Victoria G Interviews Valerie Jones Rash

Victoria G: What inspired you to become an actress?

Valerie Jones Rash: It was always in me to perform. As a kid, I used to dress up my two younger cousins and we'd perform skits that had written. I was in several plays through my church and school. Also, my mom made sure that I watched as many of the AFI's Top 100 films as my age would allow. I'm so grateful that she did! I was exposed to a wide variety of incredible films such as ALL ABOUT EVE and ARESENIC AND OLD LACE. They're two of my favorites of all time.

VG: Who are your acting inspirations?

VJR: Bryan Cranston and Emma Thompson. Both are two of the greatest actors of our time but are incredibly down-to-earth. They are passionate about sharing their talents and experiences with other actors-which is a huge gift and a talent unto itself.

VG: What is your favorite thing about acting?

VJR: The people and being on set. Filmmakers tend to be very good at balancing creativity with technical know-how which makes for excellent conversations and close friendships. I've been so lucky to have worked with talented filmmakers who are also just good people. It's also fun to reminisce about memories of making the project while watching the finished product. It adds a whole new dimension to the viewing experience!

VG: What was your first acting job?

VJR: My very first film acting job was a short student film called HEDGECLIPPING through the University of Florida Upstart Film Club in 2007. I was the lead actress (so I was thrown in the deep end!) and created friendships that exist to this day.

VG: What is your favorite project you have ever done?

VJR: Oh no! Don't put me on the spot! Instead of choosing a favorite child, I'm just going to include a shameless plug for my film called CRACKED: THE LAST EGG-STRAVAGANZA. We had an INCREDIBLE cast and crew who each brought their own expertise (and equipment) and surpassed everything that I could ever write in the script. It's on the festival circuit right now, and I couldn't be more grateful to everyone who has shown their support.

VG: What are some qualities you look for in a project?

VJR: I look at the people involved and a great story. When I see a casting notice or am asked to audition for a film, I always look up their production company, previous work and their social media. I've turned down projects due to filmmakers' posts online trash talking others with whom they've worked. It's miserable being on set with egos and negative attitudes, so I stay away from them like the plague. I love roles with unique perspectives. I gravitate toward well-informed writing that speaks to social issues such as mental health and multi-dimensional female roles.

VG: Which character that you have played so far has been the most similar to you?

VJR: I would say a mix between "Joanna" from NEW LOW and "Moira" from CRACKED. Joanna was written for me, and I wrote Moira as a version of myself. Both are good natured with a little bit of spiciness.

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

VJR: Witty, empathetic and creative.

VG: What are your social media handles?

VJR: @valeriejonesrash

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

VJR: I'm always going to act in indie films because I have such a passion for them, but I'm open to all kinds of projects. I'd love to continue my improv training and use it to book more comedies. I also want to explore more writing, editing and directing.

VG: What are three qualities every actor should have?

VJR: I think curiosity, empathy and a strong work ethic go a long way in acting-especially for a working actor. You need an ongoing passion for improving your craft and immersing yourself in the film community.

VG: Do you have any advice for an aspiring actor?

VJR: Learn from every experience-good and bad. Soak up every moment from pre- to post-production and apply that to your career. Look for opportunities to learn from successful people in the industry. I've recently been taking workshops from a very talented casting director in Miami named Lori Wyman (who cast shows such as Miami Vice and Bloodline). I definitely recommend looking up her videos and buying her book. Her expertise and willingness to share it has invigorated my acting career and has given me more confidence in navigating the film industry. Take acting and improv classes! You learn invaluable acting skills and broaden your filmmaker network. DON'T GIVE UP! Being an actor isn't easy. About 90% of it is rejection so don't take it personally if you

don't get a role for which you feel you are perfect. If you keep working and are smart with your choices, the "yesses" will come.

VG: What's next for you?

VJR: I'm currently taking an acting and improv class at Station 12 Studio in St. Pete. I'm loving it and plan on continuing to the higher-level classes. I have a few short films lined up and possibly a feature. I'm also writing three shorts that will hopefully be filmed in the upcoming year.

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Who is a director you would love to work with?

VJR: Tarsem Singh. THE FALL is one of my favorite films because it takes place in a little girl's imagination. The acting, sets, props and costumes are all larger than life. He also seems to be a very collaborative director, which to me seems especially impressive since he has such a unique style.

VG: What is something you can't live without?

VJR: My family and friends. I have an incredible group of people whom I love with all my heart. I'm so grateful to have them in my life and so appreciate their support.

VG: What is your biggest pet peeve?

VJR: Close-mindedness that causes people to be afraid of anything new. It can be a slippery slope that can lead to hate and cruelty. Everyone has a unique perspective which is what makes film a beautiful medium in which to explore those stories.

VG: Do you have any hidden talents?

VJR: I teach both ballroom and belly dance and have been doing both for about 15 years.

VG: Do you play any instruments?

VJR: I can chicken-peck through a simple piano piece, but I can play one hell of a kazoo!

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

VJR: This may be a shocker but watching movies and TV. I'll often watch something purely as an audience member then re-watch it as a filmmaker. It's a lot of fun to have enough film experience to understand the importance and requirements of all the individual parts that come together as a finished piece of art.

VG: Do you have any pets?

VJR: Yes, I have a 10-year-old Rhodesian mix named Kiwi. I wanted to name her something from THE LORD OF THE RINGS, but I felt it might be a little disrespectful to Tolkien if I were to tell a dog named Galadriel to go pee pee. So, I opted for the national bird of New Zealand where the films were made.

VG: What is your biggest fear?

VJR: Not living my life with authenticity due to a fear of being judged or feeling inadequate.

VG: What is your favorite film genre?

VJR: Anything about THE LORD OF THE RINGS! (I consider that to be a genre all by itself LOL)! I also love mockumentaries, and BEST IN SHOW is my favorite of the Christopher Guest films.