Young actor Jac Carrera joins us on Close-up Culture to talk about appearing in a Machine Gun Kelly music video, overcoming bullies, being inspired by Spider-Man, and much more.
Q: Machine Gun Kelly’s music video for ‘Candy’ has over 15 million hits on YouTube. How special was it to be involved in this project?
A: Extremely special. The crazy part about it is that the whole time I thought I was going to be an extra in the video. When we got there, the DP told me that I would get mic’d as soon as Pete Davidson arrived. I just looked at my mom and she smiled.
I was super excited because I was going to work with him and be part of a Machine Gun Kelly music video.
Q: You’ve been acting and performing since the age of four. Why do you love acting?
A: When I was three I wanted to be Spider-Man, I think that’s when I noticed I wanted to be an actor. I would do musicals with my mom and pretend we were filming a movie in the living room.
In pre-K and Kindergarten, I would always be the leader in the school dances. I look at the videos now and I laugh. I did my first role when I was five in a short film called A Precious Life, directed by Damian Bailey. I was a natural and my mom saw it. As I was growing up, I took a passion for video games and my mom decided to let me be a kid.
The truth of it is when I got back into acting I used it as an escape from reality. I was a victim of bullying because of it, but when I went to set my world was a better place. Why I love acting is because it runs through my veins and is a passion I will carry my whole life. It is an avenue to be someone else and create a world different than mine.
Q: ‘Gotham’, ‘Swinging Into Action’, and ‘Facts Of Life’ are just a few of the projects you’ve worked on. What has been your favourite acting memory so far?
A: Gotham was an awesome experience, especially because I would watch the show all the time. Swinging Into Action will always be one of my career highlights, and Facts Of Life is special because I was able to work with my mom and friends. But my favourite memory is one project you didn’t mention.
As I said earlier, when I was three I wanted to be Spider-Man. On September 24, 2016, I was worked on Spider-Man: Homecoming – talk about dreams coming true. We met Tom Holland and his stunt double, and I got to watch a whole scene unfold. I was in awe.
Q: You will star in Justin Kapr’s feature, ‘Bastion’. How was your experience working with Justin on this sci-fi film?
A: Justin is an awesome director and I had a lot of fun bringing to life the role of young Bastion. It took us a while to get it done because of scheduling issues on both sides, but we finally wrapped my scene and I hope it becomes a strong piece for the film.
Q: What are your passions away from acting?
A: I love playing video games, and I love to sing behind close doors… I love bowling as well. I was part of a team last year and I enjoyed it a lot.
Q: You recently wrapped on the short film, ‘Keep On Believing’. Can you tell us about the project and your role?
A: I can’t talk too much about the project itself, but it follows a teen boy who lives under his stepfather’s rules. My character, Diego, is his best friend who is out spoken and doesn’t care what the world thinks about him. I learned a lot from that character because I used to care a lot of what others might think. Now I live my life to the fullest and I don’t let anything or anyone bother me.
Q: The short is directed by your mother, Evelyn Ferreira. You’ve worked together before on ‘Facts Of Life’. How does working with your mom compare to working with other directors? Does the familiarity help?
A: She is a tough cookie, but I was more comfortable with her than other directors. I knew if I messed up a couple of times it was okay. That being said, you have to work hard and concentrate whether you are working with a director or a mom director.
She helped us through long filming days and nights. I admire her, for her hard work and dedication. I would love to work with her again.
Q: What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
A: I want to be able to do so much. I want to make change and give back. I want to give hope to those who, like me, have gone through experienced bullying.
In the future, I want to create a place where kids can take workshops in acting, singing, dancing, instruments, computers or any dreams or passion they have – for free. Seeing my mom – a single parent – hustle to make my dreams come true has made me think: How many talented kids are out there but can’t show the world because their parents can’t afford it?
I want to be able to help those kids live their dreams and be able to have a platform to show their talent. I want to be able to make a difference and have an impact in the world. I know with the platform I am creating I will.