Tracey Birdsall talks Thomas Baldinger’s Comedy, Who’s Jenna…?

Tracey Birdsall and Bill Sorvino in scene from Who’s Jenna

indieactivity: Seems we’ve been talking about this film for a while now – but all independent films are like that, right? They take a while to come together?
Tracey: I’ve worked in both extremes in independent film. Some never see the light of day, some take a while to get completed and find distribution, and some are really quick out the door. It really all comes down to experience with film, as the more seasoned filmmakers quite often already have a marketplace and an audience – not to mention the skills necessary to complete the task.

indieactivity: How long has it been?
Tracey: It’s been two years since we shot Who’s Jenna…? For a first time full-length feature for Tom Baldinger, I think he did a really nice job getting it completed and distributed in that timeframe. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

indieactiivty: And has the cut of the film changed much over that time?
Tracey: Although I have copies of the DVD, I haven’t had a moment to watch it so I can’t really say! I’ve been in high gear shooting another sci-fi/action film which between shooting, recovering and preparing – leaves little down time!

indieactivity: And why this film? What was it about this one that had you jumping through hoops to get involved?
Tracey: I wouldn’t say I jumped through hoops, as this film came together more smoothly. I met the director at a film festival where I was receiving an honorable award, he introduced himself and later followed up with the script and an offer. The comedy was a breath of fresh air and a role I really wanted to bring to life, so we penned a deal and it all came together smoothly.

Tracey Birdsall and Bill Sorvino at lunch in Who’s Jenna

indieactivity: And is the character anything like you?
Tracey: I guess a good place to begin is that I would never plan on going to a bar with friends to meet a guy, let alone plan on starting a relationship from there! I focused more on our differences, as that’s where character creation comes into play. Some similarities are bound to exist, but I try to create away from my self as much as possible – that’s the fun in living another life and sharing in their experiences.

indieactivity: What was the first scene you shot, can you remember?
Tracey: I really can’t remember… I had just wrapped another film the week before, so I can’t really remember shot orders later on. When you’re carrying a couple hundred pages of dialogue in your head, you’re a little too busy to get nostalgic (just saying…!)

indieactivity: How important is the chemistry between you and Bill Sorvino?
Tracey: It’s funny, as it was crucial. That said, we hadn’t met prior to the make-up room! I don’t think either of us was worried about it as we are both professionals, but it was a real treat when we hit it off so well. It certainly made our jobs a lot easier!

indieactivity: Is there a sequence in the latest movie that you’re truly proud of, one you can genuinely step back from and say ‘wow, that looks great’! I’m great in this scene!?
Tracey: I always look at my characters as third parties right from the get-go. That said, the scene where Jenna and Jonathan profess their love for each other was my favorite scene I was involved in. It’s magical to watch.

indieactivity: Where did you shoot the movie? Do you believe the city is as much a star of the movie as the human players?
Tracey: We shot this film in New Jersey, which is certainly a focal point. I do believe that the film could have been shot anywhere however, as it is character-driven. New Jersey gives it the location flavor for sure, but it’s over-shadowed by the performances in the cast. Bill Sorvino, Garry Pastore, Joseph D’onofrio… all brilliant.

Follow Tracey Birdsall on Social Media
Website
IMDb
Facebook
Twitter
Google+