You are in luck today because today I am sharing my 5 mins with one of my most fav humans on the planet. Jackie and I have become more than just friends she is like a sister and by far one of the most talented and kind humans I have the pleasure of doing life with! Enjoy!
What was the inspiration for your project / company and how long had you been working on it before launching?
I am my own company. I work as an actress / presenter and stunt performer in Film and Television. I started in 2006 with my first acting course and the learning is never complete.
*Can you share with us what a typical day looks like for you?
Typically, I am working either on set or at the rehearsal studio. I will do my own training on days I’m not in costume (usually before work), then I will be choreographing fights, teaching actors, training wire rigs or fights or any other action that is required.
On the days I am in costume, training will be dependent on what time I start and what time I wrap. Film days are long generally around 12 hrs (not including travel), or longer if we do overtime. SO there isn’t much else you can squeeze into a day once you have had dinner, a shower and a cheeky watch of something on tv. If I have the energy I will do a training after work.
If I am not working, which can be a very real possibility in the Film and Television world, I will have a training or two lined up – usually the gym and martial arts.
Body maintenance is a must, whether its acupuncture, chiropractor or massage. Ill usually have an audition to prep, a script to learn, or other training such as American accent. The down times are also when I can do creative projects for me such as filming a fight and editing it, or script writing. At the moment I spend my weekends training to grade up a level in Balintawak, finishing my Skippers ticket and writing scripts.
*The industry that you’re in now, was that always a career pathway you wanted to explore? And if not always, what sparked your initial interest?
I currently work in Film and Television and NO that wasn’t my initial career path that I sought. I went to university and completed my master’s degree in Marine Biology and Conservation Ecology. That’s what I wanted ever since I was 7 Years old. I am passionate about animals and the environment. Acting was something I was good at and enjoyed as a kid as I’m an avid writer and storyteller and very creative. But I had a drive towards marine bio. I have always been inspired by David Attenborough and wanted to be the female version of him and share the research and passion I had for animals with everyone else. The best way to communicate this I felt was through Film and Television. So I took an acting and presenting course hoping that the two passions would come together. I started pitching TV ideas to TVNZ and other places hoping something would take flight.
I never knew my career journey would go this way. I enjoy it and work hard for it as it can be very unpredictable so you need to keep upskilling and being at the top of your game. But do I want more – yes. Will it evolve – I hope so. Watch this space.
*Do you have a highlight experience from your years of work in the creative space?
Working as a presenter for CoastNZ was a dream come true. It was a very similar idea that I had also come up with and pitched to NZ tv. That didn’t happen, but 10 years later I was offered Coast NZ so I feel it was meant to be, I was just ahead of my time. It didn’t feel like a job, which is what you want. I have always worked towards things that I love and enjoy hoping that It will inspire others to do the same. I have enjoyed a lot of what I have been able to do performing wise. I love character work and always cherish it when I get an opportunity to do that kind of work. Let’s hope the future holds more of that.
*Can you share something that may surprise people about what could go on behind the scenes of your work?
I think the amount of training and skills that are required to do what I do would surprise people, and the complexity to which we go to, to make a film. Also, any job that you can think of can be applied to the film industry.
*Where would we find you in your spare time?
Usually in a gym training martial arts, drifting cars, in the water diving or freediving, or in front / behind a camera. I also quite like a good cafe! But I like active rest, and I am an over achiever, wanting to experience as much of life as I can so I will always be doing something fun.
*Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Its not so much advice, but rather what I’m trying to live by at the moment which is – To really be present. Life is moving fast, and you won’t have any of these moments again so – really be in it. See it, feel it, hear it. Life is energy and every thought and feeling is energy. Being present in the moment I think allows you to be aware of those thoughts and those feelings which allows you to create positively. But if your really present in whatever your doing, anything that is bothering you, upsetting you, giving you anxiety won’t have time to be present. You will have more control over yourself, your thoughts, your actions. There really is only this moment.
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Website: https://linktr.ee/jackygeurts
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