Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Willis.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I acted some in Middle/High School. I was the kid who would read Tolkien books or write at lunch rather than engage in the often gossip filled conversations that my peers where having. I felt so strange- like something must be wrong with me. I wish that I could go back and give that version of myself a hug and tell her that it’s going to be ok. I was spending that time developing my imagination and learning to be ok with or without the approval of others and I am so thankful for that now.
As a very young person I suffered from what I now recognize as pretty severe social anxiety. I often had immense amounts of trouble verbalizing my thoughts in even the most basic of ways. As a result, people would sometimes assume that I must be unintelligent. I resigned to go to college and get a degree in the sciences so that no one would ever be able to doubt my intelligence again. I passed class after class but something always felt wrong- like a shadow was following me around. I was living a life built around seeking the approval of others and not one for myself.
And then one day everything changed. My mother handed me a book titled “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. She said that she liked it and maybe I should give it a read. This book became the catalyst for change in my life. I could continue on the somewhat safer path that I was on and allow all of the magic in my life to die before I reached my mid-twenties or I could be brave and go after what I actually wanted. The book clearly warns you that these uncharted paths come with frightening moments, failures and figurative, seemingly unending deserts, but the reward is priceless. You don’t just get to be alive- you get to feel alive.
In the past four years or so since I decided to take the leap into the life that I truly desired I have had moments of feeling uncertain and even completely breaking down out of the fear that I have made a mistake, but it always passes. I always pick myself up and begin the fight anew. I am so thankful.
The many instructors I have taken classes with have pushed me to levels I couldn’t have initially dreamed of. I currently take classes at Theresa Bell’s studio where I have honed my craft and am given a safe environment to continue to grow as an actor every week. I have had the opportunity to work on many great projects, to sign with a wonderful agent, and meet fellow artists who are just as passionate about filmmaking as I am. My husband, Mitch McLeod, pushed me to pursue writing and directing. I now have a project that I am very proud of nearing completion and another script on deck waiting to be produced. I am not just alive- I am living a life that I can look back on and be proud of.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I leapt into this world on the blind faith that my instincts were not leading me astray. I had no one to look to for guidance. If I had one piece of advice for someone newly entering this world it would be that if something feels wrong- walk away. Don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of.
I had taken some classes here and there but I mostly stumbled into some initial roles in horror films that I am very grateful for- something I can only attribute to ‘beginners luck’. I quickly learned that I needed to expand my range in order to get the types of roles that I wanted. Every class that I have taken has left me with at least one invaluable piece of knowledge- but two have been especially influential. Terry Martin’s Meisner workshops taught me the importance of being in the moment, truly listening, and being vulnerable. Theresa Bell’s pitch perfect instruction allowed me to turn what was once a mound of impulses into pointed performances. Over the past two and a half years she has pushed me. When I was forced to encounter another wall within myself I would often go home angry. This feels awful, how can it be right? But I would gather myself, put more work into the scene, go back to class the next week and she wouldn’t allow me to give up until I could easily go places that were a struggle to get to before.
Slow times are also hard to deal with. It’s easy to begin to worry if you will ever book anything again. I have found that it is best when I use these times to read an acting book, work on a skill, or take a class. Become better. Love the work for the sake of the work. When the opportunities start rolling back you will be even more ready than you were before.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jessica Willis – what should we know?
I have been fortunate to work on many fantastic projects over the past year.
The beautiful, coming-of-age film “Willow”, written and directed by Suzanne Racz, recently played at the Women Texas Film Festival and will screened at other events, including the Austin Revolution Film Festival. “The Honeypot”, written and directed by Melissa Munds, was a top 20 selection for the Louisiana Film Prize and will screen there in October.
The drama/horror feature “Silhouette”, written and directed by Mitch McLeod, is nearing completion and will screened this fall before making rounds on the festival circuit. This project is the culmination of many years of hard work. The entire cast and crew was passionate, on point, and poured their souls into this film. I have to give a special shout out to our leading lady- April Hartman- who gives a haunting and heartbreaking performance. I am so proud to have had a part in this and can’t wait for people to see it.
My first project as a writer/director, “Staring Back”, was born out of my frustration and anger over the Brock Turner case. April Hartman, John Bergsten, and Mitch McLeod gave performances that were beyond anything I could have expected and Carlos Garcia Jr. lent his immense talents as a DP and editor. There have been some delays as a result of those infamous post-production pitfalls that many first time film makers encounter- but it will at long last be completed and screened this fall. I hope to go into pre-production for my next project around that time.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have so many people that I need to thank. My parents have always been completely supportive. Every person who has allowed me a part on their project. My friends who held me together when it felt like everything was falling apart. Mitch McLeod for always being either the comfort or the push that I need depending on the day. Every author who wrote a book that instructed or inspired me (I have to especially call out Paulo Coelho and Eckhart Tolle). Every instructor I have taken an acting class with- especially Theresa Bell.
And- you know- every person who has been cruel or tried to make me doubt myself. Sometimes you were just the extra motivation I needed to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessicadwillis@live.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williswillisjes/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActressJessicaWillis/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/willisjessicad?lang=en
Image Credit:
Photos: “Willow”, “Silhouette”, “The Honey Pot”, Joey Borao , Alex Vitte, “Staring Back”
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