The entertainment industry will always be quite the enigma to me. Every year countless youth give up the warmth of their parents' home in hopes to one day occupy that billboard you see everyday on the way to shitty job. There's always those special few though, that somehow happen to be in the right place at the right time. This is one of those stories. Kelsie Jones wasn't looking for the acting bug, but somehow she managed to snag a small role alongside a God and a mutant. Of course she'll tell you that it just randomly happened, but I'm sure the intelligent readers that we have can easily sniff out the fiction she dishes in the discussion below. Seriously, who gets plucked from their day job to live the ultimate dream? There's obviously some dark forces at work here. Either way, I'm a sucker for origin stories, so please humor Kelsie in hopes that she'll keep me in mind when she becomes rich and famous.
Jessie Hobson: Who is Kelsie Jones? I know that's super broad and annoying, but let's just go there.
Kelsie Jones: Alright, I'm nineteen and I'm a college student. And I happened to be at the right place at the right time for a lot of the things, you know, I've encountered so far. I'm from Conroe, and I live in Shreveport now. And I don't have any plans, ya know, I'm staying in Shreveport as it is. You know because there's a pretty good, ya know, industry here.
JH: That's honestly the first time I've heard that. I hear more about like Dallas and like Florida, but usually, no one has ever mentioned Shreveport to me.
KJ: Well, a lot of my friends tend to go to New Orleans because New Orleans is what they're calling the Hollywood of the south now, but we've been pretty steady with... not as much with feature films, but more series. Ya know, Salem is here, and Sleepy Hollow has talked about coming here. There's something always around the corner.
JH: The last time I was in New Orleans I went to the abandoned theme park.
KJ: Yeah? I've seen pictures of that!
JH: It's awesome! If you haven't been, you have to like sneak on, but...
KJ: Yeah, isn't it like a Six Flags?
JH: Yeah, well it used to be Six Flags and then it became, I think it became Jazz... Jazz something?
KJ: Cool!
JH: They film a lot of movies there, and...
KJ: So many! I have a lot of friends down there right now.
JH: Oh, really?
KJ: Yeah, after Salem is out, everyone kinda goes to the next big thing. But, Magnificent Seven is filming down there right now.
JH: Oh, cool. When I was there they were filming the Plant of the Apes movie.
KJ: Oh, cool!
JH: So I got to see all the stage set up. I mean, that was just cool for me, all of the security. They didn't have that many actors there because what they were filming was green screen stuff. It was just pretty cool to see, and at the time I didn't know. It wasn't until we were leaving that it all clicked, but it was pretty cool.
KJ: I know they did Jurassic World there.
JH: Really? See, I didn't know that, but that makes sense. So you mentioned to me that your first gig was I Saw the Light, right?
KJ: Yes.
JH: How did you, tell me about that project. How did you even get that gig? I'm really curious, and I brought it up last night, and people were like, dude, that sounds really cool! Cause there's nothing... and no one is talking about it.
KJ: Yeah, that's kinda what I ran into at first when I found out, ya know, what I'd be working on. I tried to google it, ya know, get a little background, but I didn't even know it was about Hank Williams or anything until I actually got there. I was approached by Maddie Hasson who plays Billie Jean, one of Hank's love interests in the movie. And I was actually working at a hotel, at the time, that she was staying at. And she said, hey, have you been an extra in a movie? We really need people, and I was like no, I haven't. I mean, I have theatre experience, but I would love to do that. So basically she took my name and my number, and she said I can totally give your name my director. And at this point I didn't know how big that... ya know, what that meant. Like wow, she's gonna give my name to the director. But then, once I got there, it was like, she gave my name to Marc Abraham. (laughs) We were all like, the costumers and everybody asked me how do I know him. And I said, I don't know him personally. I know Maddie. She kind of gave my name to casting. I didn't know she physically said here Mr. Abraham, here's Kelsie Jones. But that was pretty neat to find out, and that's how I got in with the casting... the casting company who does all the things here at Shreveport here, mostly.
JH: It's really cool to hear about... did you know who Marc Abraham was before?
KJ: I knew he did Bring It On. (laughs) But not, per se.
JH: He produced one of my favorite movies called Children of Men, and you have to check it out. If you're just curious about the mind behind the project, that would be my go-to as far as what you should check out because... it's really good. It's just a great film. I'm not even gonna tell you about it other than watch it. Speaking of Abraham, what was it like working with him once you got to that point?
KJ: Well, the first scene I did was small which is different for extra because generally, when they call extras in, there's a large amount. It's for like a concert scene or a festival or something where they need a lot of bodies. It was strange at first because I had no idea. It was completely different from anything I had ever done. I was just kinda like... my eyes were so wide, and my ears were open. What do I do next? What do I do? But once I did that first day, I did a few more days after that, and I really... just started to realize that this man wrote this movie, and he is directing it. And this is like his brain-child. And so, it was really awesome to see how that, you know what I mean, correlates to the film. He would stop after a take and... thank you everyone so much, I appreciate all of that. And from working on a feature film to a TV series, you don't get that. You know what I mean? Since they only have three months to film it, they go in there with their mind set. This is what I want, this is what... I have a plan. But on a TV series it's kinda like, well... we're just gonna do this first. Let's try this. Let's try that. But, it was awesome working with Abraham because he felt so appreciative to us because we were making his vision come to life. (laughs)
JH: I hear you. It's... you're not the only person I've heard say that. Everyone seems to like working with him because of that...
KJ: Yeah, he wasn't real intimidating or anything. It was just kinda like... you just felt really calm and at ease. Like wow, I really feel appreciated which is something that is kinda hard to come by. (laughs)
JH: Yeah, exactly. That kinda goes hand in hand with what I was gonna ask you next. So, I heard similar things about Tom Hiddleston. Apparently... and It's funny because he wouldn't strike me as that type of guy, but from what I've heard, between scenes, I mean... he would play piano for people or... he was just really cool.
KJ: Yes. He was all-out... entertaining. Ya know, he was in the Hank Williams get-up and it was like uncanny, the resemblance. Once you go back and look at pictures and then you see him when the movie comes out, it's like... what... that's not the same person. He would just get up there, and play, and sing... and... he just... you could tell that he really enjoyed it. And like I said about contrasting to a TV series, it's more get in, get out... you know what I mean. Work. Work. Work. That project was so different than anything I worked on because of their like happiness to be doing it, you know what I mean? So into it, and t was an awesome first experience on set, I have to say. (laughs)
JH: What I specifically read was that he shook everyone's hands at the end of the day. He would shake the biggest actor, the biggest actress, and then he would also shake everyone's hand and thank them for their day all the way down to even the custodians and stuff like that.
KJ: Really approachable, and just a joy to work with and watch. You could just tell he really loved what he was doing. He was immersed in it.
JH: Yeah, that's really cool. Speaking of that, there's this guy that is on this television show called The 100. He's always been in sitcoms, and he started out on Canadian sitcoms. I was talking to him at the Comicpalooza thing... that made it take so long to get on the phone with you. He was really interesting because he was saying that sometimes when you're an actor or actress you don't feel that family that vibe, kinda like you're describing TV versus film. And his name is... Richard Harmon is his name. I asked him about one of these movies that he's in. He had a super small role in it, but how did you get involved in Trick or Treat? Because it's... he has an extremely small role, going from being a known TV name to being in this movie but having a small role, and he said it was that family that he felt during Trick or Treat made him continue to be an actor. It wasn't until... before that point he was actually going to stop being an actor because he didn't that family vibe anymore. So it's really interesting to hear it from a newcomer, like yourself, like right away, because apparently that's pretty rare.
KJ: Yeah, and just watching from the outside in... because I'm not necessarily immersed in what they are as like pressure and what not, but it's funny just to see when they're really into it and committed and when it's just kinda like.. okay, I wanna.. I'm ready for the next scene... they're for the next... ya know?
JH: With Hiddleston being there, there's also Elizabeth Olsen. Did you get a chance to work with her too?
KJ: There was one scene, she was... it was a concert kinda thing, and I just saw her. It was a large group so I wasn't really up close or anything. We did that take so many, so many times.
JH: Well, it's interesting that they're both in it because Hiddleston is Loki in the first Avengers, and then she's Scarlet Witch in the second Avengers. So, I mean, you're working with some pretty big names... or at least in the same room with them. That's pretty incredible.
KJ: Yeah. (laughs)
JH: Did anything... like other than them being so awesome, or HIddleston being awesome anyway, was there anything interesting ever happen on set, to where you were like... wow, I can't believe this is actually happening.
KJ: Well, that was my initial reaction once I got the whole outfit and get-up on and they took us to set, and I was just like this is real life. This is my life right now. I am actually doing this. Then once I started working, and it... almost every day on Salem it's kinda like... it just becomes normal. Which is weird, but when you're there it's like a different world. You're not in the real world, currently. But anything interesting? Now, I mean, the whole experience was interesting. (laughs)
JH: That's a good answer. As far as that world, the whole Hank Williams, I've literally looked for everything. I could not find much about it except for the release date and small interviews here and there, but there's not a lot out there as far as...
KJ: I know! I'm not sure why. They haven't set a release date or anything. I think that the soundtrack, it might be out, I'm not for sure on that, but I know...
JH: Well they have like a date where they think it's gonna fall but not an exact date.
KJ: Okay. I also heard that it was sold to [Sony Picture Classics], I believe. Or... no maybe not... it was sold to somebody, and I think they're gonna try to make a run for The Oscars, honestly.
JH: Wow! That would be cool.
KJ: Yes! That would be amazing. The first thing I've ever worked on goes up for awards.
JH: That would be really, that actually makes a lot of sense. It wouldn't be smart, because they're about to come out with that Beach Boys movie, to have them both out at the same time might not be smart because they have like the same, like a biopic verses a biopic, and that's gonna take away the same fans.
KJ: Gotcha.
JH: Is there anything, like do you know anything other than that? Like an insider's scoop...
KJ: No. It's been really under wraps, I guess. Yeah, that's about it.
JH: Well, that's cool. I honestly looked and looked so that doesn't surprise me. And before we move on to Salem, are you a Hank Williams fan?
KJ: Um, I only knew about two songs before I worked. And then now, I would say... yeah! I'm a fan.
JH: You know all the words now? (laughs)
KJ: Praise the Lord I saw the light. (laughs)
JH: There ya go. So I guess we'll jump from that to... wonderful rendition of that song to Salem.
KJ: Sure. (laughs)
JH: So, you're doing I Saw the Light, it comes to and end, and basically you have... how does the process work from going from one to the other? What was the step between...
KJ: Well, I was actually supposed to be doing classes at that time. (laughs) And, I got the opportunity to work on I Saw the Light, and I missed a few. So, I wrapped up my semester and then, I don't know... I was just kind of hearing stuff about Salem. They're coming back for season two. Are they? Are they not? Well, then, the people who I had worked with and who booked me on I Saw the Light contacted me to do a make-up test because my hair and skin tone matches Anne Hale's character. So, they call me to do that, and it just kinda progressed into a photo double. So then they say now we need a stand-in, so then they kind of... were like what's your work schedule like? I was waitressing at that time. I said, I can do whatever. I can be there seven days a week, whatever y'all need. And really, they only film five days a week. (laughs)
JH: So you would be there at any...
KJ: So they booked me for a stand-in, permanently. So that's how that started.
JH: That's cool. That's so... when you say right place, right time... it truly... is that.
KJ: Yes. It has been so fast and like wow. (laughs)
JH: So you did the make-up test... so are you like on a list now? When Salem isn't filming, do they contact you for other gigs or are you like...
KJ: Yeah. I'm always in their database, I guess you'd say. If they need somebody with the hair, so I would be a good to do, ya know, a commercial, or some kind of like random thing. They could always call or e-mail or... it's like... Legacy Casting is who it is. They're out of Dallas, they do a lot of stuff. They mostly do background and extras. So nothing like speaking roles or anything yet.
JH: What's the regular day like for a body double on Salem?
KJ: Okay. So, um. (laughs) Mondays usually start bright and early. Call time is usually like 6:40 to 7 o'clock, around there. I go in. I wear mostly black. You always have to match generally what your actor or actress is wearing. So, for the first part of the season I was like all black, everyday because Tamzin's character was in mourning from the previous season's happenings. So that was really easy. (laughs) So, I would just go in. Get my sides, and that would tell me what scenes I had to be there for, this and that, where I had to be at what time. So then, I would just go to where I need to be and they would say rehearsal. So, the actors and actresses would come in and do the scene and I would watch for them to be on their marks and their movements. I basically do what they do minus the talking. So when the crew would call second team I'd rush in and get on the mark. And they would bring in the camera and just kind of see how the shot would set up. It's tricky because it was a new director every seven days, so like every episode, so we'd always have to take time to make sure their ideas were on the same level, and get the shot ready.
JH: Keeping Salem in mind, do you actually watch the show or is just a job? Like in and out, and keep going...
KJ: Okay, so. (laughs) I already know everything that happens (laughs) cause I'm there... but I watched the first season as soon as I found out I'd be working on it. So I went on Netflix and binge watched it... to just kind of figure out what I'd be getting myself into. And now I record all of the episodes and watch 'em. It's fun. I drive my boyfriend crazy, telling him, I sat in that chair, I held that... whatever. He's like, okay, I get it, that's your job.
JH: That's funny. What does your family think? Do they buy all DVDs and stuff?
KJ: My dad loves it. He is always saying send me a picture when you have a costume on again. I'm like daddy, I just stand-in, I don't really wear a costume that much. I did do some extra work at the beginning of the season. I was an acolyte for Mercy, one of the bad kids. I have a few pictures from that, and he's all about it. I think he tries to watch, but I don't think he knows when to look for me because I'm an extra, you're not gonna be at the forefront. You know what I mean. I have to tell him pause it at this number or look here.
JH: That's cute. I saw on your Facebook, I think, someone posted a trailer, like a teaser for the next episode and they tagged you in it. And it was like...
KJ: On fire?
JH: (laughs) There's us. There's us. Did you see us? I was like that's funny because that's exactly what most people would be doing. It really adds a realism to the job.
KJ: It's crazy to think I did that and now it's on TV. Sometimes it doesn't really connect until you're like watching it. That trailer you saw was actually, probably the craziest day of filming I've ever experienced so far, which you know isn't super much. It was like forty degrees outside. Really chilly. And wet. And cold. And we hard to be barefoot. So, it was.. we just had like a thin night-gown, kinda dirty, raggedy dress on. We had to roll in the dirt, and it was so cold. That was just crazy.
JH: Well, you just took one of my questions, so...
KJ: Oh, really? I'm sorry. (laughs)
JH: (laughs) No, that's perfect cause it makes it easier on me. I can't even imagine being in that type of situation, but I guess once you're there, and you have the adrenaline or like the idea that you have to get the job done, you just kinda do it.
KJ: And like I was saying earlier about the feature film verses TV series. On the feature film, it's like, they only have the three month period, three months, six months, six months, you know what I mean. They come to set with what they want to see or what they envision because they don't have much time to film it. But with the TV series, you know one episode spans over seven or eight days. So it's like, if we don't get this we can send second unit to come pick it up or film the rest of it. So, it's kind of challenging, would be the word, to get everything and try different things and get what you need all at the same time. So, that's when those long, cold nights come into play when the director says let's do this, alrighty then, let's try this...
JH: That actually makes perfect sense. I totally get that. And you notice, most people will notice, you kind of touched on it earlier, nearly every episode of a TV show is gonna be done by a different director.
KJ: Yes, and I did not know that.
JH: Yeah, a lot of probably people don't realize it unless they are binge watching a show. Like you did, on Netflix.
KJ: You'll see the different.. yeah... on the credits and everything...
JH: It's odd because that would probably be a step back in your position because you have to get to that point with a new person every week.
KJ: Yes. You really have to be flexible and open to... you know what I mean. You can't be like, well, blah blah blah... I'm not doing that or...
JH: Well, Melanie, last week, said to do it like this... well, Melanie ain't here...
KJ: That brings me to, the guy that I probably really have some of the best, utmost respect for is the Cinematographer on Salem because he really had to work with different directors every week and still make sure that his product was coming on to screen and for the viewers and what he wanted to see. You know what I mean? Mark Vargo was the director of photography and he was just awesome to work with.
JH: Well, it's interesting, doing this type of stuff in school and actually hearing an actor talk about it and appreciate it, it's odd because a lot of people, the general population or the people that go to the movies don't realize how many hands are really in the jar.
KJ: Oh I know, and that was one of the first things that really stuck out to me is trying to figure out who did what. I know there is a director and a producer, but what is all of this other stuff? And on I Saw the Light I was just there, just in awe. I don't know what's going on, I'm not gonna try to figure it out. Let's just go with the flow. But on Salem I really had the chance to say okay... you're the producer, you're the director, you're the DP. First AD. Second AD. Figure out the whole system, and now I feel much more confident in who, you know what I mean, in who does what.
JH: And then at the end of the day someone has to take all of that footage and sit in a room and edit it all together.
KJ: It's so amazing because they film a lot of stuff. A lot. (laughs)
JH: Yeah! So, with keeping Salem in mind. I know you're currently working on that. When I posted on my Facebook that I was gonna have an interview with someone that is affiliated with Salem a lot of people messaged me. It was really interesting because I've heard of the show, but I've actually never watched it. I watched like clips and stuff to kinda get more familiar with it, but basically, the number one question that I got, was is there anything... I know this might be kinda touchy. I don't know if you had to sign anything, but is there anything you can say about the upcoming season?
KJ: I know nothing... about it. I know that there have been talks about season three. Everyone is... see ya next season, it was great working with you. You know what I mean. We haven't been given any type of official confirmation or anything... but there's always rumors on set... this and that. Oh, ya know. (laughs)
JH: Like any other job. That didn't really work, but... (laughs) I get what you're saying. Even if, ya know, you had something you probably wouldn't be able to say it. I guess we can agree to say... stay tuned.
KJ: Yes, stay tuned! But, I do have a feeling, with this season, all you watchers out there will watch and see what happens, but Mary kinda falls from here vantage point over Salem. She's kind of the fallen queen with Countess Marburg coming through and destroying that for her, but I think that Anne Halle, Tamzin's character, is going to take a stand next season and come to the forefront and be like the new Mary Sibley kinda thing. We'll see what happens.
JH: Well, I'll say this... if anyone agrees or disagrees, let me know, and I will get that information to Kelsie that way she can debate you. So that's all of the work you have so far... the Salem series and the I Saw the Light, which I mean, definitely for how new you are to the scene that's pretty legit...
KJ: I just started November... 2014.
JH: That's pretty impressive... and look at you now, you're getting interviewed. Wow. (laughs) Within your little career, I mean, so far so good, but has anything embarrassing happened to you? Has anyone pulled any pranks on you... or... that you're willing to share anyway...
KJ: I started off doing the photo double thing which was simple, it was... come to set, do this, do that, buh-bye. Well then when they called me for stand-in I had no idea what to do, I was like... oh my God. I'm just gonna watch the other stand-ins and see what's happening. We filmed most of the indoor scenes on a stage, like on a sound stage. Well, in Grand Cane, which is south of Shreveport, the location for the town and all of the outdoor stuff is out there. That's about a forty-five minute drive past from where I live. Well, the first day I was called to go to set, on location, I parked in the extras' parking lot which is like two miles south of where the set is. So I call my PA, who, ya know... Production Assistant who I always run in with. Who is Tony. I say Tony, nobody is here... what do I do? He's like... Kelsie, you're a stand-in. You're a part of the crew. Come park on set. I was like oh my gosh, I'm coming that way right now, I'm sorry. So that's probably the most embarrassing thing because when I got there, I was like... wow. It was my first day, I was trying to come in and be like stellar job, and that was just like... a little damper on things. I recovered.
JH: It could have been much worse.
KJ: Yes, it could have. I could have fallen or something crazy or something... (laughs)
JH: You also told me that you are pursuing some formal training now.
KJ: Yes. I got accepted to New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan in New York, New York. (laughs)
JH: That's pretty awesome.
KJ: Yeah! Salem really inspired me to do that because...after my first week on set I realized this could be like a job. I was originally going to school for music management. I knew I always wanted to be in the entertainment business, but once I got on film... I was like, I can really do this. This is like a career. So then, I just started looking into summer programs. I didn't wanna apply and commit to something long term... just, ya know, because I wanted to work on Salem still. But I found NYCDA and put in an application... and they called me the next day. And they're like... hey, we want to schedule an audition. Okay, I was thinking I was going to do a Skype audition or something because I didn't know how they go about that. They said we are having auditions in Houston, and I said... okay sure, sign me up. So, that was two weeks later... I had to memorize a two minute monologue in two weeks. That was interesting. I ended up getting accepted, and got a scholarship and it was an awesome experience. Ya know, going to the audition and everything. Are you familiar with Tennessee Williams?
JH: No.
KJ: He is like a Southern Gothic, kinda playwright, but...
JH: Tennessee Williams? Is that what you said?
KJ: Yeah.
JH: I thought you had said something totally different. (laughs) Yeah, I know who that is.
KJ: He did like Streetcar Named Desire and all that kinda... Glass Menagerie. I have a book actually of all of his plays, and after researching and trying to find stuff online and all that. I picked up my Tennessee Williams book, and heck, I can do this. I did Alma from Summer and Smoke. So, that was really fun. The audition wasn't what I expected. I expected to walk in and be like a panel of auditors, I don't know, she called them judges. But it was only one lady. It made for a more personal, good experience. It wasn't so nerve wracking.
JH: Has that been your only audition so far?
KJ: Well I guess it has been. I mean, I would say, I don't know if you would call it professional, but I've been on auditions in High School and stuff like that for High School plays and what not. But it was my first real, real audition. (laughs)
JH: So, were you scared? If you were, what was the scariest part of the audition? The uncertainty?
KJ: The night before was probably really scary. I had to stay in a hotel because I was in Houston. I wasn't at home, ya know. It was kinda like adjusting, and just trying to get my lines, I didn't have a problem memorizing them. It was just, it was long, almost two minutes. So I had to get all my cadence and whatever. After I left the audition room I walked back into where everybody was waiting and the admissions counselor and everybody was in there and he was like, how'd it go? And I just kind of stood there for a second, and I didn't even hear him. He's like Kelsie, I said how'd it go. I was like... oh, it was great! I didn't even know you were talking to me. It was so, I was so like jolted afterwards. It was like, wow. Not only did I just audition, she kind of gave me feedback. We did like an exercise and stuff, while I was in the room, which I didn't expect that. I was just thinking I would say, hi... my name is Kelsie... blah blah blah. Okay, thank you. But, it was a mini-lesson, and I really think that's a reflection of the school so I'm excited to see how that turns out. (laughs)
JH: So was that moment, was that the spark that made you believe in yourself like you could continue to do this or do you think that took place before?
KJ: Ya know, now that I think about it, at that point I really was like man, if I pursue formal training, and go to New York city... I mean like, hello! (laughs) That's like a big step in doing this as a full time kinda thing.
JH: Is there anything particular that keeps you going as far as the whole being an actress?
KJ: I've been reading a lot lately, different, like Mizner and Stankovsky, just different books that... I just want to be fresh and know that I am giving it one hundred percent every single day because talent works hard when... wait... hold on, I gotta repeat that. You know what I'm saying. (laughs) What is it?
JH: I know what you're trying to say... but I don't know...
KJ: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. (laughs)
JH: There ya go.
KJ: You better not put that in the interview!
JH: Well, I'm recording, of course I will. (laughs)
KJ: That's embarrassing! So, anyway... yeah...
JH: So next time someone asks you what's one of the most embarrassing things you can say... well, I had this interview one time...
KJ: No, do not! You said you could edit things out.
JH: (laughs) Now I have to keep it in just cause it's that funny.
KJ: My brothers are gonna laugh at me.
JH: It's okay, it's okay. (laughs) Let's move on. (laughs) Five years from now, you've finished school, you're successful...
KJ: I hope I'm successful... (laughs)
JH: Well things are going your way, it's hard to say what's actually successful these days, is there anybody that's out there now that you would want to work with. Like anybody you thought, I would like to do something, a project with them...
KJ: I would say Meryl Streep. She is amazing to me. She's had such a long career, and such like great roles. I feel like I could learn so much from her.
JH: Yeah, definitely. If there was one, do you have a dream role? Like a character that you've always thought would work for you the best...
KJ: Sure. I really like Woody Allen's movie Annie Hall, and I think that Diane Keaton is really awesome in that. So I would love to be like an Annie Hall kind of character or... do you watch Mad Men?
JH: Yeah.
KJ: Christina Hendricks, the red head. I don't know. I like the strong independent female type... has it going on, you know what I mean.
JH: Yeah. Is beautiful, but also has something to back it up. The Annie Hall reference, first of all I wasn't expecting that and I think that actually is very good. I could see that very working very well.
KJ: Thank you.
JH: You got pretty much everything, I've got a couple more to wrap it up. You've told me about what keeps you going, but why should we care about you? Like why should people tune into your shows or watch your movies?
KJ: Um...
JH: Why should we give you money?
KJ: (laughs) I don't have any major roles on the table, I'm just starting. I think people should watch me, ya know, tune into what I am doing because I'm a real person. When I am acting I have that kind appeal that anybody can relate to. You know what I mean?
JH: Yeah, actually, that is a perfect answer. Do you have any advice for people who are trying to do what you are doing? Besides being at the right place at the right time.
KJ: (laughs) I don't know. I think that if you are wanting to get into this you have to be in the position to give it everything. I mean, I was doing college courses and everything, but I didn't feel like that was what I needed to be doing at this stage of my life, and now I'm like completely immersed in studying and trying to better my craft. But I feel like if you are wanting to get into this, I feel like you have to be really into open your eyes and close your mouth. (laughs) Watch. Observe. Learn. Absorb everything. Especially if you are in a position like me to where you can get on set so early, and take it all in.
JH: So, to kinda conclude everything, outside of going to school, do you have anything planned for yourself? What do you see yourself doing once school is over? What would be ideal?
KJ: Well, my school will be done in August. I will have the opportunity at that point to, I can pursue like a two year or a three year degree. It's not really a degree, but program through NYCDA. My plans right now are to come back to Shreveport because that's my home, I could get into the two year or three year program for... I don't know. I think that by me going away to school and learning the industry there and coming back here... I feel like my mind might be ready to take on more auditions and things and... maybe I'll be ready to get out there in the business. Who knows? I'll only know at that point in time.
JH: I'll tell you this, I... do you know who Richard Linklater is?
KJ: No, I do not.
JH: He's the guy that directed Dazed and Confused. He lives in Texas. Whenever I got a chance to meet him, that was my very first question. I said, he's a very talented guy, he's got a bunch of great movies... I said what keeps you in Texas, man? And he goes, I just like the people. And I was like, okay, I hear ya. And kinda like how you're saying, Shreveport's your home, his follow-up was... if you're talented enough, you do whatever you want to do, wherever you're at. If you're good at it.
KJ: I'd actually probably want to be back in Texas because, ya know, that's where all of my family is. (laughs) So, I would definitely rather live around Houston, but...
JH: There's a lot of opportunity here, especially lately.
KJ: Really?
JH: I've got one more for ya then we can talk about it.
KJ: Okay, sure.
JH: Is there anything you want to plug? Like, do you want your social network out there, or where people can find out or... fans...
KJ: I don't do Twitter anymore, but I do have an Instagram. If you wanna see pictures of my horse, then that's fine. (laughs)
JH: What is it, and I'll link it.
KJ: Sure, it's KelJooones and it's three o's in Jones. (laughs)
JH: Cause you have all of these connections now, if you know of anyone that needs a chubby white guy with a beard. You know where to find one, okay?
KJ: Yeah, there you go. This business is all about who you meet, and all that stuff.
JH: Any final thoughts at all?
KJ: Um, thank you for your time, that was fun.
JH: Thank you!
KJ: Thank you for wanting to hear my little voice.
JH: Actually, it's more interesting than you'd believe. I was talking about it at... the night before... and it's actually really interesting to me, when people get started it's actually, it's interesting how so many different people can start. So, it's just like another origin story. You're like the new Spider-Man kinda thing.
KJ: Thank you! (laughs)
JH: We'll leave it at that, thank you so much and good-bye!
That's her story and she's sticking to it. As Kelsie said, if you'd like to stalk her or if you're into hoofed mammals, feel free to follow her on Instagram. Salem is currently airing encore episodes every Monday and Tuesday, check your local listings for exact times. There still isn't any word if and when season three will begin shooting, but I'd be willing to bet that Kelsie's lucky streak is far from over. I Saw the Light is currently listed as in post-production, so keep your eye out for that one. Other than that, I'd like to wish Kelsie well and thank her one last time for being so patient with me. While this interview took a lot of time to produce and edit, it was sincerely worth every minute. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I can't wait to see where your career goes from here.