Jessica Pimentel – Person of Interest

By: Lisa Steinberg

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

A) For the second time, they brought me back and I just finished shooting another episode of “Person of Interest.” It will be airing soon!

Q) Please tell us about your character on “Person of Interest.”

A) She is a triggerman, a hit woman of one of the gang members named Dominic. Her name is Floyd and she is in every scene backing up her crew. She is never afraid and what I like about her is that all the guys in the gang are 6’4 and intimidating. She’s the one who they will say, “Take care of this,” and point to her. I’m 5’5 so I think that is awesome that they gave me that much power in these situations!

Q) Did you have to do any stunt work for the show?

A) No comment! The episode though is really exciting. If you are a fan of “Person of Interest,” you will love this episode! The way they shoot it is very cinematically pleasing. There are some really, really epic big movie type shots. It’s really cool what goes down in the episode.

Q) Was there anything you added to role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) For the most part, they made her tough and at first I wondered how tough she would be. I went in for the audition looking at the toughest girls who were straight up tomboys and I came in with big cargo pants, my hair pulled back, a hoodie on and a razor in my mouth. There is a picture on Instagram and it was after a week of Fashion Week where we are in these beautiful dresses all week and talking fashion. I was hosting a party for my friend’s line of wines. I had been in a convention center all day trying on dresses and modeling around. Then, I had to go be a cold blooded killer when I wasn’t in the mood…so to speak. I wasn’t sure if I could do it and then I said, “You’re an actress. That’s your job.” So, I thought about it and I just took all the makeup off, put on the cargo pants, sneakers and hoodie. I put that razor in my mouth and put on that swag like I was a guy. I was just one of the guys around the way.

Q) Who did you wish you had the opportunity to film more scenes with that you may not have gotten to work with much/

A) So far, I can’t even tell you who I haven’t been able to work with. I have not been able to work with Bear. Hopefully, in the future, I’ll get to work with Bear and I hope he won’t bite me.

Q) Were you a fan of the show before appearing on it?

A) I absolutely love the show! It has so many elements of shows that I like. I’m a big dork. I’m a big nerd. I love playing MMORPG games and one of the ones I play is called “Ingress,” which is based on the show. A lot of the graphics remind me of each of them, looking for targets in the vicinity of where you are. It has that Matrix quality, it has that modern quality and the spiritual element of one’s reality. I think it’s really beautifully done and it is really fun for me to be on the show.

Q) We know you have already filmed Season 3 of “Orange.” How will the new characters fit into the storyline?

A) They fit right in! The characters and the actresses fit right in. It’s really great! I don’t know how much more I can share…They completely add to the story and the actresses are awesome. We couldn’t be happier!

Q) The dynamics are going to be changing under Caputo’s reign. What can we expect from his regime?

A) I don’t think I can share anything, but Caputo is one hell of a guy! Nick Sandow is also one hell of a guy.

Q) The show has become such a wonderful phenomena! It’s one of those first shows that kick started binge-worthy programs. How does that make you feel?

A) I am very, very happy about that phenomena. I’ve been doing that for quite a while actually. I travel a lot so I never had cable so I had to be sneaky about getting my shows. To have these shows come out where you can watch them at your leisure and go back and watch it again…Sometimes things happen where someone will call or something is going on in the background and you have to stop so you miss something or if get further into the episode and you see something you like you can just rewind it. You can watch it four times in a row if you like it. I think “Orange Is The New Black” has broken so many rules and set the bar at such a level for all the shows coming after it in so many ways. It’s almost hard to get your head around it. I’m definitely proud to be a part of this project and proud to be a part of this show. To see it sink into American culture so quickly and seamlessly.

Q) Where are some of your favorite locations to shoot scenes?

A) When we get to do things in the prison yard is a lot of fun. That is not on a set. We actually have to go somewhere else to do those shots. So, I enjoy going there a lot. And I love my visitation!

Q) What do you do as a group to pass time during breaks in filming?

A) Our cast gets along really well so we like to hang out to pass the time. What we have been doing is some of us getting together and going through some nice relaxation and meditation techniques while we are waiting for things to get set up. Especially for heavier scenes when you need to focus and when there is a lot of energy, people and commotion, it tends to pull your focus. So, we like to just sit, chillout and do some relaxation, breathing and meditation. We talk about personal things going on. I’m really lucky to be in this cast.

Q) Is there some new music on the horizon for your band?

A) Absolutely! My band Alekhines Gun just released an EP. We’re going to be playing around the tri-state area and New England area while working on new material. We have some video stuff coming out soon as well. You can find the EP on http://www.bandcamp.com!