Tracey Birdsall – Who’s Jenna Jameson

By: Jamie Steinberg

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

A) We just wrapped At The Edge of Time and Death Machine has been released. At The Edge of Time is a sci-fi film. Right now we are working on Robot Armageddon and we’ll be shooting that through probably the first week in April and through the end of May I have Who’s Jenna Jameson.

Q) You are a writer, actor and producer. How do you balance all of these responsibilities?

A) And I build houses and flip them as a hobby! I think I have a lot of energy and I have to stay very focused. It’s all about balance and it is hard to say “no.” If I can’t say “no” to a project I just have to make it work.

Q) Death Match is out now. What was it like working with director Neil Johnson?

A) Neil is fantastic! That is the only time I have ever done a voiceover role. That was interesting. I got to be a spaceship computer voice. That was fun because I am a science fiction geek. The other one I did with Neil is At The Edge of Time. Neil is great and is great with actors. It’s a big difference from working with other people.

Q) How do you choose the projects you star in?

A) If it is a comedy, I have to laugh the whole time when I first read the script. It has to not just catch you. You have to like the whole thing. If it is a comedy, I really want it to be that funny because it is easy. For a drama or science fiction project it has to be something that you want to round out your different genres. Sometimes it is not what the arcs are. I try to stay in the cross platform multi-genre, but sometimes you have to something in order to make sure you don’t get pigeonholed because I want to continue to be able to do roles across genres.

Q) Lately it seems you have done a lot more drama. What draws you to these roles?

A) It’s always the role. But not really because I was in Dawn of the Crescent Moon and Do You Like Your Balls, which is kind of like the Jenna Jameson movie. It’s kind of an adult over-the-top comedy. I’ve actually had a really good blend. I’ve gone from one to the next. When I do comedy, I crave drama for the deep art. Then, when I do drama then I crave comedy. Doing science fiction is so fun because I get to be a badass character and wear the costume. I think that I crave doing the next thing when I’m doing something. They are all parts of who I am. To me, so much of the fun is the preparation.

Q) Do you tend to improv any of your dialogue or stick mostly to the script?

A) It depends on what the director says. I studied improv for a long time and I really, really enjoy it. When they let you play with it, sometimes they are the most fun scenes (unless you are with other actors who don’t enjoy improv). Most directors give me a little bit of leniency with the character because once I find who the character is then I’ll say, “This is what she should say.” And 99% of the time they will agree with you.

Q) What drew you to the film Who’s Jenna Jameson?

A) Who wouldn’t want to play that role? It was one of the ones where the director, Thomas Baldinger, sent me the script. He was like, “Here. I have a script.” He actually sent me three scripts and he said, “I really just want you to read this and tell me what you think.” Of course, I read the title and wasn’t sure. Usually, I try to read a script without any judgment. I try to sit down and just enjoy the ride. I’m very visual when I read and I absolutely loved the role. When I signed on, New Vision Films was on board with me attached. It’s one of those projects that is kind of a game changer because you are going out there and playing somebody who is like someone everybody already knows. You really have to be on the ball, but I love things like that. I love anything that is a huge challenge and it’s a challenge. There is everything to like about the script. I laughed all the way through it!

Q) How did you prepare for your role?

A) I know so much about Jenna now! I have watched documentaries on her and Google’d her to pieces. I know people who know her. So, I know a lot about her life and it’s been really interesting. We have some things in common, even though our journeys were different. It’s interesting because I watched a documentary and she talked about how she had braces and glasses as a kid and was goofy. I was exactly the same way. You grow up and emerge as a woman and find power in that. So, even though there is a twist to the film, it’s a comedy where she is a doppelganger of Jenna Jameson. There are some twists and turns, but of course I still want to understand her and her mannerisms. I’ve been quite fascinated by her.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive when the movie is released?

A) Yeah! I love fan feedback! I absolutely adore it. I’m really, really looking forward to it. I love social media.

Q) Why is social media such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) You have fans, you have friends and you have people who want to know what you are up to. I think social media gives you a way to connect with all the people out there and still have all that extra time in your day. I just think it’s fun. I also work in print so it is kind of fun that there is a little bit of a crossover. I put up images from different jobs that I do. It’s fun and I’m a real people person. I really, really like people, interacting with people, making people laugh and feel things. I think that’s why I’m an actress and why I like social media.

Q) Is there anything you want to be sure people know about Who’s Jenna Jameson?

A) One of the things that I think is really important is that a lot of people dishonor and diss on the industry. This has absolutely nothing to do with that. There is nothing negative about it. It’s a comedy. Nobody is making fun of her. I have a lot of respect for her, especially since I’ve researched it. I think it is a great journey and I’m looking forward to going it. I think everyone is going to really, really enjoy it.