Jan Nelson
She played in Vanessa Ionta Wright‘s Dollar Baby Rainy Season as Laura Stanton.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Jan Nelson: I’m a former college theatre professor and free-lance actress.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Jan Nelson: I used to sit and watch the Ted Mack Ameteur Hour when I was probably around 6 or 7 years old and dreamt of performing one day.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rainy Season Dollar Baby film?
Jan Nelson: I saw an open audition notice and sent my headshot and reel to Vanessa. I then got asked to come and audition live.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Jan Nelson: I think Vanessa did a great job of creating suspense rather than gore. So many films today go for the sensationalism rather than building the story. Rainy Season is similar to a story by Shirley Jackson, called The Lottery, which I used to teach to high school students.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Jan Nelson: I auditioned.
SKSM: You worked with Vanessa Ionta Wright on this film, how was that?
Jan Nelson: Vanessa was very organized and used everyone’s time well.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Jan Nelson: Sorry, I can’t really think of anything. I was only on the shoot one day.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Jan Nelson: Vanessa updates us all on FB regarding festivals she has entered with the film, etc.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Jan Nelson: I just moved to the Tampa área and am working on getting connected in the film and commercial industries here.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Jan Nelson: Sort of – I’m not a fan of gorey stuff, but his work always has interesting psychological aspects.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Jan Nelson: While I attended grad school for my MFA in Acting, I worked part-time as a radio DJ. I also am a song writer (melody and lyrics) and have collaborated on 2 full-length musicals.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Jan Nelson: Can’t think of anything.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Jan Nelson: I don’t have anything else to add that I can think of.
