Actor Jason Faunt (“Power Rangers Time Force”) chatted about starring in the new short film “An Old Friend.”
How was your experience in “An Old Friend”?
I had an amazing experience working on “An Old Friend.” The crew was extremely professional and creative, so was very happy with the overall journey!
What did you like most about your character Calvin?
What I liked most about my character is that he had this youthlike demeanor and, despite being put in a less than ideal situation, continued to push through to find his journey and purpose.
What was it like working with the iconic Tom Skerritt?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to speak with Tom.
We were there quickly and he was out right after his scenes, so I didn’t get a chance to really speak with him or soak in some of his stories, which is something I always like to do when working with other creatives.
What did this short film teach you about yourself?
As an actor, you always want to take on challenging roles, and this one here did just that because it pushed my emotional boundaries, things that I spent my whole life suppressing.
It taught me the value of enjoying our loved ones while they’re alive and the finality of when your close loved ones pass away — definitely enjoy them while we are on this earth.
This movie has been generating Oscar buzz… how does that feel?
After 25 years as an actor — to even be discussed in the Oscar category — is beyond exciting!
We are so proud of what this film has accomplished already and I just hope the right eyes see it because I know if they do, we’re going to be on that coveted shortlist!
How did it feel to play a “Power Ranger” and to be a part of that franchise?
Power Rangers will always be my favorite project to date. It’s where I got my start and learned so much of how to act on set.
I’m still blown away that 25 years later the success of that franchise has continued to grow exponentially, and the impact I’ve made on so many young lives always surprises me!
Not to mention having your own action figure is a pretty cool thing!
How does it feel to be an actor and storyteller in the digital age?
The industry has changed immensely since I started back in 1999, but you have to adapt and roll with it.
Hard to say where things will go, but no matter where it does, I just continue to enjoy the process of being on set and being an actor so I’ll run with it the best I can!
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?
I always tell young actors the same advice that was given to me when I used to speak to actors who have been around a long time: don’t be afraid of small roles.
Just get yourself on set any way you can; sharpen your tool and work on your craft. Be a good person, be on time, and be prepared for the long game.
Being a successful actor is a never-ending journey and it’s without a doubt a marathon, not a sprint!
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
I’ve learned that success is measured by your own personal metrics.
I always say if I compare myself to Brad Pitt, I would feel vastly unsuccessful and depressed, but if I look at the success I’ve had and the fact that I’ve made some great progress in my life with my career, I could enjoy those wins and where I am today.
It’s all about looking at the positive of what you have versus looking at the things you do not have.
What would you like to tell our readers about “An Old Friend”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Without giving away the ending, which has an immensely big twist, I would say the main thing people will learn after watching this film is to really try to value the time we have with our loved ones while they are alive.
Because once they’re gone, that’s it, and we want to look back on the times we had hopefully with joy as opposed to regret.
To learn more about actor Jason Faunt, follow him on Instagram.
