Fun Facts Behind the Filming of A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives

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Although “A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives” deals with
tough subject matters, including veterans who suffer with post-traumatic
stress disorder and military sexual assault, Jillian Bullock, the
writer, director, and producer felt it was important to keep the film
set fun and enjoyable between takes so the cast and crew could unwind
and let loose.


Here are some fun highlights and an inside look from the set.




(Lead actors John Quinlan and Tamara Woods)






(Actor John Quinlan and Jillian Bullock, Writer, Director, Producer)





(Cast and crew)






(Actor Bethany Mack and James Fountain, Boom Operator and Associate Producer)






(Producer Delayne Powe, Director Jillian Bullock and Unit Photographer Nikki Lenore)





James Fountain and Lamont Fountain are brothers and they act like typical
brothers on set, play fighting, talking over each other, cursing each
other out.




John Quinlan is a ham. Although, he is new to acting, John already knows
he’s going to be the next big IT – like Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson. He has
the looks, the body and the talent to back it up. Those on set  just
rolls their eyes and ignore him.






Tamara Woods is also a ham. As the lead
female actor, and a very talented one at that, she always wants to do
shoot more scenes. Tamara says, “Just in case you need additional
footage.” Those on set just roll their eyes and ignore her, too.






Since Lamont Fountain has become an award winning DP, he swears he is the
best director of photography in the film industry. The cast and crew
roll their eyes at him, too.






John kept messing up kissing scenes with Jillian on purpose. One kissing
scene they got up to 132 takes. Just kidding. It was 101 takes.



James Fountain tells the cast and crew don’t get Jillian pissed off because she will turn into James Cameron on set.



Credit: Photo by Newspix/REX/Shutterstock (1803185a) James Cameron
James Cameron is one of the most powerful directors/producers in Hollywood with films such as “Titanic,” “True Lies,” and “Avatar.” He is also known as one of the most difficult and
harsh directors to work with.







Since John has a great body he’s always trying to do scenes with his shirt off. And he’s still trying to get Jillian to shoot a shower scene, like the one Will Smith did in the movie “I, Robot.” He hasn’t persuaded Jillian yet.


Some of the actors went above and beyond to get the shots we needed for various scenes.




(Director Jillian Bullock applies “blood” to actor John Quinlan)






(Actor Kerwin Gonzalez having dirt and mud applied to his face)




(Actor David Bazemore with “bloody guts”)



Along with the other hats Jillian wore, (writer, director, producer), she was also the fight choreographer. She worked with the actors to help them perform the fights correctly and not get hurt.





(Actors Sara Osi Scott, Joe Hunter, Tamara Woods)




(Actors Robert Murray and Tamara Woods. Director Jillian Bullock in orange shirt)





(Actors Michael Pleasant and John Quinlan)






Delayne does a great impression of John’s Boston accent, which cracks up the cast and crew because she really makes John sound like a Boston Arnold Schwarzenegger.



Lamont is trying to talk Jillian into casting Tamara Woods and John Quinlan in every film they produce.



Jillian keeps telling Lamont that won’t work since Tamara and John will be big stars soon and they will probably act like they don’t know Lamont and Jillian anymore. How easy it is to
forget where you got your first big acting break.



Delayne calls Lamont Jillian’s “work husband,” because they fuss a lot on set and off set.





But they always compromise and hug it out.



Unlike a lot of directors, Jillian doesn’t mind hearing actors’ thoughts on their characters, which
sometimes required Jillian rewriting certain lines in the script.



(Actor Misty Godfrey and Director Jillian Bullock)


This image of John and Jillian was shot during a photo shoot by Nikki Lenore.



It became so popular that a literary agent contacted Jillian about writing a novel.






That image became the cover of the upcoming book Shadows of Love, Betrayal & Murder. Due out this later in 2017.




The main cast and crew (Jillian Bullock, Delayne Powe, Joe Hunter, Tamara Woods, James Fountain, and John Quinlan) have worked together for over a year now and they call each
other family.



To learn more about A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives, check out the website – www.asenseofpurposemovie.com

#ASOPmovie #JillianBullock #TamaraWoods #LamontFountain #JohnQuinlan #ASOPtour

#veterans #military #PTSD #militarysexualtrauma #suicide # honor #respect

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A SENSE OF PURPOSE: FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES TOUR

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In April 2017, (Sexual Assault Awareness Month), Jillian Bullock, the writer, director and producer of “A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives,” will embark upon a country wide tour to not only promote the movie, but to help bring more awareness to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being sexual assaulted or raped while they served.


As a professional speaker,
Jillian Bullock will address the following topics:
    • Sexual Assault/Rape
    • Military Sexual Trauma
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Safety and Preventive Measures for Females
    • Transforming From a Victim To a Victor





Why The ASOP Tour Is Important

2.4 million Americans, males and females, have served on the front lines in Iraq or Afghanistan over the past 10 years or so. Many of these men and women return home with no physical disabilities so people assume they are the “lucky” ones. However, inside their minds they are fighting a different kind of war still going on as they deal with witnessing traumatic events and death all around them or being the victim of military sexual assault.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event, e.g. combat, sexual assault, natural disaster, terrorist attack, etc. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. This can lead to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, violent outbursts, homelessness, inability to hold down a job, withdrawal, and much more.

It’s estimated that 22 American military veterans die by suicide every day. That’s nearly one every hour, of every day, of every week, of every month. That’s over 8,000 veterans every year.


Leon Panetta, the former defense secretary, called the suicide rate among service members an epidemic.
Not all suicides of military personnel stem from being a victim of sexual assault in the military. However, thousands of veterans and active members have taken their life as a result of being violated while they served their country.

FACTS:
The U.S. Department of Defense estimated that 26,000 incidents of sexual assault occurred last year in the military. In 2014, over 20,000 active members of the military were sexually assaulted. But those numbers are actually higher as many incidents go unreported (80%) due to men and women feeling pressure or fear of being singled out, shunned, losing their rank, negative responses from their unit or superior officers or retaliation. The latest Pentagon survey found that 62 percent of women and men who reported being sexually assaulted experienced retaliation.

WOMEN
 
Many military women face an even greater problem, having been the victim of sexual assault by men in their own unit. In fact, according to U.S. military facts women are more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by the enemy in Iraq or Afghanistan. One out of three women who serve in the military will be sexually assaulted or raped. This means women must deal with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when they return home. What makes the healing process even more difficult is the fact that more than 90 percent of alleged rapists aren’t found guilty because the judicial process is handled by military commanders.

When polled by the Veterans Health Administration, 1 in 5 female veterans admitted they had been the victims of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

Considering more than 282,000 American women have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during a decade of war, according to Pentagon figures, even former President Obama had to address the severity of this problem in the United States Armed Forces. He stated: “This type of crime has no place in the greatest military on earth.”

MEN
Shame and Backlash, Sexual Assault In The Military: It’s Not Just A Woman’s Issue #JillianBullock , #JohnQuinlan , #TamaraWoods , #ASOPmovie , PTSD, Sexual Assault, post-traumatic stress disorder, Jillian Bullock Enterprises, A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives
Acts of sexual violence is not perpetrated exclusively against women. Men are also subject to rape and/or sexual assault in the military. “There is still a misperception that this is a women’s issue and women’s crime,” Nate Galbreath, the senior executive adviser for the Pentagon’s sexual assault prevention office, told the Associated Press.

Sexual assault and rape in the military is at an all-time high and the numbers prove that this problem is an epidemic. Despite reports that assaults are increasing, politicians and the military do nothing to help eradicate the problem of rape and sexual assault in the military. It also makes things worse when politicians refuse to take the matter seriously and brush the problem off as ‘boys being boys.’
In fact, Senator Saxby Chambliss during the Senate hearings on rape in the military said: “Gee whiz, the hormone level created by nature sets in place the possibility of these types of things to occur.” Comments like these make light of the problem, which is one reason those military men and women, who are victims, often don’t get the respect and help they need.

During the ASOP Tour Jillian will speak at veterans groups, non-profit organizations, women’s groups, sexual assault and rape organizations, colleges, businesses, and corporations.
If you would like to book Jillian for a speaking engagement, contact Delayne Powe at – jbullockenterprises@gmail.com for fees and availability. www.jbullockenterprises.com


#ASOPmovie #veterans #military #PTSD #militarysexualtrauma #suicide # honor #respect #ASOPtour #jillianbullock#tamarawoods #lamontfountain #johnquinlan

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Up Close And Personal With Lamont Fountain

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Lamont Fountain, producer, director of photography, editor, and award winning music director was hired by Jillian Bullock to work on her movie “A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives.” Now in post-production, Lamont is hard at work editing the movie to get it prepared for film festivals and distribution. Let’s hear from Lamont in a Q& A.
Q: How did you start your career as a director of photography (DP) and editor?
                                                                                                 (Lamont Fountain)
A: I actually started out making documentaries about 10 years ago. I’ve been directing/DP’ing and shooting/editing music videos and corporate videos/commercials since that time. This film is actually my first time focusing solely on the director of photography and editing positions.
Q: You’re also an award winning music video director. Tell us about that. 
In 2014, I was asked to do a music video for James Knight’s song “Abandoned” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BotKy0Qu3AY).  The concept is based on the movie “I Am Legend” and the TV show “The Walking dead”. It turned out to be a pretty large project for a music video, with lots of visual effects and green screen work. While most music videos are shot in a day, we shot at different locations and scenes over several months. It won Best Music Video Awards at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival and the October Film Festival in NYC. It was also selected for the Cannes Short Film Festival.
Q:  How did you get involved in A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives?
A: The writer/director Jillian Bullock got in touch with me thru the Stage32.com site which is like linkedin.com for filmmakers. She told me she was looking for a Director of Photography for her film and asked me if I was interested. We eventually met at the Llanerch Diner in Havertown, PA (where the diner scene for “Silver Linings Playbook” was shot, and also I shot a scene for “Abandoned”). We talked about our different experiences in filmmaking as well as different movies we liked and it was obvious we had a lot of the same tastes in film. She later gave me the screenplay which I read straight thru the first time I picked it up and I was blown away at how good it was. The rest is history.
Q: How was it working with Jillian Bullock?

(Jillian, director, discussing a scene with Lamont, DP)

A: It was definitely a new experience for me working to bring someone else’s creative vision to reality. Jillian is an amazing writer and I’m learning a lot working with her. As a director, she understands and respects each person’s job on set which I think makes a great director.
Q:  Why was it important for you to work on this project?
A: My dad is a U.S. Marine Corps 100% service-disabled Vietnam Veteran who deals with PTSD, so it’s a subject that hits very close to home. This film deals with the pathology of PTSD in such a real and relatable way I think people will understand it like never before. I’m proud to be involved with telling this story.
Q: How did you earn another title of producer?
A: Besides the DP and Editor roles, I’ve been working closely with Jillian and Delayne Powe (co-producer) with casting, securing locations, bringing together the crew and other parts of the team like song writers Tracy Nelson and Yashar for the theme song and the composer Maurice Wilcher for the score, as well as Executive Producers Joe Hunter and Roger Fountain.
Q:  What was your biggest challenge as a DP on the movie?
A: The biggest challenge as DP on this project was working with a small budget and crew. This challenge, while sometimes frustrating, was ultimately a blessing. Not being able to shoot with the camera and gear I wanted forced me to be more creative with shot choices and lighting setups.
Q: What are a few highlights of filming ASOP?
                       (Lamont Fountain, with hat, surrounded by some of the cast and crew members)
 A: Besides working with such good material, the people! Awesome director, awesome cast, awesome crew! Every day on set felt like one big family, there was never a shortage of jokes and laughter on-set.
Q: What do you hope audiences will get from seeing ASOP?
A: This film will no doubt make you cry and laugh at times, but I hope it will make you think about what those who suffer from PTSD go through with a greater understanding. And for those that suffer from PTSD, I hope they will be strengthened and inspired.
Q: What are you working on next?
A: There are several projects in the oven from this filmmaking team. Audiences can expect a lot in the near future but we have a fun mind-bending psychological thriller called “A Cup Full of Crazy” in development for the next feature.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about the movie?
 
                                                             (Lamont Fountain and Jillian Bullock)
A: Working on this film has been a great experience and I’m thankful to Jillian for choosing me as the DP/Producer/Editor. I really believe everyone involved did the subject matter and the screenplay justice and made an awesome film, and audiences will be pleased!

FIVE FUN FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT LAMONT
  1. I play the drums, keyboard and guitar. Music is my first love.
  2. I have a twin sister.
  3. I love to drive in the snow. The thicker the better.
  4. I love thunderstorms.
  5. I’m actually a Jedi.

Stay in touch and connect with Lamont
#lamontfountain #jillianbullock #delaynepowe #tamarawoods #johnquinlan #joehunter #ASOPmovie #veterans #PTSD  #militarysexualtrauma

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Up Close and Personal With Filmmaker Jillian Bullock

9:58 AM asenseofpurposemovie 1 Comments

 A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #ASOPmovie
Jillian Bullock, author, professional speaker, screenwriter, and award winning director has completed filming on A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives. Now in post-production Jillian is in high gear on promotion for the movie in order to get a distribution deal. Let’s hear from Jillian in a Q& A.

 Q: WHAT IS A SENSE OF PURPOSE: FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES ABOUT?

A: The feature film focuses on veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of military sexual trauma. The main focus is on Tamara Woods’s character, Sgt. Diane Torres, an Army medic, who struggles to learn how to cope with PTSD and assimilate back into society after she has been sexually assaulted by her commanding officer.

 Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO WRITE ASOP?

About four years ago, I  was watching “Sports w/Bryan Gumbel” when they featured a segment about military veterans who used mixed martial arts as a way to help them cope with post- traumatic stress disorder. As someone who trains in MMA I thought that would be the perfect story for me to tell. It took me two years to conduct interviews with veterans, therapists, and do extensive research on PTSD. It took me another six months to write the script.
Once I went into pre-production, however, I stumbled up a documentary entitled “The Invisible War” (http://www.invisiblewarmovie.com). This film centered on veterans who had been raped or sexually assaulted while they served in the military. I had no idea the problem was as rampant as it is. As I did more research I became sickened by this epidemic that plagues the U.S. Armed Forces. Kirby Dick, the director of the award winning documentary “The Invisible War”
stated, “sexual assault in the military is the most underreported significant crime in the country.” I agreed and changed the course of my movie.

Q: HOW DID YOU RAISE THE FUNDS FOR THE MOVIE?

Joe Hunter, A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #JoeHunter #ASOPmovie
(Joe Hunter)
A: Through Indiegogo campaign, which actually didn’t go as well as expected. But Lamont Fountain, the DP and Producer, had a friend, Joe Hunter, who got cast in the movie. Joe wanted to do more to help out so he put on three fundraisers. He also got investors and donated money from his own pocket. After all that we had to give Joe an Executive Producer credit because he stepped up to the plate and really came through for the movie. Love that guy.  

Q: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF FILMING?

A: One highlight was doing the fight choreography. Since my background is in martial arts and boxing, plus I teach women self-defense, it was so much fun to teach actors on set. We had a couple of fights scenes in the movie and the actors involved worked well together to learn the steps to “fight” without anyone getting hurt, especially Tamara who was pregnant at the time. I have done fight choreography on other projects and I plan to do more on upcoming movies. 
A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #ASOPmovie  A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #ASOPmovie

 Q: WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH JOHN QUINLAN (LEAD MALE ACTOR) AND TAMARA WOODS (LEAD FEMALE ACTOR)?

A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #JillianBullock #TamaraWoods #JohnQuinlan #ASOPmovie
(Tamara Woods, Jillian Bullock, John Quinlan)
A: They are both wonderful people to work with. Tamara has a great deal of experience as an actor, so I knew she would bring her A game with each scene as Sgt. Diane Torres. She could go from laughing to crying just like that, which is great skill. Tamara is a very talented actor and a joy to be around due to her sweet and loving personality. John is a novice when it comes to acting. However, he also killed it when it came to portraying Captain Jake Nixon, a very complex character. He had to get inside the head of a rapist, which is difficult to do. A director loves to work with actors who know how to take direction well, and John and Tamara both did just that. I’d work with them again in a heartbeat.

Q: YOU PORTRAY CAPTAIN NIXON’S WIFE IN THE MOVIE. HOW DID YOU AND JOHN DEVELOP INTIMACY NEEDED FOR THE ROLES? 

A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #ASOPmovie #JillianBullock #JohnQuinlan
(Jillian Bullock, John Quinlan)
A: We had to rehearse a lot. John kept messing up on the kissing scenes on purpose. LOL. Just kidding. We’re actors. We get paid to act. Whether that’s acting like we hate each other or we love each other, we come together and communicate how we’re going to do the scenes. Our chemistry comes from knowing each other for about four years now. We ‘met’ on Facebook because of our love for fitness and we kept getting to know one another so by the time we met in person in December 2015 we already had a special connection.  

 Q: WAS IT DIFFICULT TO DIRECT AND ACT?

A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #ASOPmovie #JillianBullock
(Jillian, in black hat, directing a scene)
A: The only time it was difficult was during the rape scene. Tamara Woods’s character, Diane Torres, was the rape victim, but at the time Tamara was eight months pregnant. I stepped in as her body double. John and three other actors, David Bazemore, Nick Mangino and Ben Yon were also involved in that scene. So it was a bit difficult to get “raped” and yell out directions. But all the guys were professional. Like I said before, we’re actors and we have a job to do. 

Q: DELAYNE POWE AND LAMONT FOUNTAIN ARE YOUR PRODUCING PARTNERS. TELL US ABOUT THEM.


                   

A: I have worked with Delayne for about 20 years now. She is the COO of my company, Jillian Bullock Enterprises, LLC. Through thick and thin, through blood, sweat and tears, Delayne has been the best producing partner ever. No matter how rough it got sometimes, she always supported and encouraged me. She also has invested much money in some of our projects. Lamont and I met just a little over a year ago. We connected on a film site called Stage 32. We met at this little diner in Havertown, PA, talked for a bit. We really hit it off, which is rare on a first meeting. Now, we are so connected we plan on doing many more films together. Lamont is a guy who has no ego. He listens well, takes direction well, and offers his opinion and suggestions, which I’m always open to. As the director of photographer, Lamont and I have to have a clear and open communication in order for me to convey my vision as a director. Plus, he’s a great guy. Spending 12 hours a day on a set, you want to be with someone you like and respect.

 Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL WALK AWAY WITH ONCE THEY SEE THE MOVIE?

I hope people will have a better, and clearer, understanding about this horrific issue that the military has had for years dating back to WWI. Now more people are speaking up, and out, about this, especially the men and women who are coping with military sexual trauma. The military must make drastic changes in how they handle cases of rape and/or sexual assault and not continue to sweep it under the rug. PTSD and MST is not something that just happens to those who serve in the military. This affects all of us as a society and awareness is the key. This film will help raise more awareness.  

 Q: WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT? 

Listen To What The Dead Are Saying, Jillian Bullock, A Sense Of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives #ASOPmovie #JillianBullock
 A: This month, March, we’re shooting the music video for the title song of the movie, entitled “Fight Of Your Life.”  Lamont, Delayne and I are also in development on two movies, “A Cup Full Of Crazy,” and “Listen To What The Dead Are Saying.” Both are psychological thrillers.

Q: ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD ABOUT THE MOVIE?

A: I’d just like to give a big shout out to everyone who has supported this important movie, especially people who have donated money, the sponsors, veterans, and those who continuously give words of encouragement. My hope is that when the movie comes out, people will continue to support it by going to see it, and talking about the movie in order to help change happen. 

 FIVE FUN FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT JILLIAN

I have 10 tattoos
I have a driver’s license, but can’t drive. Well, I don’t drive since I had an accident years ago.
My nickname is Vulcan, from Star Trek. Long story why I was given that name.
I hold two black belts, one in Tae Kwon Do, the other in Wing Chun.
I wrestled at the Wild Samoan Training School in Allentown, PA. It’s run by Afa Anoai, former WWE Tag Team Champion with his brother Sika. They were known as The Wild Samoans. Afa is the uncle to many WWE wrestling greats, like Rishki and The Rock. Met those guys, too.

Stay Connected With Jillian

#ASOPmovie #JillianBullock  #JohnQuinlan #LamontFountain #TamaraWoods #JoeHunter  #PTSD

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Up Close and Personal With Actor Tamara Woods

12:00 PM asenseofpurposemovie 0 Comments

In 2015, Tamara Woods was cast as Sgt. Diane Torres, an Army medic. She is the lead female actor in the upcoming movie “A Sense of Purpose: Fighting For Our Lives.” In the year it took to complete the movie, Tamara’s character had to struggle and learn to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder after she is raped by her commanding officer, Captain Jake Nixon, and becomes pregnant with his child. Let’s hear from Tamara in a Q & A.


Q:  How did you feel when you landed the lead female role, Sgt. Diane Torres, in ASOP? 
A: When I was informed of the great news, I felt honored, though overwhelmed with mixed emotions of excitement and doubt. I pondered if I could play such a role after reading the description and was this from God. I know that my God would never place such an opportunity at my feet to walk in if I was not prepared and equipped. Overall, I was honored, doubtful, confident, and amazed to be offered the role by director and producer Jillian Bullock.

Q:  How did you prepare to portray a woman who was raped by her commanding officer?
A: Anything that comes my way I usually approach with prayer. My faith in God is an intrinsic part of my being, so I seek God first in all that I do for preparation, guidance, etc.

Q: Since the movie was filmed over the course of a year, how did your pregnancy affect the movie?  
A: My unexpected pregnancy was a beautiful surprise and the highlight of the year. In the beginning of 2016 I was acting in multiple productions simultaneously and didn’t even know we (my husband and I) were expecting a new bundle of joy. So when I found out, I was excited but uncertain if my news would excite the director and producers. I am so fortunate that in addition to them being happy when I shared the news, writer/director Jillian Bullock wrote my pregnancy in the script.

Q: How did you get along with actor John Quinlan considering he portrays your rapist in the movie? 
A: John Quinlan and I have great chemistry together. When I first met John it was via SKYPE. We talked, discussed the script and then started rehearsing the script. John, who is new to acting, was so eager to learn and I was thrilled to share some acting tips I’ve learned over the years. When he flew in for our first scene, I smiled and jokingly said, “This is the only smile you’re going to get from me,” and we all laughed.

Q: How difficult was it for you to bring the emotions needed to portray a veteran with PTSD?
A: What’s challenging for me is character development, especially when I have no experience or only have little information on a topic. Once I am able to understand the scene, the role and embody the character, the emotional aspect comes easily.

Q: What was your most difficult scene?

                        
 (Misty Godfrey, Tamara Woods, Jillian Bullock)
A: My most difficult scene was the rape scene. I was 8 months pregnant with a belly and didn’t know how this was going to happen; nevertheless, Jillian Bullock is a professional and she knew what to do. Everything I was concerned about she was too, and as a filmmaker you can capture what you need without jeopardizing the safety of your cast and the scene. JB worked it out! Jillian was my rape body double and Misty Godfrey was my horse stunt double. 

Q: You’re a veteran. Tell us about your service.
A: I am proud to have sacrificed my life daily to serve my country for seven years in the U.S. Air Force.  My last assignment was Operation Enduring Iraqi Freedom. My duty position was Information Management and my rank was Staff Sergeant. During my deployment, one of my additional duties was a Travel Representative and their mission at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing was “Boots on the Ground”: Get them in, supply them and get them out. I made sure the airmen got out once their mission was complete.

Q: How do you think this movie will help those who are dealing with PTSD?
A: This movie is a voice for those who are dealing with PTSD and may find it hard to speak. When you can find an advocate to speak on your behalf that is always helpful.

Q: What do you think audiences will get out of seeing ASOP?
A: After seeing ASOP audiences will walk away fully aware and educated on mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and sexual assault that our soldiers face that can lead to drugs, and/or suicide. I am hoping it will spark discussion for a positive change.

Q: How did the cast and crew keep things light and positive on the set since the movie is a serious drama?

A: When we were on break or in between takes we would joke around.

Q: What were your thoughts working with director, Jillian Bullock?
A: I am thankful that I reached out to her four years ago. To finally meet Jillian and work with her was a long time coming, but worth the wait. I was blessed with a two for one – I got to work out with her and to be in her movie. Jillian is a thorough woman and a professional. I’ve been in the business for a while and have seen, and heard a lot of game, but Jillian carries through what she says and in that I can trust her. My mother and mentor told me when you find someone who treats you right you hold on to that person. I’m looking to work with her again on many projects.

Q: Do you know any veterans who suffer with PTSD? If so, how has the movie helped you help them?
A: I knew a veteran with PTSD and now I’m learning of more veterans whom I’ve met over the years who have it. This movie helped me in so many ways. First, it helped me to take a deeper look at those who suffer from mental illness by placing me in their shoes as Diane Torres. This role taught me how certain things can trigger one’s mind back to that horrific event. I’m hoping that I am able to help them by telling their story and it relays to the audience so that veterans who suffer from PTSD will no longer be ignored.

Q: What are your plans after this movie is complete?
A: My plan is to continue my greatest production by God’s doing and that is spending time with my family, and use my God-given gifts and talents to bring about a meaningful change.

Q: You’re an accomplished actor. Name a few other projects you’ve done.
A: When I’m not on set I am on stage. I have been blessed and received a Broadway World nomination for portraying American voting rights activist, civil rights leader, and philanthropist, Fannie Lou Hamer in “Freedom Smitty!” I’ve also done “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “The Miracle Worker,” and “God’s Trombones” to name a few.

Q: What else would you like to say about the movie, your role, or anything else?
A: I am honored and thankful to have been selected to help tell Sgt. Torres’ story for all to know what we veterans suffer and endure while serving our country. Whether they have a physical or a mental injury, or both, they need our help. ASOP is bringing this issue to the forefront because they did their duty, so we must come together to do our part as a society to help.


Five Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Tamara
  • I like to imitate Sesame Street characters
  • Childhood Saturday morning favorite TV show was “Saved By The Bell.”
  • My favorite flavor is chocolate.
  • French fries is my Kryptonite.
  • My favorite actor is Will Smith. What we have in common – we’re from the same neighborhood and have the same birthday.

To learn more about Tamara, check out her website at – www.TamaraWoods.weebly.com and follower her at www.facebook.com/theTamaraWoods
To see Tamara in action, check out the movie trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9XyxN76JzA
Tamara on IMDB – http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2964546/?ref_=nv_sr_1

#ASOPmovie #JohnQuinlan #JillianBullock #TamaraWoods #PTSD #Film #Actor

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