Jillian Shea Spaeder in conversation with Olga Burak for French Fries: "I guess my fairy tale story happened when I went to Hollywood for a performing arts event the summer I was 11...

Photography: Storm Santos / stormshoots

Interviewed by Olga Burak / lala__burak

For the last few years, The Walt Disney Company significantly changed their ideas, and moved from classical stories to more contemporary and diverse plots. New movies are touching such important subjects as life goals, professional growth and, what is most important, that happiness is an individual feeling, which could not be judged or guided by old stereotypes. With new tracks appear new modern and unique faces, embodying nowadays reality. One of them is Jillian Shea Spaeder, who recently played a leading role in the new Disney+ Christmas movie Godmothered. But unlike her character, the young actress isn’t timid at all. At the age of 18, she clearly knows what she wants to achieve in future and is not shy about her ambitions. In addition to her successful musical and acting career, she also tries herself as a producer and director – such as in her recent short film “It Counts”. We had a chance to talk to Jillian about her recent work, stage fright, her social activities and what does happily ever after means to her. 

This Christmas season you had a big release on Disney+, the holiday movie Godmothered. Congratulations with it! Can you tell us, do you believe in fairytales and magic? Did anything unusual or unique happen to you?

Like most of the kids, I grew up believing in them, but now I believe people have the ability to make their own magic and fairy tales! I guess my unusual story happened when I went to Hollywood for a performing arts event the summer I was 11. I met my (now) manager, Susie, who noticed me during a seminar she was teaching. Afterwards she asked me to meet with her, because she was interested in the possibility of signing me. I did sign with her, and Susie was the one who encouraged me to come out for pilot season the following February. It was then that I auditioned for Walk the Prank, and things took off from there. So, meeting Susie was a pretty magical moment that changed my life. 

While playing Jane, did you notice some common features between you two?

Jane and I both love to play guitar, sing, write songs, and most importantly we both share the love of music with our fathers. But, that’s where the similarities end. Jane is very shy and quiet, and I am completely the opposite! She also has severe stage fright, which is no longer a problem for me.

Talking about a stage fright, have you ever felt something similar? How did you cope with it?

I definitely had some stage fright when I was younger. If I had to sing solos in elementary school shows, I usually got a stomachache beforehand, but once I was on stage I would take a few deep breaths and it would go away. Around the age of 9, I started to go up and sing a few songs with my parents’ band when they played out. I sometimes felt a little nervous with all those people looking at me, but they were all smiling, so that made me relax. Also, my dad was playing piano right next to me, which helped a lot. 

You are a very talented musician and songwriter. When did you realize that you have this gift? What inspires you to create music? 

I think being from a musical family really helped me. I’ve loved music my entire life and started singing as soon as I could talk. I think I realized gradually that music might be a part of my future. Everything around me inspired me to create music – people, events, or just everyday life. 

A lot of actors, who started their career at a young age faced difficulties in getting more serious parts as they grow up. Have you ever thought about this problem and how can you avoid this kind of perspective? 

Jane's part in Godmothered was more serious, so I think playing her was a good bridge from my childhood acting into more dramatic roles. I worked hard with our on-set acting coach to get into Jane’s brain and her deepest emotions, so I learned some valuable techniques that will help me with any further roles.

What is your dream role or a movie, in which you would like to take part?

When I read the latest book of Hunger Games series – The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – and saw that the main character sings, my first thought was that I wanted to play her in the movie!

During one of the press-conferences, supporting the Godmothered movie, you mentioned, that this time your job combined three of your favourite activities – acting, singing and playing guitar. Is there a possibility that after this film you will try yourself in musicals or on a Broadway scene?

I got my start in musical theatre, doing a few regional shows near Philadelphia. I would love to do that again, and Broadway would be an incredible opportunity!

If you have to choose just one pass, what would it be – singing or acting?

I get this question a lot of times, and still I can’t make a choice, even though it’s hypothetical. I love both equally! I’m lucky that I don’t have to pick one over another. I can make music in between acting projects, so I can dedicate my time to both. 

Have you thought about expanding your career towards directing or producing movies? 

I love every part of producing and directing, so that is definitely something I want to continue to do. My friend Lilia and I have now done two projects that we co-produced. The first one is the music video for my song Something Better, which I also co-wrote and co-directed. The other one is a short film, It Counts, to encourage young voters. Lilia wrote a script and I stepped in as the Director. 

2020 was a hard period for everyone, but despite the pandemic and other horrible events, can you tell us 3 positive things that happened to you during last year and for which you are grateful?

Well, first of all, working on Godmothered was such a great experience! We had so much fun with the team! It was a great start to the year, and I fell in love in Boston too. Second – my family! Because of the pandemic, we ended up staying at home in Philadelphia way longer than we planned at the beginning (actually, we are still here!). But this unexpected situation gave me a chance to spend more time with my sister, brother, and puppy-niece Noodle. And last, but not the least – the election went the way I hoped it would!

Which iconic women inspire you the most now?

There are so many inspiring women I could talk about… But right now, I have to say it’s Kamala Harris. Having a female, African-American, Asian-American as the Vice President gives me hope for the future. She is a face of change and a strong role model for girls and young women, not only in the United States, but all around the world. 

You are also known for your social work. This year you produced a short film It Counts, about the importance of voting during elections. Tell us, why did you choose this specific topic

With all the difficult moments that had been going in our country for the past few years, and especially this past year with the pandemic, I was excited to vote in my first election (*Jillian turned 18 in September 2020). I’ve also gotten passionate about encouraging other people to vote, too. My friend Lilia and I were trying to figure out how we could use our voices and make a difference in the election. We were awarded a grant to make a short film encouraging younger audiences to vote, whether in this election or in a future one. We asked our friends to join the project and together we got the work done quickly and safely. The point of the film, It Counts, is simple and clear – every vote counts!

In one of your interviews, you mentioned that Emma Watson is a role model for you. Right now she is not only a successful actress, but also a Director at a luxury conglomerate Kering. Have you ever thought about changing the world not only by personal example, but also through the work of big companies? 

I would love to be able to make an impact on today’s world in that way, and I hope someday to have enough influence and courage to make it happen!

What was your biggest life lesson in the entertainment industry? 

This industry has a lot of “No’s”. So, I learned that any time you get an opportunity to be in front of someone – whether it’s an audience, a music or movie producer, or a casting director – consider it as a win and make the most of it. The most important thing is to leave an impression!

Have you made any resolutions or goals for this year? Are there any upcoming projects for 2021?

I’m releasing a single called ‘you & me’ on February 13th. I’m also working on my first album and plan to release it this Spring 2021. It will include some of the singles I’ve already released, as well as some new songs. I also hope to produce and direct music videos for some of them. 

And the last question – what does happily ever after mean to you?

I’m stealing a line from Godmothered, but I think it means to just live happily.