Following the premiere of BYUtv movie Shoelaces For Christmas a little earlier this month, we caught up with actress Jessica Morris to find out a little bit more about her life in the entertainment industry, other projects she has in the pipeline, and what she'll be getting up to over the festive season. Read on to find out what she had to say...
Can you tell us a little bit about your new movie Shoelaces For Christmas and the role you play?
It is an inspirational family film set around Christmas time. My character, Jan Miller, is the mother to a spoiled teenaged girl who undergoes a major internal transformation after my character gets sick with cancer.
Can you tell us a little bit about the experience filming this movie, and your time on set?
It was such a positive experience. The entire cast and crew were so sweet and professional, and I felt so taken care of and encouraged on this set.
Do you enjoy Christmas and this festive time of the year? What will you be getting up to over the holiday period?
I do love the holidays but there can be so much pressure on people to make them perfect that it can be easy to forget the point of the holiday to begin with. But I do get into decorating a tree and making Christmas cookies.
You've been keeping busy as you're also starring as a lead in Art of the Dead; what can you tell us about that?
It is like a dark and twisted fairytale. I end up sort of playing three versions of my character in this film, but I don’t want to give away why that is.
Then there's the horror thriller The Onania Club from Tom Six; what was it like working with Tom on this project?
Tom knows exactly what he wants. He is an original for sure and has such creative vision. But is, at the same time, flexible and easy to collaborate with actually. I enjoyed working with him a great deal.
Not much has been said about the plot of the film; is there anything you can share about what to expect?
They are being very secretive so far. All I can say is that it is about a group of wealthy women in Los Angeles who have some serious issues.
Have you always been a big fan of horror and thrillers? What are some of your favorites?
Horror movies have always scared me too much to watch. They would give me nightmares for weeks.
You're clearly very busy right now, but if you could choose to star in any other project, TV or movies, what would you choose and why?
I would love to be on a drama like The Handmaid’s Tale. A show that makes people think and that gives me a chance to delve into some deep material.
How do you like to unwind? If you ever do indeed get the opportunity!
I enjoy writing, yoga, hiking and just spending time with my friends.
What would you say have been some of your biggest career highlights to-date?
They have all been wonderful! One moment is not better than another. Just different. I’m always looking forward.
And finally, what advice do you have for other women hoping to carve a career in this industry?
I think it’s natural and more than okay to be in touch with your sexuality as an artist. It’s a huge part of who we are as people. But many times, especially as a younger actress, you are expected to take your top off and to put yourself in the position of being a sexual object for distribution purposes and money. Sex sells. I guess my advice is to think before taking roles that may put you into that limited box. There are more and more strong roles for women that are becoming available to us. Thinking of the big picture of your career and of having longevity is important.
Jessica's new movie The Wrong Teacher premieres on the Lifetime Movie Network on December 28.