Jacques Chevelle – Side Hustle

By starrymag | November 28, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I recently completed a short film with my friends that we submitted to a festival. We were walking around WB studios one night and we came up with the idea. Everything just came together so perfectly. I had the chance to do a lot of behind the scenes work, sound, art, casting! The short film is called Neighborhood Crooks. Be on the lookout for it!

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the new series “Side Hustle.”

A) “Side Hustle” is about three kids who get in a world of trouble when they blow up my father’s boat. They now have to find creative jobs to do to pay back my father. My character Jaget makes sure they get the money in on time.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of this series?

A) The relationship between my character Jaget and his brother Munchy (Isaiah Crews) reminded me of my relationship with my older brother. We would always play “chicken” and see who would chicken out first. I remember one time my brother wrapped me with a water hose and shimmied me down the side of the house like I was a spy. It was not safe at ALL!!

 

Q) How was your character Jaget originally described to you? 

A) Jaget is an overly confident older brother. After being put in charge of his younger brother and his friends, he becomes drunk with power.

 

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

A) I added a bit more fun to Jaget’s physical movements. I didn’t want him to feel so stiff. I feel like he is a guy who makes big choices in life and I want his physical movements to be just as large.

 

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

A) When I get the chance to say the word “Daddy.” I try to mix it up a little every time.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of feedback have you been receiving to “Side Hustle?” 

A) I saw a video of a kid last week saying, “Don’t pinch my brother or Imma give you smackoroni and cheese!” It was great! She said it with so much conviction.

 

Q) You’ve been a part of a number of plays and musicals. What is your favorite genre to work in?

A) Plays! I feel at home when working on a new play. I get to experiment with how the character walks, sounds, his or her cadence and rhythm. Embodying a character for two hours is heaven for me.

 

Q) What actor/actress would you most like to work with in the future?

A) Viola Davis has become a well of inspiration and motivation for me. The moment when she responds to Denzel Washington’s character in the film Fences with, “I’ve been standing with you.” Or the conversation she has with Meryl Streep in Doubt and says, “Do I ask the man why he good to my son? No.” These moments ring in my ear and motivate me to dig deeper for my characters.

 

Q) What advice would you give to other up and coming actors and actresses?

A) Enjoy the journey! It’s a fun ride; keep your eyes open and try not to cover them.