DERBY – Derby Middle School student Jaelynn Dwyer was in Pennsylvania in February to attend the premiere of “Angelica,” an independently-produced short film she acted in.
She stars as the title character!
The Valley Indy conducted the following Q&A with Jaelynn over email.
Valley Indy: What’s your age and grade?
Jaelynn: “I’m 13 and in eighth grade at Derby Middle School.”
Valley Indy: The short film is called “Angelica” What’s it about?
Jaelynn: “It’s about a group of teenagers who mess with paranormal stuff when they probably shouldn’t.”
Valley Indy: How did you get involved in the movie and where did it film?
Jaelynn: “I had a role in a movie called ‘Laugh,’ and the special effects artist on that movie had this film ‘Angelica’ that he wrote and wanted to direct. He called my dad and asked if I could send in an audition video and after that he asked if I’d like to do this role. Of course I said yes, so we went to Pennsylvania to film it last summer.”
Valley Indy: You were an actress in the movie? Have you acted prior to?
Jaelynn: “Yes, Last year I played a Russian girl named Alexi in a movie ‘Laugh’ which isn’t out yet. I was also in ‘She Came from the Woods’ and did a background scene in ‘Founders Day.’ And I was in a documentary called ‘Dressing up Halloween, The Story of Ben Cooper, Inc.’ (which is now available on Amazon Prime).
Valley Indy: Who is your character and how did you prepare for the role?
Jaelynn: “My character is Angelica and I kind of just thought about what my character would do while I got my makeup put on and then practiced a few times before we shot.”
Valley Indy: What was the work like? Hard? Easy? Fun?
Jaelynn: “It’s just fun to be doing something that I like and each set I’ve been on is so different.”
Valley Indy: What was the coolest thing about working on a short film?
Jaelynn: “Definitely seeing how things are done behind the scenes, like the special effects and stuff.”
Valley Indy: You attended the premiere? What was that like?
Jaelynn: “That was exciting and nerve wracking when I had to go up and answer questions in front of the audience.”
Valley Indy: Do you do any filmmaking of your own here in Derby?
Jaelynn: “My dad made a short film with me and my brother in it for a film class he was taking and that was in Derby and the scenes I did for the documentary were shot in Derby but everything else I’ve been in was somewhere else.”
Valley Indy: What’s your favorite movie and why?
Jaelynn: “Probably ‘Trick ‘r Treat‘ because I’ve always liked the character Sam. I really liked ‘The Substance‘ last year because it was cool and gross. I also really liked ‘Hustle‘ with Adam Sandler because it shows how important hard work is.”
Valley Indy: Do you have anything upcoming?
Jaelynn: “Just the ones I already mentioned but Tom, who directed ‘Angelica,’ mentioned he might have something else coming up for me.
Valley Indy: Sibling and parent names?
Jaelynn: “I have a little brother, Owen, who is in fifth grade at Bradley School. He did voice work in ‘She Came from the Woods,’ and was also in that documentary. My mom and dad are Jen and Larry Dwyer.”