Senior Writer Scott J. Davis sits down with actor Jonathan Emond to discuss his career so far, including working with Michael Bay on Transformers: Age of Extinction, and his new deal with the Bohemia Group…
SJD: How have your family reacted to your career choice and now your new successes in the US? How has the transition been for them?
JE: They were supportive from the beginning and helped me through the process. When I told them I was moving to LA at 19 they definitely felt shaken but they knew it was the right thing for my career. What I achieved so far hasn’t even surprised them. Honestly, having people supporting me as much as they have, has been a real blessing. The transition was definitely rough on everybody.
SJD: I understand you are an excellent pianist and also very good at soccer. Was it always your dream though to be an actor?
JE: In my youth I wanted to be a professional soccer player like Thierry Henry. Eventually that faded and acting arose due to the fact my body couldn’t keep up with the pace of my peers. I then strived to make people smile and laugh and that eventually got me to join a theatre troupe in Montreal.
SJD: Tell us a little about your work on Canadian TV shows – how did you get involved? How has that experience prepared you for the move to the US?
JE: My agent was definitely key to my success in Canada. She had me going on numerous auditions weekly and that work load prepared me for working on set. I had to hustle the first few gigs to begin shaping my reputation, but I loved every second of it! It got to a point where I was a big fish in a small pond and after talking with Carlito, the director or Impostors, he convinced me that LA was the next step for me.
SJD: You worked with Michael Bay and Mark Wahlberg on Transformers: Age of Extinction in 2014 – what was that experience like? What was it like to work in a big blockbuster?
JE: It was like time was on fast-forward for the whole shoot. My adrenaline kicked in when we landed and wore off on the flight back. This set taught me so much in so little time it was unreal. Working alongside those Hollywood stars made me realize why I love my job. They’re both great guys and working on a set that big gave me the confidence to move to LA. I can’t rave enough about my experience with both of these Hollywood legends!
SJD: I understand famed Aaron Speiser is your acting coach. How important is training for you as a young actor?
JE: I believe to succeed you need to have strong fundamentals. The coaching’s important for a young actor since it guides them in the right direction. But the real key to acting is life experience. The more you have, the easier it is to find the truth, since you’ve already gone through that scenario. Aaron always encourages me to get out of my comfort zone and see how things turn out.
SJD: What projects do you have in the pipeline for 2016?
JE: I just recently wrapped a feature called Climate of Fear it’s a sci-fi thriller so be sure to tune in for that one. There’s a great cast and an amazing experience. Other than that, like any working actor, it’s auditions and getting ready for the next big project.
SJD: Are there any actors or directors you would love to work with in the future? Any actor you’d like to play alongside?
JE: My childhood idol was and still is Jim Carrey. Collaborating with him would definitely be a dream come true! Dumb & Dumber 3 maybe? Haha. On the directing standpoint, I’d love to work with Michael Bay again. The only difference from my previous experience with him would be to have a lead role allowing me to spend more time on set learning and having fun.
SJD: Do you get to go to the cinema much? Any films you have enjoyed lately?
JE: I don’t go as much as I should but I do make time for it when I can. The most recent movie I saw was Deadpool and honestly, I loved it. It’s bluntly sexual and worth your time. Ryan Reynolds looked like he was born for the part. You should definitely see it!
SJD: I understand you recently signed on with Bohemia Group, a renowned international agency. What does this mean for your future endeavors?
JE: It personally felt like a milestone in my career. After having signed with Bohemia it felt like I finally found stability in Hollywood. What’s going to happen out of this is I’ll have a network of management branching out from New Zealand to London. It’s pretty exciting!
SJD: Finally, any advice you would give any young actor who is trying to break into the US?
JE: Work as hard as you can on your craft so when opportunities arise you’re ready for them. Like a friend once told me, “In this business, you have to work your butt off to get lucky.” You have to have fun too – this is a job like no other. Be sure to have a passion for acting because talent can only go so far. Hard work and focus takes you to the top.
SJD: How can people follow your career? Instagram…. Facebook etc.
JE: You can follow me on Instagram, @Jonathanemond or Snapchat; @Jonathanemond I keep those pretty active. If you’d rather follow-up on Facebook then this link will get you there but I don’t go on it as often as I should! https://www.facebook.com/jonathanemondact
Our thanks to Jonathan for taking the time to do this interview, as well as Liz Rodriguez and EMR Media for helping us with the interview.
Scott Davis is Senior Staff Writer for Flickering Myth and co-host of The Flickering Myth Review Podcast. Follow him on Twitter.
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Originally published February 20, 2016. Updated April 14, 2018.
