Actress Interview:

BLAST OFF!  RHODA JORDAN IS ON THE RISE

Owen: In true Scream Queen fashion you were hired for your role as Leticia in ‘Death Factory' for your ability to scream.  Do you have a secret to letting out a blood-curdling one?

Rhoda: Just take a deep breath and let it go!

Owen: What is your most vivid memory about that shoot?

Rhoda: I would have to say Tiffany Shepis dressed as the monster! Her wardrobe was extremely uncomfortable, and she was freezing to death! I remember thinking, wow, that’s dedication.

Owen: Your actual movie debut was in the erotic horror flick 'The Mummy's Kiss'. Do you recall the first bit of direction you were given?

Rhoda: That was so long ago, I can't remember! Oh, man, I really must be getting old...No, but honestly, in terms of my character, I really wasn't given too much, if any, direction at all.  I think I must have had about three lines total.

Owen: You and Laura Nativo make great costars as the friends saving their town from a sea creature in 'Aquanoids'.  Was that movie as much fun to make as it looks?

Rhoda: Yes, we had a blast shooting the film--except, let me tell you, I don't think I will ever do an underwater film again! I truly enjoyed the challenging, physical aspects of it, but I'm really not a "water" person.  There was one point where we were in the middle of the ocean, and I seriously thought I was going to drown! When I first read the script, I didn't think the underwater stuff was as extensive as it ended up being.  I am glad that I got through it however! I loved working with the cast and crew.  And it was one of the more enjoyable shoots I've had (aside from the almost drowning part).

Owen: In 'Galaxy Hunter' you had to learn a lot of fight choreography.  Do you enjoy the physical aspect of acting as well as the emotional part?

Rhoda: Yes, completely.  I'm big on taking challenges and proving myself.  Sometimes, I take on too much, and I end up getting overwhelmed, but I think I need chaos in my life to be truly at ease.  And then when you come out the other side of it, it's almost sweeter somehow.  We had a very short period of time--I think it was less than 2 weeks -- to learn all this fight choreography and weaponry stuff.  So it was a lot of information and skill that we had to hone during this tiny window before the film started shooting.

Owen: Tell me about your role in that film.

Rhoda: I play Edge, a half-alien warrior bounty hunter.  She's very tough and just extremely dedicated and loyal to the other bounty hunter chicks she's working side by side with.

Owen: You leaped onto the A-movie scene with your work as a lounge singer in 'Never Die Alone' with DMX and David Arquette.  Coming from the low budget world was it a big shock?

Rhoda: It was almost like a breath of relief! (Laughs) It was really a great time, being involved in this film.  There was this precision and confidence on-set that was just incredibly refreshing.  Not only that, but I was able to focus. I was able to perform without worrying about all the extra things.  See, when you’re doing a low-budget movie, you tend to wear quite a few different hats. Not only are you a performer, but you’re also taking care of things behind the scenes.  Like wardrobe, hair, and make-up that’s all your responsibility.  You can’t relax and set your mind completely on your craft.

Owen: In several of your films you have done nudity.  Was that ever an issue for you or did you just consider it part of being the character?

Rhoda: You know, in the very beginning, when I was first approached to do some topless nudity in a film, I did hesitate.  I can’t lie.  I did stop and ask myself if this was a path that I really wanted to go down.  I know that there are a lot of actresses who do some nudity here and there, and that is really all they’re known for.  And I didn’t want to run the risk of that.  You never want anything like that to get in the way of advancing your career, you know? With all that in mind, I still decided that I was comfortable with it.  It’s all different for everybody.  All of us have our own boundaries.  Personally, I think that any exceptional actress has no boundaries.  In their universe, everything is limitless, everything is possible.  They’re constantly risking and pushing past their comfort zones.  I’m not saying that every actress has to do the nude thing to be exceptional by any means! (Laughs) But I am saying that any great actress should not be accustomed to putting up walls and
shutting out possibilities.  Just never say never.

Owen: What are you working on now or do you have planned for the future?

Rhoda: Right now, I’m producing and acting in a live variety show that is going up in Hollywood at the Stella Adler Theater during the second week of November. It’s called ‘Macho’ and I’m really working with some amazing talent here.  It’s going to be a great show! Also, I am developing a Sci-Fi film, which I’m hoping to put into production during February 2006.  I’m writing it as well, and I am extremely hard on myself in every way imaginable.  I’m known to write draft after draft of everything I do, but now I have a deadline, so I’m intent upon getting this done.  I’ll check in with you next year and let you know how it goes!

Owen: What makes you scream in real life?

Rhoda: What doesn’t make me scream? Life has been a roller coaster, and I’m enjoying the ride.