Jacqueline Scislowski – Cheer Camp Killer

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for Cheer Camp Killer.

A) The movie is about a group of high school cheerleaders all competing for the spot of Camp Champion and the scholarship that comes with it! My character Charlotte meets Sophia (Mariah Robinson) and her best friend Jack (Philip McElroy) on the first day of camp and from there you see the three of us navigating our way through all the challenges and dangerous plans thrown at us by Victoria (Sydney Malakeh).

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) I was definitely so excited by the idea that I could finally meld my two passions of dance and acting into one. I had never been able to showcase my background in dance (seven plus years on a hip-hop team) on screen before, so when getting this opportunity, there was no chance I was going to pass it up!

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) Upon reading the script I instantly fell in love with Charlotte. I actually laughed a little because she almost seemed written specifically for me, with almost every line I thought, “Yup, I would say that.” I really loved that Charlotte was a sort of comedic relief throughout the film, she was very strong willed and confident. I considered her a savage because she always said it like it is and never was afraid to put someone in their place if needed. I felt like I just needed to bring my A-game and make sure I reflected the same gusto on screen.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A)I was very lucky to have pretty extensive background in dance, gymnastics, and stunts. So, although I had never been an actual cheerleader, each of those skills helped me adjust to the cheerleading style. I can say it is very different dancing with these two huge pom poms in your hands. [laughs] It is definitely a skill to not accidently fling them across the room.

Q) With such intense scenes, how did you shake off a long day of filming?

A)To my surprise I actually didn’t have many intense scenes in this project! I gotta tell ya, as much as I love a juicy intense screaming, crying, dying scene, it was quite refreshing being the comedic role and simply just saving the day! [laughs] Although I do know how mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting those intense scenes are, so I always commend any actor or castmate that is filming those. Definitely requires some hugs or ice-cream at the end of those days.

Q) What did you enjoy most about being a part of the film?

A) My favorite part about filming was definitely my cast mates. It’s always a little nerve wrecking when you find out you’ve booked a role with fifteen other castmates because you just hope to all get along and for there to be a great repour on set. I was so lucky to have had the most amazing castmates that made each day such a blast. We truly were a big team and every day we were all so excited to see each other again. We spent every moment of our down time together dancing and cracking jokes. It was such a blast!

Q) What advice did director Randy Carter offer that you took to heart?

A)Randy was such a pleasure to work with! Given that we had to film this whole movie in the course of only two weeks adds a lot of pressure and high stakes to the process. However, it was always so inspiring to show up each day and see so much passion and fire from Randy. No matter how much or little time we had, he made sure he got the shots he wanted. Having such a motivated passionate director definitely sets the stage for the whole movie. I am really glad I was able to work with him!

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from shooting?

A)My favorite moments have to be filming the cheer dances! It brought me right back to my days in high school preforming at the football halftime shows and all the adrenaline and excitement came flooding back! Also, being surrounded by such talented professional dancers was amazing! Definitely full of nostalgia!

Q) You have started to regularly appear in Lifetime films. What continues to make them so enjoyable for you?

A)Lifetime movies are such a unique production! They film so quickly and so I love the challenge of nailing your scene in one take. I see them as a sort of bootcamp for acting, each day you get to set and it’s go, go, go so there is no time for doubt or figuring things out. You have to show up and already be in it and ready. It’s very helpful in training yourself to immediately switch your emotions on and off, especially if you are filming an intense scene that day.

Q) What do you think it is about Cheer Camp Killer that will make it a fast Lifetime thriller?

A)Cheer Camp Killer delivers so many twists and turns and you won’t be able to look away. It’s also very relatable in ways and super scandalous in others. You definitely get a little of everything in this movie and I can’t wait for everyone to see!