted with TJ, my co-star a lot and our wonderful makeup artist. Everybody was great.
Q: Mary McGloin was the casting director, how much did you interact with her.
A: I don’t remember interacting with Mary too much outside of email and phone. She was very helpful in giving me details and assisting me with getting familiar with the project.
Q: Can you talk us through the day of an actor from the time you get on set to the time you leave? I want to give actors an idea how a professional shoot sounds like from an actors perspective. Are you given a call sheet? Do they go over blocking? Is there a meeting with the cast and crew to go over the day?
A: As an actor you receive your call sheets prior to shoot day. You have the time of each scene, time you report on set, and other details to keep everybody on schedule and aware. Arriving to set you go through the process of checking in, Covid check in, if you want breakfast you get your breakfast. Then you check in with wardrobe and makeup. It’s important to get there at least 15 mins before call time that way you can get acclimated with everything and get settled in early that way there’s no rush and you’ll be ready for any unexpected changes. Blocking is usually done before each scene to get an idea of your qs and marks for different shots. Changes sometime happen during blocking because it’s the closes thing to real time off the script.
Q: What sort of roles do you enjoy playing most? Are you anything like the character you played in Elimination Strain?
A: I enjoy playing all sorts of characters. The most challenging are if I have no correlation with. This character isn’t really like me but there were parts of him that I could resonate with like going for a run, and because of Christopher’s direction I was allowed to put a lot of me into the character. I enjoy mostly playing action characters. Super heroes, and romantic dramas. I love sci-fi and mystery characters as well, that’s why I enjoyed this script and story.
Q: As an actor what do you look forward to when reading a script?
A: As an actor I look forward to reading the back story of the character I’m playing so I have an idea of what I could put myself in to become and embody the character. I also look forward to the plot twists and turns when things catch me off guard as the reader myself. I like surprises in movies.
Q: What did you think of the trailer?
A: I liked the trailer. I’m excited to watch it. I saw how the story ties together, it gives the viewers i good idea of what it’s going to be about. It was clean and cut to the point. I’m excited!