JUDI JOHNSON TALKS LOVE OFFSIDE

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

In ‘Love Offside’, you play Camille Hart, Cami, a physical-therapist risking her reputation, and soon also her heart rhythm, helping a rugby star in need. How did you navigate both the romantic and dramatic sides of this story and character?

My approach to both the romance and the drama of this story was simple, I agreed. I agreed to my character’s challenges, insecurities, strengths, vulnerabilities, dreams, and ambitions, as well as to the overall story of becoming. Aren’t we all in a process of becoming, whether good or bad? I see myself in Cami, with her desire to grow, to contribute, to matter, and ultimately to be seen.

How did you and Mike Merrill end up creating the undeniable on-screen chemistry we see?

As for the on-screen chemistry, I cannot speak for Mike’s process, but I already had a deep respect for him. Mike is larger than life. He brings smiles and laughter to everyone around him. For me, the chemistry came from that genuine adoration. And I carried that care into my performance. It was easy to fall for him on-screen, because he is so lovable off-screen.

Do you think that magic can appear between any actors or does it still rely on a natural spark?

I have never really thought of magic being “created” between actors. To me, if you are magic, you share it, and when two actors are individually magical, their work together becomes profound. I hope that makes sense. I believe that we are beings created to love from within, and for me, magic is love.

Camille sees a chance to step into her power. Looking back on your own trajectory, what was it like first moving to Los Angeles, to "Hollywood", finding your footing there?

Moving to Los Angeles felt less like stepping into power and more like giving this profession one last chance. Truthfully I thought, “I’m giving this relationship one last shot”, that didn’t feel very powerful, at the time. But life reminded me that true power lies in decision. The hardest thing we can do is decide. I am grateful I made the decision to come to LA, it has taught me so much about myself as a person and as an artist. By no means do I feel I’ve “arrived”, I keep my head down, focused on the opportunities ahead, knowing each decision shapes the next chapter of my career and life. For me, the moment I think I’ve arrived is the moment it’s over.

Your sister competed in Miss Jamaica, was that also how you started modeling. Was there a bit of elder sister-influence at play?

My sister, Cheri Moonasingh, was absolutely the sole influence on my desire to pursue this profession. I remember watching her light up the TV screen when she competed in the Miss Jamaica-pageant. She was so glamorous, I was in awe. Cheri showed me a life I might explore and I remind her often how much she inspired me.

Was acting also always part of the same journey or is it a different path?

Acting was not always part of the plan. My parents had different dreams for us. They wanted me in the medical field. They didn’t quite see the bigger picture, but their hearts were always in the right place. As I got older, my focus became living a quality life, and I found that art gave me that. Now, this craft is part of who I am and creating feels like my true path.

A Jamaican-set film, what is the film scene there like. Are there a lot of local talent, and potential perhaps, to build a global presence with more internationally focused projects?

Jamaica already has a global presence, the world knows us. You can travel to the farthest corner of the earth and still find a Jamaican selling beef patties (laughs). We are known and we are talented. What we lack are opportunities. Films like 'Dr. No' from 1962, 'The Harder They Come' from 1972, and 'Cool Runnings' from 1993, and soon, 'Love Offside', show that Jamaica is rich not just in tourism but also in cinema. Being on set in Jamaica came with challenges, but every set has challenges. What mattered most was the dedication of our cast and crew, they were hardworking, knowledgeable, and willing to pivot and learn, as needed. Jamaica has the building blocks for a strong film and TV industry, and I have high hopes for its continued growth.