Vanessa Jarrard is another of the emerging acting talents cast in Whit Whitman’s soon-to-be-released comedy-horror Smokee. Vanessa plays the role of Evie Smith, a young wife who attends a marriage counseling retreat that sets the stage for the emergence of the film’s antagonist and titular character. Although Vanessa has stage experience, this is her film debut.
Evidently, Vanessa’s performance impressed director Walt Whitman, as he has also cast her in his next film, which has not yet been announced. Also impressed with Vanessa was veteran actress and Scream Queen icon, Lynn Lowry, who stars in Smokee in the role of Serena Van Derloo. Learn more on Vanessa in the following interview, which is also the first interview of her film career, so you’ve heard about her here first! Above photo of Vanessa with her pet snake, Jasper, courtesy of Vanessa herself.
VANESSA JARRARD: My characters name is Evie Smith. She is married to Zach Smith (played by Jonathan Licata) and their relationship feels like it is coming to an end for her. She feels no spark with him and feels like they can’t seem to get it right. She’s essentially tired of him and has tried her best to push him away. His last attempt to reach her is to bring her to a marriage counseling retreat in hopes to bring back their spark.
CHRIS: Did you have to audition for the role?
VANESSA: I didn’t audition for the role, Whit casted the characters that he believed suit us best. Which I think is a super fun way to cast people!
CHRIS: Have you already appeared in some promo content for the film?
VANESSA: I did appear in the trailer. I think that was awesome.
CHRIS: Where was the film shot?
VANESSA: The film was shot at Lockridge Park in Lexington Kentucky It is such a gorgeous place!
CHRIS: I see Destiny Elexis is also in that film and you have worked with her before?
VANESSA: I have not actually. This was my first time working with her, we both got put in a cabin together, along with Rachel Atterholt and we all just clicked! Destiny definitely helped me a lot with my anxieties and I believe I have made some lifetime friends!
CHRIS: Had you worked with anyone else in the cast or crew of Smokee before?
VANESSA: I have not. This was my first time in a movie! I have done theatre and media classes in high school but that’s about it.
CHRIS: When did you first become interested in acting?
VANESSA: I first became interested in acting when I was in high school. I was a super quiet and shy kid who didn’t talk to anyone unless they talked to me. Sophomore year I auditioned for Charlotte’s Web and got casted as “The Little Lamb” and I instantly knew that this is my passion. Being on stage actually helped me come out of my shell, I was in more plays and musicals and did media class and filmed so many projects. Those things actually kept me in school as well. I had such a blast!
CHRIS: Do you remember the very first line you spoke on film?
VANESSA: Yes, I actually do. It’s my favorite line, actually. I say; “or we’ll just end up killing each other before the weekend is over,” which is funny to me because it shows she’s already over him. He dragged her to this random place in the woods for a marriage counseling retreat and she doesn’t think that this will work.
VANESSA: Yes! I love Halloween and horror movies! Filming in horror movies is even more fun too! My top on the list to be film in is horror and drama.
CHRIS: Is there anyone in indie horror, on either side of the camera, you’d particularly like to work with?
VANESSA: I’d honestly love to work with Lynn Lowery again! She was so sweet and kind to me. She actually said that I reminded her of how she was when she was younger and those words coming from a Scream Queen is such an honor!
CHRIS: Are you currently working on a new film?
VANESSA: Yes I am working with Whit Whitman again here soon. I’m so excited to post the details of the future film! I’d love to do more films on camera in the future with other people as well and I am open to opportunities!
CHRIS: As this goes to press, Halloween is fast approaching and this year, it will fall on a Saturday. What are your plans?
VANESSA: I want to throw a little house party get together with my family and friends and hope that I’ll be able to do that!
CHRIS: I understand you have a pet snake?
VANESSA: Yes I do! He is a ball python and his name is Jasper. It’s actually a funny story on how I got him. I went to a party with one of my friends and the person that was throwing the party needed to get rid of him and the more beverages I had, the more of a great idea it was to buy him. Long story short; I woke up the next morning and realized I wasn’t dreaming and actually bought a snake! I wouldn’t have it any other way though I love him so much!
CHRIS: Do you have any hobbies or skills that only those who are close to you would know about?
VANESSA: I love to sing it’s always been another passion of mine. Everyone I sing in front of tells me that they like my singing. One time I went to a local karaoke bar and people told me they literally got chills. I felt super amazing and grateful they thought that. I don’t sing very often but when I do it’s so fun! I also dabble in the piano. There was a piano in the main building and I would play it during my free time when we weren’t filming.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll that you again for doing this for Idol Features, Vanessa. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
VANESSA: Shout out to my cabin mates, Destiny Elexis McClendon and Rachel Atterholt! I miss you guys!!
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. A former Xanga blogger ("Xangan"), Chris is still in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco. Besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
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