Day of the Dead Contagiums Jackeline Olivier

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For all its flack "Day of the Dead Contagium" has one shining spot that we here at MoviesOnline know of, and that is Jackeline. A Brazilian actress that is theatrically trained. Sure alot of folks despise Contagium. Some because it put Romero down as a writing credit when in fact he did not write it, and others just because its a sequel/remake without Romero involved. But setting that all aside there is a cast working on this film that wants to do one thing, give us a good movie and make a name for themselves as talented actors.

Meet Jackeline Olivier, a down to earth and level headed and yes talented actress. She contacted us awhile back to ask us to put some of her films on our website and we figured we would borrow a few minutes of her time and ask her some questions about working on Day of the Dead Contagium and herself as an actress. So lets set aside our own opinions for a minute and spend some time listening to what Jackeline has to say about her career, her work on contagium and acting in general

First off tell us about yourself, where you are from, what your background is.

I was born in the south of Brazil where I spend most of my life with my family. My first acting experience was a school play when I was 10 years old, I played a weeping widow and everybody liked it so much that they encouraged me to become an actress. That was it, I was in love with acting.

When I was old enough to be on my own I quit my job and with a few dollars in my pocket I moved to Sao Paulo to pursue my dream. There, I made some friends, went to acting School, worked on some commercials, TV shows, films and plays, but I wanted more, so I packet again and moved to LA. It wasn't a easy start, especially because of the language barrier, I went to a lot of auditions before I got my first speaking role in a film.

I also studied at Lee Strasberg and I graduated from Stella Adler and I'm a member of Filmmaker's Alliance and The Creative Actors Alliance.

Do you find being a latina and a sexy one at that hinders or helps you in the business?

On one hand it helps because I get lots of calls, since people consider me attractive. However, many don't make the effort to look beyond that and see my dramatic capabilities.

What movies would our readers know you from?

I'm mostly known for Brazilian films, including the acclaimed film "Buccaneer Soul" from the director Carlos Reichembach, as well as many international stage productions.

When you see a part what makes you decide "I am going for it". Is it the dollar? Is it the role? OR is it a mix of both? What drives you to go after parts?

I usually don't think about money when I consider getting involved in a project. In the beginning of my career I was less selective. Nowadays I think about the challenge of playing characters that are deeper and very different from me and have something to say. I love dramatic characters and I love character driven projects, but I'm also exploring my comedic side.

What do you consider your most rewarding role that you have played?

It was a theatrical performance 2 years ago in which I played a worn out alcoholic wife. It was emotionally very demanding and I really felt for the character to the point that it interfered with my personal life.

Which do you prefer more live theatre or film?

Because I come from a theatrical background it makes me really enjoy live theater, I was involved in a lot of theatrical productions, especially in Brazil.

Nowadays I prefer to focus on films, but I won't turn down a great role in a stage production.

Day of the Dead Contagium is your latest project and in it you are the lead. Tell us about your part in the movie.

I played a mental patient who has a drug addiction. She's a cunning evil junkie who's extremely unhappy and hates everybody.
You'll have to see the movie to find out what happened to her.

Are you a zombie film fan? What made you take the role?

I was never a big fan of the horror genre until I started acting in horror movies. Prior to Day Of The Dead I worked in 2 other horror films and I started to like the sense of mystery, intrigue and terror. The producers offered me the role 15 minutes after my reading, I was thrilled and excited to play a character that's so different from me.

Knowing that "Day of the Dead" is a cult classic was there any pressure on the set to live up to some high expectations?

The pressure came from me internally.I didn't want to disappoint anybody. I wanted to be the best and fresh, but the directors put me at ease.

Time for some controversy. "Day of the Dead Contagium" is getting a lot of flack and in many cases outright hatred for its use or George Romero's name and in some cases just for the fact its a remake. What are your thoughts on this, and do you feel this impacts you as an actor?

Actually, it's not a remake, it's a sequel and George Romero sold the rights to the producers of "Day Of The Dead Contagium".
I believe that everybody is entitled to an opinion. Some will love it and some will hate it. It's impossible to please everybody.
I don't think the controversy will affect my career.I'm an actor doing what I love to do the most...ACT.

I think that is one of the best answers to that question I have heard yet. I am a very big fan of Mr. Romero and I see the fans point and I see the studios. They bought it, they are going to make money off their investment. Great Answer Jackeline! What is your next project?

It's a dark comedy called "Boppin' At The Glue Factory". We begin shooting in April.

What is one role you wanted but missed out on?

It was actually a short film adapted from a play called "The Crossing". I knew I was right for the part and I nailed it, but they wanted a different look.

What is one question you always wanted some annoying reporter to ask you but they have not, and what is the answer?

Frankly, I avoid annoying reporters!

Do you read MoviesOnline and do you have any words of wisdom for our readers, especially those who are film makers and actors?

Yes, I read it when I have some free time, which is not very often and my advice is: "Don't give up your dreams and don't let anybody tell you what you can't do... I'm living proof of it!"

We want to thank Jackeline for taking the time to chit chat with us. We encourage you to go and pay her website a visit where you can see more photos of her as well as her work. http://www.jackelineolivier.com/ You can also check out her skills in her online demo reel right here

When I see "Day of the Dead Contagium" I will be looking out for her and her character and you should be too.