Jessica Clement Interview, Harper from Gen V

Welcome, Jessica Clement! From Tina Funk in Pure to Harper in Gen V, which role have you been most attached to in your career?

Pure will always have a very special place in my heart. It was my first series regular, it was my first long term shoot away from home, and I had the BEST cast and crew to guide me through it. I love Tina, she had a quiet strength and a way of saying everything she needed to with as little words as possible, those are shoes I would gladly step back into anyday. I've been so lucky to play a decent variety of characters since then, starting with Night Blooms, that was the first time I got to stray from the "innocent/naive girl". Fanny Casteel was a blast because I've always wanted to take on a victim. I would say that I am personally a solid mix of Deena (Night of the Reaper) and Harper! So both of those were fulfilling to play because I really got to use bits of myself! 

Can you share an anecdote with your fans from the Gen V cast that you particularly enjoyed?

One of my favourite memories was when Lizze and I had a super early call time...like 5am vibes. And I live about an hour outside of where we filmed, so Lizze would let me crash at her place often, like very often (thank you, Lizze). We stayed up way later than we should have telling every story we have. We trauma bonded over mental health (which I feel safe to share because Lizze is so fearlessly upfront about that topic). We then woke up and decided to have a dance party on the beach until we had to go to set...at 5am. It set my whole day up with a positive energy and I can never listen to "This Kiss" by Faith Hill and not think about us dancing to it back then. 

Who is Jessica Clement away from the big or small screen? What does she love to do in her free time?

Hmmm I'm gonna answer this in 3rd person like it's posed! She is a dog mom, a very lucky fiancé, a willing victim of ADHD, and the founder and co-owner of an acting studio (Hamont) with her partner and two best friends! Most days look like: a late wake up (we love sleeeep & excectuive dysfuntion), a Chaga tea (FUCK CANCER), a work out (Superhero & Bride bod loading), coach self tapes at Hamont (love this part), go to see friends, forget everything that was supposed to be brought, go back home, play a home design game while binging a comfort show, make a to do list for tomorrow, go to bed. 

We hear you are expected to appear in new productions soon, including a thriller television series titled Neagley. Can you tell us about your role and give us a sneak peek of the plot? What can we expect from the comedy Lucky Weekend? What role will you play?

Yes! I'm so excited for both of these! Neagley is under tight wraps so I'll just say that there is action...I do not take part in the action...my character's name is Mandy, she is 18. That's all I got! Lucky Weekend is where I met my two besties Kevin and Alexa! It's Kev's directorial debut...he also wrote it and produced it and lots more. We are proud friends. It's a "coming of heist" movie and it's so enjoyable to watch. It's feel-good, it's exciting, it's a world you want to revisit! I play Katie, she's an introverted music student, which also is a part of real me!

Do you prefer comedy or thrillers, Jessica Clement? Is there an actress who has inspired you throughout your career?

Ooooo I'd love to do more of both! That's why I love acting! My ADHD makes me easily bored so switching up the tone & character is my preference! I have many inspirations! The first was actually Julianne Nicholson, who I got to work with in 2022..what a "Dream Scenario" for me. I want Emma Stone's career, duh. Also a big fan of Carrey Mulligan and Toni Collette.

You directed several short films in 2023, from Bloody Bobby, which won several awards, to Million Dollar Mom. What role does the short film play in today's cinematic landscape?

I get this question a lot and I kinda love answering it because it's not what people think! First, let me make it clear: I am not a director. I don't think I ever intend to be. I have decision paralysis, I don't know how directors do it!! BUT! I did direct some short films for my studio before my co-owners jumped on board. The reason was simply that I had no one else to do it! We make short films for our students so that they can have resume credits, IMDb credits, and demo reel footage! So we write them for each actor depending on what they need for their reel and then produce the short film for them over a weekend! The films then go to the Hamilton Film Festival because we partnered with its owner, Nathan Fleet. This way it is eligible for an IMDb credit, and we have a big screening/celebration. It's the best and it fills my creative cup so much!

What are Jessica Clement's upcoming projects as an actress, director and producer?

I am editing this question to just say actor because I am not qualified to be a director...producer in the future seems cool though! Anyway! Neagley and Lucky Weekend will be out in 2026, which I am excited for! I am not filming at the moment...a scary time for any actor! But I'm enjoying the down time with my family and friends and ADHD :)