Media Man Australia - The Online Home of Greg Tingle

Interview: Kym Jackson, Actor: 31st October 2004

We interview one of Australia's up and coming stars, who may predict is heading straight to the top in her chosen endeavor.

Kym Jackson takes time out of here busy schedule to talk with Media Man.

What motivates you?

the idea of being able to act in films every single day. (Sad, cheesy and cliche', but true)

What do you look for in a director / producer?

In a director I look for someone who has a good eye for lighting and the shots, but trusts their DP enough to leave them and spend time with the actors. With me someone who trusts me and what I'm doing, but will guide me in the direction of where they want the scene to end up.

How did you get your break?

Well, I don't know that I've actually 'broken' yet... I am in the US at the moment which is great, but all of my work here is lined up for next year when I get my visa through. I hope I'll be able to answer that question in a year or two!

What parts of the world has your work taken you?

All around Australia, France, England, Prague, Milan, America, and next year I think I'm heading to Canada...

Tell us about some of our favourite perks?

Perks? Like trailers and free clothes? That's definitely a nice part of the job, but my favorite thing is having someone cook amazing food on set for a few weeks that I get to eat. I can't cook, so it's nice to be doing something other than take out or restaurants every night...

How is the business on your relationships?

Relationwhats? Boys are something I see a lot of from a distance, but I rarely go on more than a second date. I work long hours alot of the time, so I often struggle to find time to even scratch out my phone number.

Who has been most supportive of your career?

My family and my friends have been amazing my whole life. There's not a single person I know who doesn't believe in me, or at least say they do. That gives me strength, knowing that I have so many people who think I've made the right choices so far.

What are the biggest challenges you have overcome?

I've moved three times for work. When I was 17, from Logan to the Gold Coast, at 21, from Surfers to Sydney, then at 22 from Sydney to Los Angeles. It sucks because you leave behind a group of friends whom you are just really getting to know. It's nice heading back and visiting though.

How does the modelling work compliment your acting?

Dude, I'm not a model! I just did the Miss World thing for a joke - I didn't actually think I'd get in! I have done a few photo shoots for publicity, but I've never officially been paid to do a shoot for a magazine or anything. I'd be more than happy to though... geez, stand me over there and pay me a few grand to look cool for five hours - tough job!

Tell us about your sporting and theatre sports endeavors?

Theatre sports rules! We came 2nd in Queensland a few years ago but I haven't had a chance to do it for ages. With sports, I guess rock climbing and jetskiing, though since I've been over here I've had no time for either. I'm signing up for a martial arts class here very soon though - that's one thing I don't want to lose touch with.

What are you favourite types of roles?

Probably dramatic - I tend to bottle up my emotions in real life, and act tough and nonchalant, so when I'm acting, they all get a chance to vent through my characters. I love comedy in a slapstick sort of way, and I'm a massive action film fan. I haven't had a chance to do any, but I'm possibly doing Overnight next year with Redline Films, which would be a great comic/action combination.

What media coverage have you received to date?

Loads of photos at premieres and events in the states. I have had a few Aussie articles done on me, and I just did a photo shoot for Ralph magazine - though it's not coming out till next year. I'm still just starting with alot of this stuff, so the press are still just getting to know me.

How does the Internet assist you?

It's never bad in the entertainment industry to walk into an audition and have the director say 'I know you from ...'. It generally won't get you the part, but it definitely gets you in the door and keeps you there for a little while longer. After that, it's up to you to do good work.

What's the biggest misconception about you?

That I'm in any way girlie. I don't have much of a feminine nature. I like to wear baggy clothes, I hate makeup, my hair is straight, so people always think I've had it blow-dried: wrong, 90 percent of the time, I get out of bed, shower, and leave for work. I'm pretty low maintenance like that.

What's some of your "secrets" of looking so good?

Looking so good? Geez, I don't know. At events it's about an inch of strategically applied makeup and some talented photographers. The rest of the time I think I sit in the pretty scary looking basket!

What's your motto?

It's actually pretty shameful because I read it on a poster when I was about ten years old. It was written under Keanu Reeves picture, but it's stuck with me for some reason: "It's better to regret something that you did do, then to regret something that you didn't". It's funny because the way it's worded truly sounds as though some stoned surfer bum has made it up. I know there are a thousand better ways to phrase that point, but I think that one really sums it up in its simplest form.

What's your star sign?

Cancer.

What do you do to relax?

Play pool and drink many Coronas, or many, many scotch and cokes.

...end.

Editors note: Kym Jackson is one fired up, enthusiastic and motivated actor. Something tells me that we are going to be hearing a lot more from Kym. You read it here first.

Profile

Kym Jackson

Kym Jackson at Fish premier

Websites

Kym Jackson official website

Media Man Australia