Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jael Pettigrew.
Hi Jael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is double-fold. I’m a professionally trained actor and acting coach and also serve as Director of Casting & Talent Development at the amazing Imajen Films & Studios in ATL. For our purposes, I’d like to be concise because I can truly talk a lot when there is a reason and a good question.
As a child, I remember emulating emotions I saw on screen. I always felt a strong sense of involvement in movies, music, and pretty much anything that involved a story. Getting chills, being inspired, and experiencing catharsis was a very regular thing for me growing up. My 3 brothers, whom I love, would joke about how I always copied the people’s faces in the movies. I never took offense.
I always wondered how they could watch a movie about cars and not want to drive around the house on two legs for an hour after the credits. (My younger brother joined me in this, though he may not remember) lol. I used to tell people I didn’t have a defining moment of “I HAVE TO ACT”. And I’m still not certain I do, but I do have the memory of a bit later in my acting journey, watching The Last Samurai (take it or leave it, lol). That specific scene really made me emotional. It represented what I felt both in my life and also what I wanted to accomplish.
The story of overcoming. And isn’t that in virtually everything? The Good Fight. Whatever that “Good” is to you. We all desire to affect and accomplish. This movie quickly became my favorite, and that scene between Tom Cruise, Hiroyuki Sanada, and the child actors has stuck with me since. Let’s negate the ethnicities for a second.
This scene was about learning, mistaking, the defense of one’s pride, and the swallowing of it. I thought, “That’s beautiful… that’s beauty; how do I become an agent for this?” I got very serious about the craft, and myself I guess, the summer just after leaving one acting school (Kicked out) and getting into another, which would be where I earned a BFA after 4 very magical, most times grueling, always rewarding years at SUNY Purchase.
I will withhold writing about my time there as it remains one of the most significant moments in my life, and I don’t feel this is the place to expound on such a vast story of recollection and reflection. I learned so much. And over that four-year period of diving next to other precious individuals, acting became much more than just the fulfillment I got from it or the therapeutic advantages. It became a personal mirror.
Now, since that time, it has evolved more, and although it does not sit at the top of my priorities, it still holds a very, very high spot after my relationship with Christ (seeking of truth). Who knows what will happen next? Currently, I am also a Casting Director and Acting Coach at Imajen Films & Studios. We are a specifically appointed team by our creative Founder, Jenna Reimonenq, who has described to us on occasion her dreams for the company.
Can I shamelessly plug? We are an Independent film company, Holy Spirit guided, that seeks to not only create inspired work worth watching but also to personally impact the world in a tangible way, ranging from true collaboration with other artists, upheaving and restructuring the romanticized “starving artist” idea to one day being able to financially affect the community around us for the better. Without being long-winded, that’s all I got.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Emphasis on “some” right? lol. Well, you got the normal:
“Who am I?”
“Why am I?”
“What do I know?”
“What should I be doing?.. (with what I know?) ”
“Does it matter?”
These types of questions have plagued or guided me through much of my life. Outside of these things I have faced the earthly issues of understanding “love” and how to. All of the impacts I’ve made that were much less than helpful and my learning to truly apologize and even after, learning to forgive myself.
This is a bit lofty, however. Let me try to give a quick story of a tangible situation. I mentioned being kicked out of my first acting school. Maybe their name is unimportant to my point; I, at the time was so lost and shooting in the dark, thinking acting was the be-all-end-all. After leaving that institution and my mother’s somewhat strange and surprising tears over it, I learned the importance of “going forward”.
You can’t just sit still In the aftermath of “disaster,” however easy or difficult. There HAS to EVENTUALLY be a movement for some kind of progress. Sometimes discerning if your progress looks like action or stillness can be the difficult part. If you tend to sit still, try moving. If you tend to move, try being still. I took that summer to attend all my gen– Ed courses. I reached a 3.7 GPA and scheduled an audition for SUNY Purchase.
The day of the audition I remember a focus and stillness, calmness over me. And it was different this time. It lacked much of the ego I had before. I knew only that I desired to explore myself creatively in this way. This was my “moving forward”. I was nervous just before going in, but I promised myself to be good to myself, so I let myself ENJOY the audition. I didn’t try to hide who or where I was. I walked in with everything I was at that moment and said, ” This is what I can give… [help me learn to give more]”.
I was in the car when I got the welcome call from the Dean of the Acting Conservatory. I remember such a mixed medley of feelings. ” I knew I had it! Damn, I actually got in… shit… what will I do? How well will I live in this process? I’m gonna be the best actor!!” These are just the truth of where I was at that point in time. I’m grateful for my growth since then.
I’ve also had family issues as many of us have. I want others to know, we all have issues. You’re not alone in facing strongholds. It’s common and you will win if you are gracious to yourself and to others. There is always the option and eventual path of overcoming. Sometimes with much work; sometimes with little.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Creative-wise, I’m an actor/acting coach first, though I am also apparently a great singer. I cover songs I enjoy with a guitar and have created some OG music that hopefully will someday see the light of da… I mean some engineer’s desktop. Some even said I move well (but I’m not gonna tell you that because then you’ll ask me to dance… and that’s not how that works… ahem).
As the Director of Casting & Talent Development at Imajen Films, I like to facilitate a space of professionalism. I am still a working actor, and as such, I fight for a conducive atmosphere. I like to choose my actors based on who will best accomplish the role and fulfill the director/writer’s vision. We do things differently at Imajen. If you come and audition, you will feel the immediate difference in how we conduct in-person callbacks.
We are not here to sit behind the table and intimidate actors; wouldn’t that defeat our own purposes? Many actors have already credited us as being one of the best experiences they’ve ever had through the audition, during coaching and rehearsals, all the way to on-set work. Our professionalism is evident from our first point of contact and extends all the way throughout the project finish. All I can say is come and feel the difference.
I practice as a hobby, photography(which is becoming more important to me slowly but surely). I’m most proud of my creative eye, which extends past constructive criticism of someone’s work. I really truly can’t put my finger on what it is, but many many many have told me they appreciate my sense of separation from other creatives.
My brother, for example, whom I hold in extremely high regard intellectually, told me once, after hearing a life concern of his, that he always appreciates talking to me because no matter how many people he talks to beforehand, I always find a way to give an outtake that describes a different angle or multiple angles.
I have a gift (not by my own power) that has something to do with the “why” things work as they do. Usually, dealing with human behavior. You can see how this would help me as an actor and, specifically, I’m learning as a teacher/coach. If we couple that with my newer understanding of Grace, then I can understand and appreciate the praise I’ve gotten from others. Thank you all.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Support looks most like an honest, heartfelt relationship. This starts with us creating a good foundation together built on trust, joy, and growth. It also looks like prayers on my behalf. Thank you so much. In regards to Imajen films, we are actively looking for producing partners/sponsorships/grants/donations- any monetary help is much appreciated and won’t go to waste, I can assure you!
For actors: I am currently open for completely free consultations for actors in regards to coaching, and classes. I also offer career advice/ breakdown for a very good rate. Follow and DM me on the gram @jael.pettigrew. I also still accept auditions and role offers as well if you’d like to collaborate in that way. You may also email me at posimog.actorcoaching@gmail.com.
As a casting director @imajenfilms @imajencasting, I post work opportunities, coaching tips, and news on Imajen films in general. For writers, producers, and directors, please follow us @imajenfilms @imajencasting. Feel free to DM us, but we prefer a streamlined email thread to hello@imajenfilms.com.
Lastly, our website imajenfilms.com has much more detailed info regarding all of our other services, which include but are not limited to headshots (our signature Character Snaps!!), writer script coverage, project pitching, actor resources, etc. Thank you so much for investing in us and yourself! Look forward to connecting!
Pricing:
- 1v1 coaching range $75-$150/ hour
- 2v1 coaching range $200-$275/ hour
- $0 coaching consultation
- Gain discounts by buying sessions in bulk.
- 2v1 coaching (invite an actor to work with and split costs)
Contact Info:
- Website: imajenfilms.com
- Instagram: @jael.pettigrew
- Facebook: @Jael Pettigrew
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Other: posimog.actorcoaching@gmail.com
Image Credits
Schyler Tillett and Imajen Films
