Today we’d like to introduce you to A’Noelle Jackson.
Hi A’Noelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started when I was very young! I began my journey as a young kid who loved the entertainment. From TV to plays, to movies, I’ve always dreamt of being part of the magic of creating projects that inspire. In grade school, I was cast in a play where I had one of the lead roles. The play was loosely based on the classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I was so excited and I rehearsed those lines every day until the day of the production.
As soon as I got on stage, I forgot every single line. I had terrible stage fright and didn’t think I would ever perform again. In fact, it wasn’t until I got to high school that I signed up for a theatre class that would ultimately change my life. My high school teacher, Mrs. Julie Halpin, encouraged me to sign up for her class.
I signed up for her class and the spark was lit! With her guidance and encouragement, I was able to overcome my stage fright and fall in love with performing.
Years later, I went to school in North Carolina and received my BA degree in Theatre Arts. Soon after, I moved back to my hometown (Tacoma, WA) and worked at KBTC Public Television as a receptionist. While there, I had a wonderful boss, Brent Mason, who encouraged me to meet every producer and learn as much as I can. Truthfully, the majority of the team at KBTC was supportive of my dreams! I did voiceover work for the station as well as copywriting.
I was determined to learn how everything worked! From there, I was inspired to become a production assistant. I wanted to dive deep into the industry but needed a hands-on way to get started. I searched online and found a program called Friends in Film, created by Emmy Award winner Janet Urban.
She teaches everyday people how to begin their journey working in film and television. Through her program, I learned that being a production assistant is a viable way to start a film career. I invested in the program and it changed my life again. I’ve worked as a production assistant while auditioning for roles. I felt like I’d been given a backstage pass to the entertainment industry.
Los Angeles was always the goal for me. After some amazing success working as an actor and a production assistant in the Pacific Northwest, I was ready to take the leap! In February 2018, I packed my car and moved to Los Angeles.
Since then, I’ve worked for some amazing companies on the production side as an Assistant Director, Production Coordinator, Production Manager, and Producer. On the acting side, I’ve been able to act alongside amazing talent on TNT Networks and Netflix. I even won a game show!
Overall, I love speaking to the next generation about my story and I hope to inspire more young Black and Brown kids to go after their dreams!
So all-in-all, I am incredibly grateful for this path I’m on. It has not been easy, but the joy I have is worth more than anything.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been a wild ride for sure! When I decided to move to Los Angeles, I told some people and they were not as supportive as I would have hoped. That’s the thing, not everyone is going to understand your dream or vision because God didn’t give it to them. The dream and/or vision came to YOU.
Therefore, I’ve learned to not take it personally when people don’t understand the moves I make. It’s not for them to understand. You have to trust your intuition. Trust that God gave you the plan.
I moved to Los Angeles with less than $2000.00 in my bank account. That was BONKERS! I do NOT advise anyone to do that, however, I don’t regret my decision at all! Definitely create a budget before moving into a big city.
I didn’t really know anyone in Los Angeles so I knew I had to make friends quickly and get to work. If anyone is planning to move to LA, please understand that it takes TIME to develop authentic friendships here. Not everyone is here with good intentions. But time reveals all and soon, you find your people who got your back!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself a multi-hyphenate. I am an actor, producer, director, motivational speaker, and coach. I recently spoke on a panel in Seattle, Washington about my journey from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles, CA. Being from Tacoma, Washington, the opportunities in film and TV were few, but I did my best to accomplish as much as I could in order to prepare myself for the move.
What I am most proud of right now is my new film on Netflix! I am the voice of Stylez for the film L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Fashion Show. I’ve always wanted to do voice-over work for a film and TV series and this project fulfilled one of my dreams!
The film centers on a young fashion designer, Neonlicious, whose fashion designs are stolen by a competitor. With the help of her friends, she finds strength within herself to create new designs just in time for the winter fashion show.
In the past, I had a co-star role on the TV show, The Librarians and played Mercy Jones, a young, talented thief. I’ve also done commercial work for brands like the Washington State Lottery and Credit Sesame.
Lastly, I love speaking professionally and coaching young artists on how to begin their journey in film and TV. In fact, I’ve created a self-paced program for those wanting to start their film journey which is on my website, bethefearlessactress.com.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when my childhood friend Heather and I created a Kool-Aid stand during the hottest day of the summer. We wanted to make some money and at the time, we were hitting record temperatures! It was HOT. I talked to my mom and told her our business plan and she agreed to help us.
We made some pretty good money that day! Almost 100 dollars if my memory serves me correctly. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and it was fun creating a business from scratch. Heather and I split the money and bought candy with the profits. LOL
Pricing:
- 35.00 for The Fearless Actor Bootcamp
Contact Info:
- Website: bethefearlessactress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessactress/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFActress
Image Credits
Cathryn Farnsworth – Headshots Taryn Graham – Black and White Michael Burke – LOL Surprise
