Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Law-Davis.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I fell in love with acting when I was about seven or eight years old, long before I understood what “acting” even was. It started as something therapeutic for me. I’d watch movies and naturally begin mimicking what I saw — full improv without knowing that’s what I was doing. One of my earliest memories is reenacting a scene from Holiday Heart, and my mom immediately noticed there was something special there.
Anytime my family got together and the kids put on talent shows, my mom would tell people, “Jessica can act out anything,” and she was right. Acting became my escape and my outlet. By middle school and high school, I was fully involved in theater. In 8th grade, I joined the drama club, competed in four events — including performing Maya Angelou’s And Still I Rise — and won “Superior” in every category. That was the moment I knew this wasn’t just a hobby for me.
As I got older, I committed to it more seriously. I joined a collective called Untitled Film Group, where we wrote, acted, produced, and learned every part of filmmaking together. Because we didn’t have a big team, we all naturally stepped into roles behind the camera — directing, producing, AD’ing — and that experience taught me so much. Word of mouth started opening doors, and I found myself working on more and more projects.
My very first time on a film set was as background back in 2013, and my first speaking role — which I booked from a Craigslist audition — was Caught Between the Two. From there, every project helped me grow, refine my craft, and confirm that this is truly where I belong.
The truth is, when I’m not doing something connected to acting or film, I don’t feel complete. This has always been my purpose, and every step of the journey has reminded me why I started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Shockingly, for me — and I know everyone’s path is different — the road has been pretty smooth. The biggest obstacle in the beginning was simply believing in myself. I never imagined I’d become a First AD, a producer, a casting director, or a UPM. Those roles weren’t even on my radar. But when opportunities came, I took them. Even when I was scared, I did it scared — and every time, I pushed through and proved to myself that I could rise to the challenge.
Another learning curve was understanding that every set runs differently depending on who’s above the line. That was an adjustment at first — realizing that people work and communicate in different ways, and figuring out how to adapt so the environment stays healthy and productive. It took some navigating, but over time I learned how to meet people where they are, find compromise, and make the working relationship flow.
So while there were moments of figuring things out, everything eventually smoothed itself out. Every experience made me sharper, more confident, and more grounded in who I am in this industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Today, I’m a multi-hyphenated creative working as an Actress, First Assistant Director, Casting Director, and UPM. I’ve been able to build a career both in front of and behind the camera, and I specialize in organization, leadership, storytelling, and creating sets that actually feel good to work on. I’m known for being calm, solution-oriented, and deeply committed to making sure productions run smoothly while still protecting the humanity of everyone involved.
I’ve had the privilege of acting and also serving as 1st AD or production support on major projects — from commercials for Nike, BET, Adidas, and Moët, to unscripted shows like Married at First Sight, to most recently 1st AD’ing my first SAG feature while also appearing in the film. I’m proud of my ability to learn quickly, adapt, and rise to every challenge that comes my way.
But what truly sets me apart is how I treat people. I’m a firm believer that you get more bees with honey than vinegar, and I carry that philosophy onto every set I lead. I humanize myself and others. I treat my crew with kindness, respect, and patience, and I make sure people feel safe and heard. If a problem or conflict arises, I’m the listening ear that helps find a solution instead of adding to the chaos. I’ve learned that when people feel valued, they work better, collaborate better, and create better.
At the end of the day, I want every set I’m part of to feel organized, supported, and grounded in real leadership — not ego. That’s the standard I hold myself to, and it’s the reason I’m proud of the reputation I’ve built in this industry.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Outside of the food — because let’s be honest, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar is absolutely my spot — what I love most about Atlanta is the opportunity that exists here. The film community is strong, active, and always ready. Whether it’s a student project or a full studio production, the crews here come prepared, professional, and locked in. I’ve been able to work with so many passionate storytellers in Atlanta, and it truly inspires me every time.
I’m also a nature geek, so Georgia’s parks have a special place in my heart. Having access to that much natural beauty while also being surrounded by a thriving creative industry feels like the best of both worlds.
And honestly, there’s nothing I dislike about this city. Atlanta has been welcoming, creatively motivating, and full of possibility for me.
Pricing:
- I’m negotiable based on budget
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Tika Cook
Goodluck
