Actor Jamie Jung Proves a Rebel in Two New Indie Projects

Samantha Blackwell recently interviewed actor Jamie Jung — who stars in the indie film “Monday” and the TV series “Rebel Without A Crew” which was part of a contest from director Robert Rodriguez.

Actor Jamie Jung brings action, comedy and a rebellious nature to not only one but two new indie projects. After growing up on a number of U.S. Air Force bases around the world, he studied acting at Queen Mary College of the University of London before landing in New York.

Jung has performed in Off-Broadway revivals and regional Theatre premieres, including productions with the ReGroup Theatre Company and the Southwest Regional premiere of Hand to God.

Now based in Los Angeles, Jung stars in the new indie action-comedy feature “Monday,” from writer-director Alejandro Montoya Marin. Premiering recently at SXSW, the project was part of a contest from famed director Robert Rodriguez, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout indie film “El Mariachi.” The cast and crew shot the project in 14 days on a budget of $7,000, all the while being filmed for the docu-series “Rebel Without A Crew: The Series,” currently airing on Verizon’s Go90.

indieactivity: How did you get into acting?
Jamie: I stumbled into acting when I was welcomed to transfer into the drama department of my college at the University of London. I had struggled to identify with a career but found through the program that acting had been a part of my life all along.

Jamie Jung in Monday

indieactivity: What helps you create a character?
Jamie: Every character is unique and so is every film set. One constant and one very satisfying part of my job as an actor is to build and form a personal relationship with my character. I first study a director’s films and his influences. I see the character as he is performed. I then look for him in real life. I use research to build confidence and then I imagine myself in the given circumstances. I can finally begin to explore the character and play.

indieactivity: Is there a specific moment when you know you’re fully prepared?
Jamie: Once I’ve developed my character and I’m comfortable with the confidence he has to navigate his relationships and situations directly or indirectly referenced in the screenplay, I feel prepared and I am eager to introduce myself to the world of the film as the variables that are actors, locations, wardrobe, props, etc. are introduced

indieactivity: Briefly explain your role in the new film “Monday.”?
Jamie: “Monday” is the story of a lovable loser who gets fired from his office job, dumped by his girlfriend, and abducted by a pair of weapon-wielding assassins. Aren’t Mondays the worst?

indieactivity: What was your first impression of Jim?
Jamie: Jim goes through all the emotions and has a great character arc. You have to be rooting for this character to survive, to fight back, and even to take charge. I have an openness and positivity that I bring to my characters. I knew that I could help the audience empathize with a character who his boss, his best friend, and his girlfriend abandon. They have their reasons! But to help you see Jim’s potential and to fully realize his inner strength by the film’s climax was a challenge in itself that I relished.

indieactivity: Did it affect your work also having a TV crew following you around while shooting the film?
Jamie: The Rebel crew blended right in, for me. They were incredibly accommodating and supportive. It was a real privilege to have our filmmaking process be so thoroughly documented and to have the voice as an actor to express my experiences and my support for our team and micro budget filmmaking.

indieactivity: How do you keep your performance fresh during long hours on set?
Jamie: I have to trust in the work that I’ve done. I prepare my body for the energy of the scene. But it’s important to relax and to be careful not to burn out mentally or emotionally. Your truth must be held on to. Otherwise lies are apt to slip out

indieactivity: What’s the best advice a director ever gave you?
Jamie: I was in an Equity play and the director wouldn’t allow me to look away from the eyes of my scene partner. She demanded that I say the lines my character has to say directly into the eyes and face of the actress who was playing my mother.

It was very painful to deliver such lines. It was crucial to the story. But it was uncomfortable for me as a person. I learned that there are certain things that you can explore as a character that may play into your comfort zone as a human being. Even though I am a conservatory trained actor, having that partner outside of the scene is crucial to finding those moments and developing as an actor.

indieactivity: Any other tips for actors you’d like to share?
Jamie: Do the work. But open yourself up, relax, and play. Acting isn’t a science. Make yourself confident by exploring your character fully and alone. Don’t then be precious. Be present.

Jamie Jung at SXSW

indieactivity: What would you like to change about the business?
Jamie: Where Hollywood largely relies upon filmmaking fitting into a business model, indie films rely on passion and faith alone. I would love for the Rebel Without A Crew film/TV project to be one of many opportunities where studios routinely greenlight indie films and support indie filmmaking teams. There are too many voices and too many important stories that need to be heard.

Decision-makers have a responsibility to have faith. To finance a low-budget independent film is little risk for a studio. To finance a low-budget film independent of a studio can be extremely challenging. Film is an art form that deserves to be accessed by every global citizen and helps us all build up our capacity for empathy.

indieactivity: Who is your creative idol and what do you love about their work?
Jamie: I truly idolize independent film directors like Robert Rodriguez and Sean Baker. They strip away the obstacles and are so clever and creative with the tools at their disposal. There are many stories and styles of storytelling that big budget films cannot or will not present. These filmmakers’ strengths lie in their ability to tell alternative story. They can tell important and engaging stories that demand that they be viewed through and are serviced by an alternative lens. They have truly built their careers brick by brick. It is a testament to will. To adversity itself. It’s not easy. But now I know in my bones that it is possible.

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