Max MacKenzie – Just Say Goodbye

By starrymag | June 26, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I just wrapped a new Amazon Original series this week called “The Hunt” starring Al Pacino and Logan Lerman. I can’t talk about it too much, but it’s truly a next level show with an all-star cast and crew. Definitely keep an eye out for it! 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Just Say Goodbye.

 

A) Just Say Goodbye tells the story of two friends, Sarah (Katerina Eichenberger) and Jesse after Jesse reveals to Sarah that his motivations to live are disappearing and because of this he plans on taking his own life over the summer while Sarah is on vacation. It’s a film about suicide, bullying and friendship.

 

Q) How was your character Jesse Peterson originally described to you?

 

A) Abused and bullied, a high schooler who has a really tough home life and school life, but has one great thing in his life that he cherishes; his best friend, Sarah. 

 

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

 

A) The subject matter is something I have dealt with in the past. I lost a friend to suicide when I was sixteen. It felt so sudden and unexpected. I needed to tell Jesse’s story because of this.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show?

 

A) Not at all. In fact, my first meeting with anyone in person was at our table read. Sometimes it just has to happen like that when everyone’s schedules are too hectic to take the time beforehand.

Q) What advice did director Matt Walting offer that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) He offered me quite a bit of creative license. This gave me the chance to explore the lighter side of Jesse, meaning his somewhat dark sense of humor. I could not have done this effectively without Matt’s trust in me, so I still very much appreciate that. 

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from shooting the movie?

 

A) So many to choose from, but I would definitely say the cafeteria scenes. You may not be able to tell, but I was feeling really, really sick on set that day from some bad chicken I had in New York the day before. I went to a very famous fried chicken place in the city (not KFC), but ordered something pretty much no one gets and it was a mistake. Maybe if you re-watch it you can see me looking a little more pale or green than normal.

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from the film?

 

A) People are suffering silently all around you, every day. This is a sad truth, but it is not without a solution. If we can love one another, and understand one another more, there is so much damage that can be prevented. I hope people learn that there is no way to always know what’s going on inside someone’s head.

Q) What advice would you offer to other up and coming young adults who want to be actors and actresses?

 

A) If you’re in school, don’t wait to get started professionally. You’re ready now. Do both, sure. But this is show business. It doesn’t require a degree. In fact, no one actually cares about your degree. They only care if you can perform. Your late teens/early 20’s are super important years to learn the art of failure and how to navigate the business. Training is important, yes. I am not disregarding that. But why limit yourself to just school when you could be learning through the actual business too? Just something I suggest considering…