Rising film actor Jason Lockhart is carving out a wonderful career path in the entertainment industry that is fueling his desire to act. Lockhart’s tenacious will to achieve his goal is one of his strongest aspects that this publication loves about this talented new actor. Our publication asked Lockhart some tough questions about his quest for stardom, and we were pleased with his answers.
Here is the entire conversation with Lockhart we had in this super cool spotlight. Enjoy!
Isaac: I would like to give you a BIG thank you for agreeing to interview with our publication. I hope that 2011 is going well for you so far. What do you believe has been your biggest/greatest accomplishment in 2010 for your career?
Jason: With a ridiculous amount of hard work and dedication, even in the toughest industry in the world, you CAN achieve your goals… well some of them at least! For example: When I read the “Vampire Boys” script, I badly wanted to play Jasin… ignoring the facts that the character was supposed to be tall, blonde and ripped. So, I rehearsed the hell outta the scenes, bought heightening shoes, hit the gym twice a day, and took in an old headshot of me with bleached hair. I think I wanted the role more than anyone else, and worked hard to get it. That film turned out to be one of, if not the greatest accomplishment of mine from 2010.
Isaac: What is it about acting that incites your passion?
Jason: I like the whole “team effort” process that goes into creating one giant art project. Whether it’s theatre or film, it takes a ton of collaboration to get results, and it’s being part of that bond that really rocks for me. I love looking around a cast and crew and acknowledging all the different talents and skills working and coming together.
Isaac: Will you share your most memorable acting experience to date and what made it so memorable?
Jason: I shot a grocery store commercial in the Midwest a few years ago and when I got to the set they said you’ll be sharing that trailer with “Mark. “ When I walked in, I almost lost my breath as I looked up and saw Mark Hamil sitting Indian style in front of me. There was “Luke Skywalker,” look right at me! It was a long shoot, but a great day, and he was awesome to work with!
Isaac: What can you tell us about your new role in the film Vampire Roles and what drew you to this film and the project?
Jason: No good reason, but I did always wanna play a vampire, and this role came at a great time for me. Vampires are “hot right now” and it’s definitely helping to create a fanbase. Thanks to all of you, btw! My character in Vampire Boys is all over the place. I got to be menacing, seductive, charming and sincere. He’s nearly 100 years old and looking for “The One” who will save himself and free his coven.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with each and every cast & crew member too. The director, Charlie Vaughn, and I have since become great friends. We had worked together before so he was an initial aspect that drew me into the project, but after “Vampire Boys” I feel much more educated on the aspects of filmmaking and creativity… and I have Charlie to thank for that.
Isaac: Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses?
Jason: I’m a huge fan of Michael J. Fox for his comedic energy, consistent believability, and persistent personal achievements. I’m also a Brad Pitt fan. He’s the only actor whose movies I’ll go see, just because he’s in ‘em. He never lets me down with his versatility or ability to pick awesome, thought-provoking projects. And as far as actresses go… my girlfriend, Jacqui Holland, is my favorite… :-)
Isaac: Nice one!
Isaac: What traits do you respect the most in an actor?
Poster for Vampire Boys
Jason: If I’m working with them: professionalism. I’m always early to set, fully memorized and ready to go. I recognize this with excitement when a fellow actor does the same. If it’s an actor I’m watching: choices. I like to see big choices, character traits and actions that came from thinking outside of the box. Daniel Day Lewis is a king when it comes to making big choices.
Isaac: Name two of you favorite series and/or roles that you worked on and why were you attracted to each of the series and the roles you played?
Jason: I’m not totally sure how to answer this one, but I’ll try with this…
One of my favorite series of all time was “The OC.” I’ve seen every episode, more than once. I’ve since become a huge Josh Schwartz fan and am even now a fan of “Gossip Girl”. “The OC” had great characters that really grew over the course of 3 or 4 seasons. They had huge conflicts to deal with and huge arcs to play out. I always watch the “behind the scenes” on the dvd seasons too… so full of info!
The use of music, story-telling and drama as a three-dimensional art have really inspired me. I’ve since created my own show: “The Young & Rebellious” and it’s currently airing on Webisoap.com. This has been one of my favorite projects to date. I took most of my favorite people in Los Angeles and threw them all together, along with a round of auditions and have turned it into a really fun first season. The show spoofs daytime soaps and shows of The CW caliber. I play a dark, womanizing loner named Logan. So stupid, but so fun!
Isaac: What are your career goals for the not too distant future?
Jason: Well, glad you asked! The girlfriend and I have created our own production company: J-Star Pictures (www.jstarpictures.com). We’ve developed some short films and comedy sketches, but just recently went into pre-production for our first feature film. We co-wrote the script, she’s playing one of the leads, and it will be my first undertaking as a director. After being on nearly 20 sets in the past 3 years, I’m really ready and stoked to head in this direction of the industry.
The film is called “The Old Folks Home.” It’s a comedy/horror, slasher-style, set in a retirement community. We’re currently in negotiations with some fantastic, famous, older comedic actors! Michael J. Roth, an executive of Sneak Preview Entertainment (“500 Days of Summer”, “Our Family Wedding”) has just come aboard to produce with us.
Isaac: What are some current and/or upcoming projects you are working on that you can let our readers know about?
Jason: I have 5 feature films coming out this year, but the two I’m most excited about are “Love Like Bullets” and “Aliens Vs. Avatar.” LLB is an action film and I play a comical Mafioso villain named “Rat” opposite Johnny Yong Bosch (The Black Power Ranger). And A Vs. A is fun, sci-fi flick where I play a geeky kid who basically has to save the world.
Also, look for me on TV this summer. I had a really cool Guest Star role on “I Didn’t Know I was Pregnant,” playing a young un-expecting father in a retro, 80’s episode. And, I just shot a crazy episode of “1000 Ways to Die” for Spike TV… doing “jack-ass” style stunts and playing with fireworks… yeah, that’s all I’m gonna say about that… To follow up on me, feel free to see my website: www.jasonlockhart.net/ and/or follow projects on my imdb page: www.imdb.me/jasonlockhart or facebook fan page.
Isaac: What advice do you have for others who are just getting their start in the entertainment business?
Jason: This is a really tough business, filled with rejection and walls… but if you want it bad enough, and work hard enough, you will eventually find your first “yes.” But you can’t stop there, it’s a constant race and the moment you slow down, someone else will speed past you. Know your strengths, use your strengths, and ride your own momentum. You can do this. And never forget to have fun. If YOU aren’t having fun… THEY aren’t having fun!
Isaac: Finally, what part is it that you feel that you were born to play?
Jason: I haven’t played a superhero yet… and it seems they come in all shapes and sizes these days, so hopefully sometime soon! Also, there are some really cool, talented guys in Indiana (Kenny White and Keith Parker) who are planning some sorta remake of Roger Corman’s “A Bucket of Blood.”
I’ve been talking with these guys, admire the film and the love lead role (a nerdy busboy who wants to be an artist and ends up becoming a murderer), so fingers crossed I get to be a part of their project!
Isaac: Best of luck with that one Jason!
Isaac: Leave us with some final thoughts and/or wisdom….
Jason: I’m just incredibly thankful for the life I’m living these days. I’m far from achieving my biggest goals, but always try to stay positive, and do see them in a not too distant future. I’m thankful to have such a wonderful and supportive family, a great girl, great friends, strong team (my manager, Katrina Herlong) and talented colleagues. I do work really hard, but I figure I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Thank you to everyone who read this article. I wish you all the best in achieving your own goals and dreams! Anything is possible, anything.
