Filmmaker and Actress Jessica Anderson on Creating Her Own Path
Emotions are usually at the core of any good story. For actress turned filmmaker Jessica Anderson, emotions run deep in the characters she creates.
Jessica made her directorial feature film debut and stars in the latent coming-of-age film Momma’s Boy, centered around a man’s unhealthy reliance on his mother. The cautionary tale is steeped with romantic comedy and a sci-fi technology twist that audiences won’t see coming.
She also hit the festivals this summer premiering Money Back Guarantee at the LA Shorts International Film Festival. It’s a new satirical suspense-horror short film that chronicles a young woman’s interaction with a desperate spam sales caller.
Originally from Florida, Jessica made her way to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. It was during the pandemic that she turned to creating her own projects, which resulted in the campy comedy noir short film Drunk Detective. With Momma’s Boy now available on Amazon and Google Play from innovative digital distributor Indie Rights, and Money Back Guarantee working the festival circuit, this budding filmmaker isn’t looking back.
What’s Momma’s Boy about?
JESSICA ANDERSON (JA): Momma’s Boy is a latent coming of stage story centered around Dave whose over dependent relationship his mother prevents him from growing up and moving forward in life. The movie is really about the different crutches that we use to prevent us from dealing with problems such as grief and rejection, and how they can keep us stuck.
Where did you come up with the idea for it?
JA: I came up with the idea for the film after getting off the phone with my mom. I worked on some small acting gig and she was so excited for me and really bolstered my ego, even though it was just a tiny thing. She just made it seem like the biggest deal. At first this kind of irritated me, but then I thought how lucky I was that I had someone like that in my life, to always build me up, or make me feel better, just to always have that person on my side. And you know, not everybody has someone like that, but they should.
There’s a twist at the end that is central to the message of the film. What do you hope audiences take away?
JA: The end just cements the theme of the move, that sometimes you need to let crutches go to learn to walk on your own.
This was your feature film directing debut; how was that?
JA: It was great. It was a ton of work, which felt never ending particularly in post. But it was an amazing experience, and filming was one of the best times in my life. I also learned that I’m capable of doing much more than I ever thought I was.
You started as an actress but at what point did you know you wanted to also create your own projects?
JA: Well, I have a background in writing and when I first moved to Los Angeles I had the intention of eventually making films or writing for film. This sort of fell to the waist side for a while as I focused more on just acting. But with the pandemic and being stuck at home, I kind of fell back in love with writing and decided hey why don’t I start on making my own films when everything else is shut down. And so I did.
What types of stories are you interested most in telling?
JA: I just want to tell the stories that speak to me. I kind of get ideas for stories out of nowhere, usually it’s just the ending, or a general concept, and if I can’t get it out of my head then it’s something I want to eventually bring to life in some way. But I guess usually lean toward comedy, horror, or sci fi. Right now, I’m filming another horror short, and I just wrote two screenplays for horror features. So lately my focus has moved more towards horror.
You have another project coming soon called Money Back Guarantee. What can you share about that one?
JA: It’s one part satire, one part horror and it’s a lot of fun. The film explores how we see ourselves and how we can think we’re one way, like being a good person, but then when it actually comes down to it we may not be. Money Back Guarantee was my first horror film, and it made me want to make more. I love horror and I love real effects, and I love gore.
Overall, what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far, and how did you overcome it?
JA: The biggest challenges that I’ve had are rejection and not having the financing to always make the films that I want to make. I can’t say that I’ve fully overcome these challenges yet, but I keep pushing and I make do with what I have and the tools I can use to create my visions. It also doesn’t hurt having a lot of talented friends.
Has anything surprised you about the entertainment industry?
JA: What surprised me the most about the entertainment industry is that it’s hard. Kidding but also kind of not. I naively thought this would be easier, but everything at least for me has been hard and a lot of work. But I think that can be good, as it kind of makes you work harder and work smarter and eventually if you stick with it, you’ll become really good at what you do.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
JA: This is sort of a cumulative piece of advice that I picked up over the years, but it’s something that has really affected my life and helped me in feeling more certain of what I’m doing and who I am. Basically, it’s if you hear something write it down. If you get inspired to do something, do it. If you’re in a flow don’t stop. I’m not a religious person but I believe in purpose, and when you feel these things or hear these things, go with it. I believe it’s spirit, or the universe, or God, or whatever, guiding you to your purpose. And that’s what I feel storytelling is for me.
What inspires you most in your life and career?
JA: What inspires me most creatively/ career wise is watching a great film and certain directors, particularly those who write for their own films. I remember when I was around 8 or 9 my mom showed me Cry Baby, which was my first John Waters’ film, and it made me fall in love with cinema and it sent me into a deep dive of John Waters movies. I mean I watched everything, Desperate Living, Polyester, Female Trouble, and then of course the more mainstream films. And I thought jeez that looks fun, just getting to hang out with your friends all day, telling crazy stories and putting it all on camera. That’s what I want to do.
Connect with Jessica Anderson on Instagram: @itsjesse_anderson
