Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together, a new toe-tapping music
filled lesbian rom-com, is out on DVD now. DIVA spoke to lead
actress Jacqui Jackson who plays Jamie in the film. This is what
she had to say…
Can you summarise the story of Jamie and Jessie Are Not
Together?
The film is about two women who have been friends for a long
time. Jessie is harbouring a very intense crush on Jamie and Jamie
is completely oblivious to it. The film follows them as Jessie
tries to navigate around her feelings. Jamie is preparing to leave
town and move to New York so the clock is ticking.
Can you relate to the story at all from your personal
experiences?
Whilst we were in production Wendy Jo (writer and director)
asked for a lot of personal stories and input. We got together and
had coffee dates to talk about our lives and experiences, which
eventually ended up in the film.
I can really relate to being in love with a best friend, I think
it happens to a lot of people. You feel so strongly about your
friends and love them as friends that you start to question if it
is something deeper.
You live in New York, did that influence your take on
the story?
I had just moved to New York from Chicago while we were filming.
I had a lot to work with as far as that feeling of the big move,
anxiety and a huge life change. I felt very ready to move and also
nostalgic for Chicago and that helped with filming.
In the film you sing and act. Did you find it odd
bursting into song mid-sentence?
I've been in musicals and choirs in high school. The singing
itself wasn't strange, but I've never done it on film. Cameras can
be invasive, in your face, moving around. It's a different audience
than people who sit in their seats and politely watch the
musical.
What would you do if you found yourself in your
character Jamie's position?
I would try to be nicer than Jamie! I think when someone has
feelings for you it's a tender and lovely thing. If you don't
return those feelings then you have to be as nice as possible. You
have to take care of each other, we're all damaged.
Are you gay in real life? If so, do you find it
difficult working in the film industry?
I identify as queer. It is difficult to be someone who appears
to be different. I cut off all my hair recently and I've found that
it's a lot more difficult to find parts being a person who is
female, but has short hair and wears collared shirts and ties to
auditions. It doesn't fit into a standard that a lot of roles call
for. There's also just not a lot of roles for queer women. If you
don't have the standard femme beauty it can be a lot more
difficult.
You volunteer at human rights projects, what can you
tell us about that?
While I was at university I took some classes that really opened
my eyes to the struggle of transgender people in the prison system.
They are put into situations that are very dangerous for them and
treated in such a way that is very harmful. They are denied the
kind of medical care that they need. It's something that needs a
lot of attention and work. There are solutions that are being
ignored.
What would be your dream film to work on?
I think it would be really great to put together a group of
really funny ladies and make a Monty Python style sketch. Something
along the lines of Robin Hood and men in tights, but with
girls.
What's next for you?
Right now I am working on paying my rent!
Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together is available now at
DIVAdirect for £12.99
Buy it here
