Australian Actor Jesse Everett Spills the Truth in Anna Maguire & Leigh Smith’s Indie Short Film, SACRIFICE

indieactivity: Hi Jesse! How did you get connected to this project? Did you have to audition? What do you think you brought to the project that no one else could when it came to Blake?
Jesse Everett (JE): I’ve been fortunate enough to know Leigh personally for quite a few years. When he wrote the first draft of Sacrifice, I read it and was immediately impressed and drawn to the project. Despite my friendship with Leigh, Blake’s character was cast properly for the right person. So I auditioned for Blake with other people and I’m just thankful I got the role.

I hoped to portray Blake with a strong chemistry in the relationship with James. Which is the nucleus of the whole story. Leigh and I worked hard to create a relationship between the characters. One that would capture the audience’s heart and I hope we were able to achieve that.

As the lead cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Jesse Everett (JE): I’m not sure choices really ever ‘work’, that’s always up to interpretation. All I ever want to bring to my work is a uniqueness that comes along with me as a person. I just wanted to commit to my interpretation of Blake, serve the story, and hope audiences enjoyed it.

What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Jesse Everett (JE): Being a heterosexual there was going to be challenges associated with doing justice to a gay relationship. Love should be celebrated in all its forms. I’m deeply passionate about equality. So to be part of a love story that embraces this was fantastic. It was a huge drive in my desire to be a part of the film.

You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Jesse Everett (JE): As an actor, you are always looking and hoping to be a part of wonderful projects. That trying to remain employed. I think when a great project is there you just have to take it. There are wonderful writers and content creators out there. People who are creating amazing films and I just love being a part of them when they come along.

Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Jesse Everett: (JE) Our director Anna was phenomenal to work with. She has an exceptional eye for detail and is wonderful to collaborate with creatively. Her main direction throughout the entire film to me was to not hold back. She asked to be completely free to run with impulses that arose (within the confines of the story of course). Getting that direction from a director just allows you as an actor to be so free in the creative process.

How did you create your character from the ground up?
Jesse Everett (JE): After studying and practicing the craft for many years now. I have a fairly solid process that I undertake when creating any character. It’s important for me to read the script countless times, to begin with. To get a deep understanding of the character and the nuances in the dialogue and point of view. Then I begin to build the world of the character, their history, their life leading up to this point, etc., then I physicalize the character. In a nutshell, my process involves finding out which parts of myself I need to use to give the character flesh, blood, and life, then bringing that to the table and running with it.

As the main cast in the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up?
Jesse Everett: (JE) Oh, one hundred percent there were nerves and fear, at one point after I was told I got the role I was in a state of shock and starting to wonder how I’m going to pull this off. But for me that nervousness and fear have always motivated me to see what I can produce, to push myself beyond my limits and that’s where I truly feel I get my best results. Doing justice to the characters and story however was the most important thing so I could never allow any insecurities I had to jeopardize that, it’s always about the bigger picture so I just buckled down and did my part.

Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Jesse Everett (JE): An important creative choice for me was the intimate goodbye scene between Blake and James, I wanted that to be an extremely powerful part of the film. Creatively I knew at that moment I had to go to a vulnerable place which for Blake is rare to show that softer side. It was an important choice I feel as it allowed the audience to see the cracks in Blake’s Armour and send the message that everyone regardless of their exterior has their weaknesses.

What did you take away from the film production?
Jesse Everett (JE): Sacrifice was just such a whirlwind production, we filmed it over two huge days and it’s just crazy to think we pulled it off. I guess what I took away from this production was when you have a team that is full of passion, anything is possible. Sacrifice was a passion project that resonated with a bunch of creative people and now it’s gone on to make waves around the globe. There is a lot to take away from that.

What do you like most about the creator and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Jesse Everett (JE): I just think the world of Leigh, he lives with his heart on his sleeve and is so incredibly talented. I think the indispensable team that was on board Sacrifice is a credit to Leigh as everyone knew Leigh’s talents and passion and therefore wanted to be a part of it. It was a joy to be on set for the production of the film and I know I speak on behalf of the entire cast and crew when I say that.

What is next for you?
Jesse Everett (JE): For me right now it’s just continuing to push forward on the journey, auditioning for projects, networking, studying, and creating. So far it’s been a busy start to the year with TVC but plenty of other things are in the pipeline!

What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
Jesse Everett (JE): My advice to actors is always simple, do as much as you can. Whether this is learning in an acting class, doing a short film, writing a script with some friends, or filming something on your iPhone, just get out and practice your craft. It is a golden age at the moment with amazing content being created all the time so don’t sit back and wait for the big projects because as proven with Sacrifice, sometimes a small project with a big heart proves to be the winner.

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