Interview: Jesse Pattison

I was in Seattle a few months ago and, while at a restaurant, had the pleasure of meeting Jesse Pattison, a film actor who was working as a waiter there. I found out that he even attended a university in my local area for a bit. Later I connected with him online, and asked if I could interview him for my blog. He agreed, and I hope you all enjoy what he has to say about his career and love for acting!

What first got you interested in acting?

Being a movie buff since I can remember had a big effect on how interested I have been in starring in one myself. But as I got older I was taking this goal a little more serious. My family friend, Ryan O'Neill, got me really excited to pursue a career in acting. He was a successful actor, spending his school years in Seattle and summers in L.A. He was in everything from motion pictures like "Hollywood Safari" to hit T.V. shows like "California Dreams". He really got me hooked on following his footsteps.

Who are some of the actors who have most inspired you?

I would say that I seem to find particular characteristics in most actors that I find inspiring. One actor that I have been following pretty close lately is Heath Ledger. Not only is it inspiring to see an actor master his craft and effect so many people, but in this case, his story of how he began his road to success is very similar to mine. I would have to say that his persona and life story is one that inspires me to do what I love to do.

What kind of training have you had?

My training started early on at the Seattle Childrens Theater. After I began getting as serious as a kid would be in elementary, I began taking classes at ABC kids and teens. Working on modeling and acting workshops. Through ABC I also began taking workshops with Tom Logan, a director from L.A. Throughout junior high I was involved in drama and worked on Fall and Labor Day productions. As I entered high school I changed my representation to Colleen Bell, a former agent of my close friend Ryan O'Neill. I had training from a couple casting directors in Seattle. While auditioning for "World's Greatest Dad" I met a casting director that was the owner of the Northwest Actors Studio and took about 4 months of classes with her. I am currently working with the Northwest Actors Studio twice a month.

You recently had a role in the indie film "The World's Greatest Dad." What was your experience for that like?

Having even the opportunity of auditioning for "World's Greatest Dad" was such a privilege. It was my first big movie audition, and worked on my scene like it was my last. I went through 3 rounds of auditions and the final audition was in front of the director, Bobcat Goldthwait. I nailed the audition but didn't get the part I was searching for. I was cast as a featured Jock in the film and missed out on the opportunity to play the part of "Chris." Although I didn't get a co-star role, I was so excited to be on set and act with one of my favorite comedians of all time, Robin Williams. Between scenes it was non-stop laughs with Robin. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

What was your experience like at the Sundance film festival, where "The World's Greatest Dad" premiered?

Sundance was the best weekend of my life by far!! I was so lucky to split a cab with a woman at the airport that happened to be a photographer and editor of a big publication. She helped me figure out what Sundance was all about. We walked into all the swag suites and got free items such as LRG jackets, shoes, clothes, jewelry, cameras, and a lot of other products...including my favorite, 1 year movie passes to any AMC theater. Other than the swag the suites were the spot to be during the day. All of them were run by different vendors such as Keri Feinstein, LRG, and all were floating with celebrities that I got to meet. It was pretty crazy going into the Keri Feinstein suite and seeing Kim Kardashian and Terrell Owens. The parties there were even crazier. The first night we went to TAO night club and I was drinking next to Sting and his wife. Then an hour later Paris Hilton, her BFF, and Aubrey from Making the Band sit down right next to me. I immediately got them 3 vodka cranberries and started talking to all of them. After dancing with Paris Hilton I knew this was the best weekend of my life. But out of the whole experience the premier was my favorite part. It was so awesome to see how they put the whole film together, oh and seeing myself on the big screen!!

What do you find to be the easiest part of acting? What about the hardest part?

I think the easiest part about acting is based on the fact that I have such a passion and love for it. It makes it easy to get up at 8AM every weekend knowing that I'm going to class doing what I love. I think the hardest thing about acting is the work that's put into it. A lot of people will sit at home, watching a movie and say, "I can do that"...ha ya right. It's a lot more work than people can even believe. The time put in for training is expensive and eternal. I will never be done trying to hone my craft and I still got a lot of work ahead of me.

What's next for you, acting-wise?

The next step has to be L.A. There isn't enough opportunities in Seattle. My next move is definitely L.A. by the end of this summer.

What sort of goals do you have for your career?

My goals for my career are placed in long-term and short-term paths. My short-term goal is being set up in L.A. with a place, having a flexible job with steady income that will allow me to pursue my career as an actor. My long-term goal is to be starring in a Hollywood blockbuster by age 27.

What's your favorite thing about being an actor?

My favorite thing about being an actor is having the freedom to be who ever I want to be and entertain people in the process.

Thanks, Jesse! :)