Quite often, it is my friends in the business who introduce me to up and coming talents in the industry, and in the case of James Dean, that is completely accurate. A year and a half ago, Sebastian Spence was filming a movie called Witness Protection, and he was kind enough to pass my name on to some of his co-stars, one of whom just happened to be James. Since that time, James and I have had rather hectic schedules, but with the recent drop of his new film Counterfeiting in Suburbia, I knew it was the perfect time to highlight this young man and his career.

RH: Why did you decide to become an actor and what kind of training have you had?

JD: I’m surprised your first question isn’t “so tell me about your name,” haha! Anyway, it could be a long, convoluted story, but to get to the point… It is because of my Nana, who all her life had been in theatre from England to moving to Nanaimo, where I live on Vancouver Island. She always took me to see shows at the local community theatre from the time I was three years old. She also always wanted me to try out for the Christmas pantomime… I thought that was a horrible idea and never wanted to set foot on stage. EVER. All the people watching you…it made me so scared.

As a baby with his Nana and Papa

However, one day when I was thirteen years old,  I was very sick for a week and naturally got to stay home from school, which was always the best. In that time, I watched a very special movie: Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. When I finished that movie, my whole life was changed. I thought to myself, “Wow, it would have been so much fun to be in that world. To get to be a part of making that would have been so fun and interesting.” Then came the realization that in order to be in that world, I would need to pretend to be in that world, and as such, I realized that that is called acting.

So from there on, I decided to give it a shot–just for fun–in my school musicals and local community theater. I’ve been hooked ever since as if I had done cocaine…oh look at that it ended up being long and convoluted anyway.

In terms of training, I’ve taken a number of classes over the years, but honestly, the biggest thing I think is just doing it. In today’s world as an actor, we are so lucky because acting isn’t as mysterious as it once was. I mean, you can get a camera, set it up, film yourself and then seconds later watch it and decide how to improve. There are so many books to digest on the subject, plays to read, internet videos and articles, and local theatres to try out for to learn the ropes. That’s what I did–well, still do actually.  Read everything, watch everything I can, practice every day. I’m extremely curious about all aspects of what makes a great movie.

Evil Exhumed

What was your first official job in the business and what are your memories of that experience?

My first official job as an actor was as the bad guy in this “B” horror movie called Evil Exhumed, directed by the horror movie legend David Decoteau. Basically, this director found me through an acting teacher of mine, Jacqui Kaese, and she recommended me. Then I got to audition and that was it. I got to be in my first movie and it was awesome. I loved it.

I know you worked on Witness Protection (which still has no release date). What was it like working with that cast and crew? Any special memories?

BTS Witness Protection with Sebastian Spence, James Dean and Yancy Butler

Yeah, Witness Protection still has no release, which is annoying. Man, there is so much to say about everyone, but maybe today I’ll say that Sebastion Spence and I had a lot of great conversations about acting. One snippet of gold he bestowed upon me was something like “Don’t be afraid to mess up,”  meaning firstly, you can’t act if you’re stuck in your head and secondly, when you “mess up,” the camera catches it and that might be one of the most interesting human moments in the entire movie.  Bradley Stryker and I also talked a bunch too about acting and where the line between real and pretend is when doing a performance.  I had a lot of great conversations with others too. I don’t want to go on about it forever–haha!

Hallmark viewers saw you last year in Falling For Vermont. What was it like working for Hallmark? What did you enjoy about your role?

That was one of the most fun experiences I had because the scene was very action-packed originally. If you saw the movie, it got edited (sadly) down to like one minute, but such is the way things go sometimes. Originally, it was like a six-minute scene where my friend and I  have just stolen this artifact and we are sneaking through the woods. Then they chase us through the woods as we’re running away. I really liked that high octane experience. David Winning directed that and he is a great actor’s director, I have to say. When you’re working for TV, things are a lot more fast-paced and directors don’t always have time to talk about details. It’s just up to you as an actor. You’re hired to do the job, so do it. But David was great; he wanted to talk and improvise stuff.

With the director and producer of Date My Dad

You also had a guest spot in Date My Dad. What did you like about working on that show?

My episode was filmed in Squamish, so that was really nice for me to actually be paid to essentially explore a remarkably beautiful place, you know what I mean? Haha! I had a great time off-set wandering around everywhere. I also love being funny, and my character was a goof.

Hallmark viewers also got to see you on the most recent Fixer Upper mystery. Any behind-the-scenes moments you’d like to share?

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper was a special one for me because that’s where I met my good friend Ajay Friese. We played Trevor and Will – two young boys who explore this abandoned, spooky house. I texted him about this interview, and he was like ”Dude, tell her about our prep”.

Fixer Upper with John Cassini and Mark Jean (director)

So basically, I had been watching only horror movies for like two weeks in preparation. I thought that it would get my imagination flowing because my head would be full of spooky stuff. So when I went on set, my imagination would be in overdrive, remembering all the scary stuff from the movies.  When I met Ajay at the costume fitting, I was telling him about that and he thought it was a really great idea. He invited me over to hang out and watch a really scary movie before filming started in the next few days. That was great because it created a real bond and we got to collectively feel scared together for real which then we could use on camera. I think you can really feel our chemistry on screen because of that.

With Ajay

Behind the scenes during the night shoot, we talked about philosophy, relationships as well as acting stuff.  You got to check him out on Lost on Space; he comes in on episode four. Also, I had a stunt double for climbing up this janky ladder, so that beautiful butt shot you get going up the ladder…well sorry ladies, but that ain’t me.

With Matthew MacCaull on Counterfeiting in Suburbia

We can now see you in Counterfeiting In Suburbia (Netflix). What can you tell us about this film and your role in the story? Any special memories from filming it?

I don’t want to tell you anything about Counterfeiting In Suburbia haha! I don’t want to spoil anything. All I can say is you got to see it July 1st on Netflix. I got to do my own stunt. That was fun. Jason {Bourque} is the best director I’ve worked with, hands down. He is just a wealth of knowledge and skill. Honestly. When I wasn’t on camera, I would just lurk around watching him work. He loves to play around and improvise too, like David Winning. For me, I think it’s a collaboration and I don’t want to have to be word perfect all the time. I want to be able to play. Writers have great ideas, but it’s my job to bring it to the third dimension. And for that, you need to collaborate. The best idea wins. Like maybe the script says they face the window, but my actor’s intuition says that I want to sit and fiddle with something. Jason always wanted to discuss and collaborate. Everyone is trying to make the best movie.

Any other upcoming works you can mention?

I’ve had some very close calls recently. I won’t say what shows; I don’t think I’m allowed. But no, nothing right now. Just enjoying the sun with my dog.

As a young person in the business, what is your advice to other aspiring actors?

I ran into James Franco once, and what he told me was to “work hard.” I think if you are the right kind of person, then that is all you need to hear. That’s all it takes. You have to work damn hard. I don’t go to parties. I very often say I can’t do things because I’m practicing or auditioning.

Read books, Read plays, audition for your local community theatre, actually do it. Seriously. Actually do it. Tomorrow never comes. The great playwright David Mamet said something along the lines of: “Acting is like swimming – you can talk about it, you can draw on a chalkboard, but you actually have to jump in the water to figure it out.” Acting is not science; no one can tell you how to do it except you in the end. Pick up bits and pieces from people. Be curious.

And regarding auditions – stop worrying. Just enjoy the experience… the experience of figuring out who that guy is and that process. Adopt that attitude and stop caring so much. You might be a delicious apple; they want an orange though. It’s not a big deal. Just do it – Shia Labouef/ Nike

And now a few random favorites:

Favorite food: Don’t make me say one thing; I love so much food.

Favorite movie: There Will Be Blood and La La Land

Favorite series: I grew up watching Smallville…it still holds a special place in my heart. But my favourite current series is Stranger Things, probably. It would be so fun to be in that.

Favorite place to vacation: I want to see so many places; I’ve never been to the same place twice.

Favorite dessert: Ah, I can answer this one easily: Pie

Favorite book: Fictional would be the Game of Thrones books. Nonfiction would be The Intent To Live by Larry Moss.

There is nothing like the enthusiasm of youth, and when coupled with commitment, talent, and an outstanding work ethic (plus a whole bucket load of patience), I believe you have a veritable recipe for success. And in the case of James, I am convinced that he possesses these qualities while proceeding to keep his eye on the prize, so to speak. He is willing to make sacrifices for the good of his career, and he recognizes that much of the pathway to success is about being in the exact place at the precise time, and the vast majority of the factors are out of his control. Instead of focusing on what is beyond his powers, he propels every ounce of his being towards the factors he can command. Furthermore,  his outlook on auditioning is one of the best I have ever heard and likewise demonstrates just how wise he is beyond his years. 

If you have access to Netflix, I would invite everyone to check out his new film, Counterfeiting In Suburbia (you will probably recognize a wide variety of the other actors involved with the project as well). Also, I would invite Hallmark fans to investigate his other works for the network if you have not already had the opportunity to do so. Even at his tender age, he is already becoming a network favorite amongst the supporting cast, and I doubt we have seen the last of him in a Hallmark movie and/or series. In addition to all of this, please consider visiting his links below and following him where applicable. With his impressive list of credits and his dedication to honing his skills while maintaining a level head and humble, teachable nature, in the years to come, I believe that James’ career will only continue to expand in intensity and range.

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