What is it about the entertainment business that you enjoy the most?
I think there are really two main things. First, I love the opportunity to act and to portray characters with different background experiences. I really enjoy bringing them to life from the pages of a script. The second is the chance to meet some really amazing artists who have so many unique life experiences to share and learn from them.
You gained recognition for your lead role in “All Square” opposite Emmy nominated actors Michael Kelly (House of Cards) and Pamela Adlon (Better Things. What led you to this role?
There was a nationwide audition for this role with many talented young actors trying out for the part. The script was really so rich, and the character that I played had so many layers and complexities to him that I knew I really wanted this role, since you often do not get that sort of opportunity as a young actor. On top of all that, the chance to work with brilliant veteran actors such as Michael and Pam was really a dream for me.
You have gained many awards for your own films. Tell us more.
Well, All Square had won best narrative film at SXSW, and I was also honored with a Best Actor award for that performance from a different film festival. I eventually wrote and developed my own short film The Talent Show which debuted at several film festivals. It was a comedy where I played five different characters and the performance won awards at a couple of festivals. I guess from all of this you can tell I have become a huge fan of film festivals.
| How did you get involved in film festivals? One of my films, All Square, was an amazing independent film that made its debut at the SXSW Film Festival, where it won best narrative film. As a young actor, having a chance to debut your film before such a large audience and the chance to discuss the making of the movie for everyone, was just such an absolute thrill and honor. I was hooked immediately at that amazing festival- but not just as an actor and presenter. I spent any free time that I had during the festival going to watch dozens of great independent films and participating in the discussion sessions afterwards. I was simply blown away by that experience. That week made me realize there is simply nothing better than being part of a film festival and immersing yourself with an audience to watch and discuss a film with the filmmakers and actors. |
What has been your favorite role?
I really have been blessed to be able to play many different characters and I am kind of attached to all of them- but I really did love the role of David that I did for a film called Such a Funny Life. David was a young boy faced with an abusive father and a mother who battled mental illness. Yet, he was still able to find humor in life- a good lesson for us all.
Tell us about the Fire Island Film Festival.
The Fire Island Film Festival really just started out as a crazy dream during COVID. I wanted to build a film festival that was dedicated to creating a platform for young filmmakers and actors and to give them a chance to share their visions and a platform to exchange their ideas and grow. I also thought that if these artists had a chance to work together, to not only celebrate independent film but also to collectively use the film festival as a vehicle to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, that it could help so many people on so many different levels. I am truly excited about uniting everyone to celebrate film, fundraise for St. Jude’s, and learn more as to why Fire Island is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am so thankful for those who trusted me to showcase their work and to of course my parents for letting me see where this amazing journey would lead.
What have you learned while organizing the film festival?
I have learned a great deal about the business side of the industry in terms of production, financing, and marketing. From a personal perspective, I have probably learned most from watching the many dozens of submissions from foreign filmmakers who made their films from places as far as China and Iran. Watching these filmmakers tell their stories in so many different ways and languages led me to realize that people are actually quite similar in their hopes and dreams, despite their geographic or linguistic differences. No matter where the filmmaker was from, they each tried to share a movie that focuses on the human spirit, something universal to everyone.
Share your mission for young filmmakers.
The goal of the Fire Island Film Festival is to create opportunities for filmmakers and actors to come together to share their story and to recognize their accomplishments. We just had our first festival and it was an incredible success. We had nearly 300 filmmakers submit their films and we selected 8 truly beautiful ones to be screened. The directors and stars associated with the films came to discuss them with the audience, and we were blessed with amazing industry veteran actors such as Isiah Whitlock and Robert John Burke who were in attendance to help celebrate independent film.
Giving back is very important to you. Tell us about your work to help kids.
I became very emotionally involved with St Jude’s a few years ago after watching many documentaries about their amazing work. I decided to donate my salary from one of my films to purchase different holiday gifts for the children, who really are the ultimate heroes. The Film Festival hopefully provides us with an opportunity to expand that support even further.
| What are your goals/aspirations for the next 6-months? I have several goals. One is to expand the Fire Island Film Festival even further so that more filmmakers can come to share their amazing work and join our growing art-oriented community. I also want to continue exploring great new acting roles so I can continue to be challenged and grow as an actor. It is also a very big year for me in high school so I want to focus hard on all of my classes since my school work is also very important to me. Lastly, I want to continue writing as much as I can. Social Media – https://fifilmfest.com www.facebook.com/JesseRSheps insta: @jesserayofficial https://www.jessesheps.com |
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