By: The Don

Jodie Shultz has over thirty plus years of experience in the entertainment industry. From making her debut in the Miss PA USA pageant, to acting in commercials, she is now producing and writing her own film scripts. Jodie has a myriad of experience in the entertainment industry. While modeling, she made connections with people in film to get her foot in the door of what she really enjoys doing – producing. Born in Lancaster, PA, she has traveled all over the US for jobs numerous times, but still comes back to Philly to work on projects regularly. Jodie is known for her work on various Film and TV projects such as Nickelodeon, NickJr. Team Umi Zoomi, and Do No Harm. You can catch her soon in bookstores as she is also working on a book to help film prospects of the dos’ and donts’ in the film industry!

IMDB Page

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4199675/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Youtube Page

Check out some of Jodie’s work below!

https://www.youtube.com/user/JodieShultz

INTERVIEW

What is your name?

Jodie Shultz, my nickname is JoJo.

How long have you been in the Entertainment Industry?

Dare I say, thirty plus years!

What do you do within the field?

I started as a pageant girl and won a few titles, which opened the door to a successful modeling career. It then led me to a rewarding acting career, which lead me to an exciting career producing films. In between I’ve done hosting work, writing and live events. I’ve worn just about any hat, you could think of!

Did modeling help you in acting?

Modeling started my career; when I was in high school I entered a local pageant and won; it advanced me to the Miss PA USA pageant. I didn’t win that but was in the top ten. It catapulted me to a grand year of appearances and my platform was one which helped me build a great network. I met some wonderful people. I built myself professionally and built my modeling career, which then led me to acting. That eventually over time opened the door to a film and producing career.

Tell us more about your producing career, how was life as a Producer?

My most recent full feature indie film was quite rewarding because I secured the use of a McLaren 720S, which was a wonderful achievement for me personally. As a Producer, I received great accolades from the star of the film, Mr. Lance Henriksen, about my production work on the film, a personal accomplishment; I am deeply touched from his many compliments, as he is an icon in the industry. He invited me to two of his follow-up appearances where he personally introduced my daughter and I to close personal friends of his, Mr. Robert Englund and Mr. Robert Patrick. So, I must say the business has been good to me over the years.

Why did you pursue film?

I pursued film because I absolutely LOVE it. A dear friend of mine, a well known actor whom I greatly admire and respect, told me that “you must love what you do,” and yes, I love what I do! No two days on set are the same. Hell, no two minutes, are ever the same! I could go on and on for hours about this topic, but long story short, I absolutely love the chase, the differences, the personalities and the hustle of it all. Have you seen the documentary currently on Netflix titled … “the Filmworker” about Leon Vitale, Stanley Kubrick’s devoted right hand man who surrendered his acting career to become his lifelong assistant? It’s a brilliant piece and I completely relate. It’s all about being a ‘film worker’. Once you’re bitten by the ‘bug’ so to speak, you will master the arts to be the best you can be and earn respect of fellow film workers. 

Did you start your film career in Philly? 

I’m from Lancaster, PA, which is where I started my entertainment career. I won a local beauty pageant, which led me to the State Competition and the rest is history. I began working in the Philly market and the world became my oyster, so to speak. I’ve traveled all of the US for work ever since. I’ve been very fortunate and blessed. It’s also helped my daughter experience the acting/modeling world as well. She’s worked on sets as both a PA, wardrobe assistant and small acting parts. 

I’ve worked with quite a few Philadelphia production teams and wonderful celebrity actors from LA to NYC and every city in between. I have seen a lot of the USA as a producer. It’s been quite exciting.

What type of films have you produced?

I’ve produced family action feature films, as well as thrillers and drama films. I’ve also worked on a long line of patient reenactment psychotic doctor patient short films; very interesting to say the least, some of which won awards in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Do you prefer acting or being behind the cameras producing?

Good question! Do I prefer acting or producing… this depends entirely on the script. I prefer both. I enjoy and LOVE doing both. It’s hard not to want to do them both. They are both very, very rewarding. In my opinion, it truly depends on the script. If there is a character in which I want to develop as my own, then I prefer to act. If there is a story that I want the audience to be moved by, as a whole, then I want to produce the project. Understand that there’s a lot that goes into both of these roles, responsibilities, and in some cases one could do both acting and producing of a project. However, it is an immense responsibility and a very rewarding one, if done successfully, but it can be done!

What was it like acting for the first time?

My first time acting…you’ll never believe, was a very successful banking commercial, booked by an inexperienced talent agent, whom I would never mention, but shame on them for booking it in this manner… I was booked as a ‘wife’ with no lines, just reactions for a quick two hour acting gig. Well, when I arrived they gave me a five page script! I was floored! I called the agent who acted as if they had no idea about the lines and I asked for a renegotiation in pay, etc., needless to say I got nothing… but I did get an amazing commercial for my reel, and because I did a great job without prep per the director & producer, they booked me for three other jobs later that year. It turned out pretty decent, considering the rough start. That was my very first acting gig. And, I learned a valuable lesson to working with talent agents and booking gigs.

What do you love about producing?

I love the fact that every single day and project is a new adventure. Nothing is ever the same! Never ever! I’m not a cubicle, paper pusher, lifer type person. I did my time in the corporate world and hope to never go back to that. I love seeing stories come to life on the big screen. It’s my passion and where I thrive.

What do you hate about producing?

What I hate most about producing…there’s never enough money in the budget. Hahaha.

What do you not like about the Entertainment Industry?

I’m in the process of writing a book on the do’s and don’ts of getting started in the acting business, because I’ve run into so many shady people and businesses taking advantage of aspiring models and actors. It’s quite sad really.

 Do you have any funny or crazy stories on set?

Funny, crazy stories…YES! The time I had to shoot a beach vacation commercial in Ocean City, New Jersey the week of Thanksgiving and it was FREEZING cold. I was the mom of the family and we were in bathing suits in November on the beach, yet it looked like July in the final cut. Amazing. I’ll never forget that! 

And, as a Producer, the time we had to quickly (in less than two minutes) teach a ‘seasoned’ celebrity how to drive a million dollar sports car. Thankfully, it was a super short scene and the automotive crew was exceptionally patient (and insured)!!! 

There was also the time, as an actress, I worked with marionette puppets. That was quite an experience and not something everyone gets to do in their career. I’ve recently became good friends with a professional puppeteer who has worked with Lucas Film/Star Wars for over twenty years & he’s shared with me, that the art of puppetry is regaining popularity & to have had the opportunity to work with puppets is a gift… so I greatly consider myself blessed to have had that opportunity, to work with puppets in that tv commercial.

There was also a time, during an audition, for a commercial that I accidentally dropped a prop and picked it up upside down by accident, but it landed me the booking. And, the commercial ended up running during the SuperBowl. SCORE! No pun intended. My FaceBook blew up that day. I had no idea it was going to run that day. None of us (actors) did. It was a great surprise. So, yes, there are a few fun, crazy stories…

Have you ever been to Los Angeles?

I’ve been to LA four times for work and several pleasure trips. I love it in LA. I’ve always dreamed of relocating to LA, but always come back to Philly.

Do you have a favorite genre?

Favorite Genre is (True Story) Dramas and Murder/Crime. I’m a big, big Drama Thriller fan. I’m actually writing my own script(s) loosely based on a murder crime drama. I also love Law & Order. A lot of my friends and colleagues have been involved in this production over the years, so when it comes to film, I go to that same sort of film and that genre. Second is RomCom. Legally Blonde (2001) sort, anything with Jen Aniston, Ryan Reynolds, Matt McConaughey or Josh Duhamel.

Tell us more about your scripts that you have been writing?

I’m currently between two scripts, both based on true stories, naturally. The first is set in the fifties, when a twelve year old girl narrates the story of how she and her siblings were ripped from their east coast home by their mother to escape an abusive alcoholic father to escape to a West Coast family. Along the journey they quickly ran out of money and started selling any and everything they could to survive, including the car’s ashtray, hubcaps, even their mother!

My second script developed during some banter with superstar Michael Constantine during a film premiere after a project we worked on. He and I were exchanging stories during a party, and photographers were flashing lights in our eyes. He told me a story of his first red carpet and I shared a pageant story, and it sparked a dramedy about the struggles of breaking into the business and when you get there, is it really what you had hoped? All on a slow and steady crawl of barely eating, unless you move to the big, big cities and still barely eating.

Who is your favorite celebrity?

I don’t have a ‘favorite’ celebrity. I have many dear friends & colleagues in this field, so it wouldn’t be fair to list a favorite. I have many whom I respect in their craft that I could elaborate on their skill, if you will.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie… this is also tricky, as I have so many that I use as tools. I would have to say those that I produce or part take in haha. Would it be biased to say those that are shot in Philadelphia? Over the decades I love the classics. Those that capture the art of the talent without multiple locations & extreme sfx & mere talent. … I’m old fashioned that way. I also like movies that are directed by legendary actors and actresses such as Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Jennifer Anniston, Reese Witherspoon etc. I love their films especially Million Dollar Baby (2004). I love anything based on true stories. Those are my go to films on streaming services right now. Very much in love with the Morning Show (2019 to present) right now!

What do you to keep calm and sane during tough days working on sets?

Personally, I make time for meditation every day. Even a quick ten minute walk. My mentor reminds me to clear my heart, mind and soul or one can quickly get wrapped up in the muck of the day to day. Take a walk, look up at the sky and remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s great.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

As I certainly don’t have a crystal ball to predict my future, I certainly would hope that wherever I am in five, ten years time, I will continue a quest for true peace, with a legacy of loyalty, integrity and building solid relationships. I will continue to aspire and be a part of the entertainment business, in any aspect it will have me.

What advice do you have for others interested in the Entertainment Field?

My advice for anyone starting out in the Entertainment Industry is to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. Plan to work on your craft, all the time and don’t ever think you’re done learning. EVER.

For actors starting out, I highly recommend working on a set in any capacity to understand and respect the production from beginning to end. Don’t ask a million questions, just watch, observe and absorb all that goes into the intricacies of the process. Even if it is for one day, it will help you understand that as an actor, when your day is wrapped it is hours upon hours before the crew goes home. And, for the producers especially, they take their work home for hours after that. And, they are on set hours before the talent show up and most of the crew.

Also, Read! Read! Read!. Read acting and producing books when you have time. One at a time, of course. Dissect them, absorb them. Educating yourself should never cease, like eating well and nurturing your body should not stop.

Also, with the pandemic, it’s understandable how difficult it is for actor and theater groups to gather for weekly study and rehearsal groups. With that said, it is encouraged that actors do their best to organize zoom groups and keep working their craft and stay sharp. Find online virtual groups webinars and etc. to stay fresh. And read, read, read. A working mind is a fresh, keen mind. I actually co-chaired a recent zoom audition where talent would say things to the tune of “sorry I’m a bit rusty because of the pandemic and my classes have been canceled”, and then one shining star would pop through and say, “I’ve been rehearsing with my friends in the park and it was evident.” Naturally they booked the job!