SAMANTHA REDDY TALKS OFF RIP

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

While it might draw one in with a promise of thrill, at the heart of it ‘Off Rip’ is really a beautiful and inspirational coming of age story. What did you connect with when first reading the script?

Working on 'Off Rip' was one of those rare, joyful filmmaking experiences where everything just clicked. Everyone loves an underdog and that's what the story of 'Off Rip' is all about. Overcoming obstacles and finding yourself during pivotal years. I think everyone can connect to the feeling of having cards stacked against you in some way. Watching someone relentlessly pursue their passion is inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking but that's what it means to be alive. As an actress, I can connect with that hunger. This script was so moving, the first time I read it, I laughed, I cried, and walked away feeling hopeful.

How did you approach portraying Jenny. How did you see her?

When it came to Jenny, I did a lot of character work to make sure she didn't just come off as the spoiled rich girl with no depth. With more 'unlikable' characters, I think there's a responsibility to humanize them. After all, she's a seventeen-year-old figuring out what she wants. Who at seventeen hasn't maybe made a choice that hurt someone? To be human is to be messy and to do our best so I had a lot of grace with her and her choices. I hope others can have that for her and the other "Jennys" in their lives as well.

The film's director Jadon Cal is also an actor himself. Could you in a way sense that in the way he worked with you actors on set?

Jadon also played the lead role on this film, while producing and wearing a million different hats. This is the third film I've done with Jadon and the second I've done with his long-time partner director of photography-extraordinaire Jake Jalbert. One of my favorite parts of working with this team is the way they collaborate. They work so well together and invite every actor, producer, department head, assistant, grip, and everyone in on the filmmaking process. It breeds the best work from everyone involved and creates a happy set, which is essential. Jadon as a director with strong acting roots, gave a lot of permission to experiment and try different approaches as an actor. After we got a good take, he would often give permission to let loose and see what happens in the next take. That freedom with the material from a director allows for creativity to really come alive. It was a gift to work with him and this team. Hope to "Adam Sandler" our careers together!

While things perhaps has taken off a lot more as of late, your first role was way back?

I always say that the stage was my first love. Sorry to my middle school heartthrob! Growing up I did every play, recital, competition, singing choir performance, anything and everything I could to perform. I was the type of obnoxious kid who would start signing to strangers and tell jokes to anyone who would listen. As I got older, teenage years, I decided to try new things and took a break from performing. In college, I studied business management, and it wasn't until I joined a sorority that I got back into performing. I sang for sorority events, philanthropy events, and a local hockey team. A video from the hockey team led me to landing my first movie role after almost a decade away from acting. That was back in 2021, and I've been actively pursuing this crazy career ever since.

Also a good singer, is music something that can play part in getting to know a new character?

Music is such a huge part of my life and is essential for character prep. I've made Spotify playlists for every character I've played, big or small.

What artists does Jenny has on her playlists?

The movie 'Off Rip' is set in the early 2000's, so Jenny has a lot of Sheryl Crow, Natasha Bedingfield and Nelly Furtado. It's also a beach movie so that heavily influenced the vibe.

As you continue to explore more and more opportunities. What kinda roles would you be excited to find riding the waves?

I was lucky enough to sing on screen and professionally record a song for the film 'Soulmates', the film I did back in 2021. I would love to incorporate singing and acting on screen again in any capacity. During the strikes, I also learned how to play guitar and brushed up on the piano. Music, acting, any and all artistic forms of expression are such a gift to be a part of. I also have a first-degree black belt, so I would love to do a badass action film one day! A 'Kill Bill' remake would be the dream. With SZA's 'Kill Bill' playing in the score, of course!