Jessica Jacoby
What do you do in the Vertical Industry?
I'm an actress :)
How did you come across Vertical Dramas?
After I graduated college, I wanted to dive back into actively auditioning for TV & film, and I came across a casting breakdown with a very bold and strange title... clicked on it, did some research, and submitted. After I booked my first vertical, the opportunities kept flying through the doors. I was so grateful and honored to be welcomed into this crazy fun community with wide open arms.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
Oh my goodness, I've loved them all. But my favorite filming experiences had to be during:
Daddy December (my co star Aaron and I became best friends, and I couldn't imagine doing any of the things I did, with anyone else)
Ms. Detective & Mr. Thief (Kiki was amazing, and I honestly felt like a badass)
Forbidden Attraction to the Billionaire (this was one of my first verticals I lead, and it holds a special place in my heart)
Summer Situationship (this was a party!!! This is one of the only verticals where I'm the villian, and wow it was so damn fun)
What is the craziest thing you have found yourself doing while working on a vertical?
The question should've been "what is the most normal thing you've found yourself doing whilst working on a vertical?" LOL.
I would say it's a tie between giving my ex a crazy lap dance on a stage in an even crazier outfit (summer situationship), or having to roll around in dirt at 3am and scream while I turn into a vampire (my vampire bodyguard) if you haven't seen that yet... I may have just spoiled that
Any funny stories you can share with us?
There's way too many to share!
But on Daddy December, Aaron had a few crazy wardrobe looks (since he played a stripper), and there's a scene where he dresses up like a reindeer, the scene you saw, is my true raw reaction to me seeing him in that for the first time, it was hilarious!
During my birthing scene in Pregnant by My Brother In Law, Kasey and I didn't see what our baby looked like until the time came for us to look at it during the take... and it was not what we expected. Our baby, was a bundle of apples wrapped in a blanket. We were hysterically laughing! And guess what? They used that take!
On Summer Situationship there's a scene where I fall into a pool, during this fall (didn't realize at the time), I lost one of my fake eyelashes. We started looking around for it since they are EXPENSIVE, and then I found it at the bottom of the pool a bit later... so yeah, you bet I dove in and got it.
There's honestly more funny stories than not. On every set, we get to create so many fun and great memories. That's my favorite part about filming.
Who is your unsung hero? Someone in the industry who should get more credit?
Casey freaking Jackson. Casey is a director and producer and he is my favorite director I've ever worked with. Working with him on "Tricked Into Having My Ex Husband’s Baby" wasn’t just another job; it was a masterclass. He pushed me, guided me, and showed me what it truly means to be a leading lady. His vision, passion, and belief in me made all the difference. Because of him, I am a better actor, and that’s something I will carry with me forever.
What do you wish more people knew about verticals?
I wish people knew how much effort everyone puts into making a project. Every crew member, and every cast member, puts in so much work to make these the best they can be with the time given to do it. We work 12-14 hours a day for one-two weeks straight, and even though we are half asleep and want to go home, we smile and do it because we are doing what we love, for the people we love.
What developments would you like to see in the industry in the year ahead?
I would love to see some new genres and characters. I know the audience loves secret billionaires, wearwolves, and CEOS, but I'd love to get some other types of characters in these. And I would love to see some mystery or horror verticals!
Which vertical actor would you like to play you in the biopic of your life?
Hmmmm... you know what? I'd love to see Kiki Frags take on playing me in a biopic. I feel like he'd do a good job.
Age: 24
3 Random Facts:
⭐ My whole family is in the film industry, I guess I can say it's in my blood.
⭐ I'm an avid baker (homemade pies, cakes, cookies, etc. Sometimes I'll even bring stuff to set ;))
⭐ I love to write music
Favourite snack:
Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels
Current earworm:
Messy by Lola Young
Last movie you saw at the cinema/play on stage:
Film: Mikey 17
Stage: The Great Gatsby (Jeremy Jordan, I love you)
Currently reading:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (again)
Thank you Jessica 🙏🏼
Please do check out:
🎞️ Summer Situationship on Reelshort
🎞️ Jessica’s IMDB
🎞️ Jessica’s Weblinks
📸 Jessica’s Instagram @jesssjacoby
