Joette Waters
She played in Stephen Tramontana’s Dollar Baby A Very Tight Place as Ginny Grunwald.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Joette Waters: I am an actor and an acting coach. I enjoy coaching performers to bring out the best in them and helping them express themselves on and off the stage and screen.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Joette Waters: I fell in love with theater when I was in High School. I was a very shy kid and acting brought me out of my shell. Although it frightened me, when I was asked to play bold, self-assured people for roles, I discovered that ultimately became bolder and more confident in life as well.
SKSM: How did you become involved in A Very Tight Place Dollar Baby film?
Joette Waters: I had worked with Stephen Tramontanna and Angry Mule Prods. in two other films. Whenever they call I`m in! I love working with this group, we are like a family.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Joette Waters: I think audiences love a good story of revenge. Especially one with suspense and humor! The characters involved are loveably despicable. You may find you are not sure who`s side you`re on.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Joette Waters: I am fortunate that the role was written with me in mind. I had such a good time playing my dark side!
SKSM: You worked with Stephen Tramontana on this film, how was that?
Joette Waters: What I enjoy most about working with Stephen is that he is what you might call an “actor`s director”. When an actor is working with him we get his total attention. He makes sure that communication is clear and that we are on the same page as far as what direction the scene needs to go. In rehearsal he steps back and lets the actor “play “to see what we come up with and then we adjust form there. He creates a very safe environment on set for maximum creativity. Aside from that, he`s a cool human.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Joette Waters: Seeing our fabulous makeup artist and prop master Catherine Woods continually “freshen up” Danny with Poop. Funny stuff!
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Joette Waters: Stephen, Jen and I keep in touch as well as actor Ron Beecher who is an old friend. Danny I had planned to hang out sometime but then COVID hit. Unfortunately, socializing is a bit slowed down right now.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Joette Waters: I am so grateful to be working during these difficult times. I just finished shooting a web series on Zoom. I am also directing a short Zoom film. I am acting in a couple of short films and scheduled to shoot a heartwarming feature film in Michigan next fall. Things are starting to pick up in the commercial world as well.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Joette Waters: Yes, very much so. I especially enjoyed the book 11/22/63 being a fan of time travel stories.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Joette Waters: I sang in a Swing Band for 25 years.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Joette Waters: I`d like to thank the fans for all their support and I hope that they enjoyed watching “A Very Tight Place” as much as we have enjoyed working on it!
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Joette Waters: Thanks for inviting me.
