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Actor Jason
Burkey stars as the ultimate best friend in the life-affirming film “October
Baby,” which released nationwide on March 23rd. The film marks the
debut of award-winning directors Jon and Andrew Erwin and also stars Rachel
Hendrix, John Schneider, Jasmine Guy and American Idol finalist Chris Sligh.
Check out
my interview with rising star Jason Burkey.
CHRIS: Can you tell us about your role in
the film?
JASON: October Baby follows the journey of
Hannah, a beautiful young woman who discovers that she's adopted and the
survivor of a failed abortion. I play the role of JASON, her childhood best
friend who encourages her to take a road trip to find answers about her past.
My character is with Hannah every step of the way and really becomes the one
truth that she has to hold on to throughout her journey.
CHRIS: How did you get involved in this
project?
JASON: I, along with a handful of the
October Baby cast and crew, had the chance to film a television pilot that the
Erwins produced/directed back in 2009. Unfortunately, the pilot didnt get
picked up, but we had formed such a tight-nit family on that set that we knew
we wanted to work together again. So a year later, the Erwins said "we're
getting the band back together" and they sent us the script for October
Baby.I was immediately onboard, not just because I wanted to work with the
Erwins again but it was also a compelling story.
CHRIS: Do you look for projects that have
a social message?
JASON: Not necessarily. That's the cool thing
about this movie is that it's not forcing some agenda down the audience's
throat. It's simply telling a good, compelling story. It's a film that has
universal themes of hope, love and forgiveness that everyone can connect with;
it just also happens to be a story about an abortion survivor
CHRIS: Any interesting stories from the
set?
JASON: Oh there are plenty [laughs]. One
that comes to mind was the day we filmed in a prison; a WORKING prison.
Apparently we had lost this other location to film and at the last minute we
found this active prison to film these scenes in. All the inmates were on the
bottom floor while we filmed on the top floor. That was interesting.
CHRIS: What’s surprised you most about
this project?
JASON: I think the biggest surprise about
this project is the response we've gotten from audiences. This was a small
independent movie that ended up as #8 in the country after opening weekend.
That's not normal. Word is spreading about the film, people are connecting with
it in such a real way, it's incredible to be a part of something that moves
people like that.
CHRIS: What else do you have coming up?
JASON: I’m taking it as it comes. It’s
what you do as an actor. You’re waiting to see what’s around the corner, but
you’re constantly working on your craft in the meantime. There are a few other
independent features I worked on last year that are scheduled to be released
this year in the festival circuit and on DVD. I keep my website up to date with
what I'm working on as well: http://www.jasonburkey.ne t |
