In this rising star interview, we chat with the talented actress Jemma Moore who recently took on the role of Jess Li, a determined (yet chaotic) journalist, in the fast-paced series RED EYE. We delve into her meticulous preparation process, which required in-depth research and real-life inspiration, the experience of filming a series with a relentless tempo, and what representation means to her.
Read the Full Interview Below:
As a Hong Kong-born British actor, how do you see the landscape of diversity and representation in the industry evolving? How important is it for you to be part of projects that reflect this diversity?
Growing up, I never saw anyone who looked like me on screen, and that made me feel like I didn't belong in the industry. I've seen firsthand the power of representation, and how it can change the narrative and impact audiences in a meaningful way. In recent years, I've been frustrated at times but also so inspired by the progress that has been made towards a more diverse and inclusive industry. More and more projects are showcasing a variety of voices, experiences, and cultures, and it's truly a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. I still feel here in the UK it is slow but hopefully more shows like RED EYE will continue to come out.
For me, it's not just about being a diverse actor in a diverse industry, but also using my platform to uplift and amplify underrepresented voices. I believe that as artists, we have a responsibility to tell stories that reflect the world we live in, and to ensure that all voices are heard, respected, and represented.
Being a part of projects that embrace diversity not only brings a sense of fulfillment to my work, but it also allows me to connect with characters and stories that I might not have had the chance to before or thought I would. It's challenging and exciting to push boundaries and break stereotypes, and I'm always eager to be a part of that change and celebrate it.
Tell us about your preparation process for playing Jess Li. Are there any aspects of this character you personally resonate with? How did you differ?
To prepare for my role as Jess, a journalist, I delved into extensive research on the journalism industry in the UK. I specifically looked into prominent journalists such as Alex Crawford and Marie Colvin, who inspired me with their bravery and tenacity. I also explored the Journalist Code of Conduct, which has been a guide for journalists in the UK and Ireland since 1936. I found connections between Jess' character and the principles outlined in the code, such as her relentless pursuit of the truth and her strong belief in the right to freedom of expression and the public's right to information. However, I also chose to portray Jess as more reckless and chaotic, going against some of these rules to add flaws to her character. Additionally, I had the opportunity to speak with a really cool journalist, who gave me valuable insights into the daily challenges of their profession. I discovered that there are similarities between acting and journalism, such as the constant rejection and persistence required to succeed. I think where we are different is that Jess is a lot bolder and unafraid to break rules and boundaries. But it was thrilling to channel her persona and step into her mindset.
This series seems to move at a breakneck speed and has a certain tempo to it. What was it like during filming? Did you know what you were getting yourself into?
Shooting this series was an absolute blast! I couldn't have asked for a better experience working with the incredible teams at Bad Wolf, ITV, and Sony. I had no idea what it was going to be like and this was my first ever series regular role but the collaboration and camaraderie on set was just brilliant. Our director, the amazing Kieron Hawkes, was a master at keeping us all on track. The pace of the show was so fast and thrilling, it truly kept me on my toes in every scene. What made it so challenging but also loads of fun, was the fact that every scene had a clear purpose and direction. The writing, by the talented Peter A. Dowling and Jingan Young, was just so spot on. Every beat in the script was tight and well thought out. I worked closely with my acting coach, Miriam Lucia, to ensure I was fully prepared and able to bring my best to the role because the standard of the script and the team was just so high. And once we started filming, it was non-stop action! I loved every moment on set and couldn't have asked for a better team to bring this project to life.
As an actress, what kind of challenges do you look for in a role? In what ways did RED EYE a challenge?
You know, I always look for roles that give me butterflies. I love seeking out characters that are different and authentic. Of course, the real challenges come when I have to bring that authenticity to life and lift that character off the page, it’s intimidating but also really exciting. There can be all sorts of obstacles that come up, but I think the most fun challenges are the ones that push me out of my comfort zone and make me completely shed my own identity. When I read the role of Jess Li, I really got those butterflies in my stomach. She just jumped off the page for me. I was so determined to land this role that I even called my wonderful agent Barnaby and said, "I'm really going to fight for this one." The most challenging aspect of filming RED EYE for me had to be the scenes on the phone. It was definitely not as easy as just talking to a real person in front of me. But I love a good challenge and it takes an amazing team to make these kinds of scenes work.
Beyond RED EYE, what other role has been most exciting to you? Are there any roles or genres you're particularly eager to explore in the future?
For me, it has to be the horror film HOST (written by Jed Shepherd and Gemma Hurley, and directed by Rob Savage). It was such a unique and exciting project, especially since we filmed it all during the lockdown. Each actor had to do their own sound, camera work, and stunts, on top of following a seven-page scriptment. We had to improvise the dialogue, which allowed us to really immerse ourselves in our characters. It was a challenging yet exhilarating experience, and I was grateful to be a part of such a successful and well-received film within the horror community. As for the future, I am particularly eager to explore period dramas. As a mixed-race actor, these types of roles are not usually offered to me. I would also like to do more romantic and comedic roles too. I've had a blast working on comedy projects in the past, and I'm always up for a good laugh. I would also love to dabble a bit more in the romance genre, as it's not something I've had much experience with yet. I’m always keen to try new angles on genres too. As an actor, it's all about continually pushing boundaries and reinventing yourself, and I’m just excited for whatever challenges come my way next.
As a filmmaker, how does your experience behind the camera influence your acting, and do you have any upcoming projects as a filmmaker?
I’ve definitely expanded my understanding of the technical aspects of screen acting from becoming a filmmaker. I’ve learned a lot about how things translate from one side of the camera to the other. But beyond just the technicalities, I've also found that writing has helped me massively in acting. Being able to delve into a character's psyche and understand their motivations from a different angle has really helped my performance. Being a filmmaker has also only deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of film. Each and every individual plays such a crucial part in bringing a project to life, and I have so much respect for every department. I'm currently working on a few writing projects, including a really silly comedy horror, and a historical piece inspired by my great aunt, Eve Gibson.
Full Credits:
Text: Jeremy Whitaker
Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Styling: Tilly Wheating
Hair: Chad Maxwell
Make-up: Sara Hill