Interview with Jade Croot

Hello Jade! We're very happy to see you in our interview. How are you doing?

— Hello! I’m really well, thank you for asking. It’s lovely to be chatting with you today. Thank you so much for having me.

Could you tell us, please, how started your journey into the cinema world? When and why did you decide to become an actress?

— I think I always knew deep down that I wanted to act but I was very shy as a child and was quite badly bullied during secondary school which was tough. I really struggled and it was by chance one day, that I watched ‘The Karate Kid’ and it inspired me to give it a go. I started to attend karate lessons where my confidence grew and it was from there that I joined The Mark Jermin Stage School where my love of acting really began. Every Friday evening would be the highlight of my week as I got to be with friends who all soon became like a second family to me. I’m still friends with lots of them today, even though our paths have gone in different directions.

The IMDb website mentions that you are involved in many productions. Which is your favorite and why?

— I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had lots of wonderful experiences. All have been special to me for lots of different reasons but my personal favourite has to be ‘The Accident.’ I was so incredibly nervous as it was such an honour to have been trusted with a part such as Leona but every day on set was a gift. It was such a wonderful cast and crew - we all supported each other. And to have acted alongside Sarah Lancashire was something that can only be described as a dream come true. She held my hand every day, gave words of wisdom and encouragement that I’ll always hold close to my heart. She is the epitome of all things good in this world. I’ve never quite met anyone like Sarah before - that time in my life is something I’ll always cherish. It was the best of experiences.

Your filmography includes very popular projects, such as The Witcher, The Serpent Queen, The Accident, etc. Which one impressed you the most?

— Again, all have been very special but ‘The Accident’ will always be close to my heart. I would say that ‘Steeltown Murders’ is another that’s very dear to me. To have been trusted in telling such a heartbreaking story really meant the world. Our director, Marc Evans, was wonderful to work with - so warm and understanding. Everyone who worked on ‘Steeltown Murders’ made it with the victims and their loved ones always at the forefront of our minds. It’s meant the world to us all to see how well received the drama has been. Its hard to put into words how much it means. It’s meant everything for lots of personal reasons.

Have you read The Witcher series of books? Did you get to play the game?

— I haven’t read the books but my brother is a big gamer and was really excited when he found out I’d been cast in the show. We’ve played the game together a few times!

What genre do you like to shoot in?

— I’ve always really loved shooting drama pieces. It’s a gift when you’re fortunate enough to have a script come through that you can really get your teeth into. I’d love to do a period piece again one day as that was lots of fun. But if I’m lucky enough to still be shooting dramas, then I’d be very happy.

Do you have any special way of preparing for a role?

— I’ve never been to drama school so I haven’t been taught in how to prepare for roles but I think l really just try to follow my gut and instincts in what feels right and natural. If it feels right reading the script, then instinct normally takes hold and I go from there. It takes me some time to learn lines, that doesn’t always come easy to me so my go to method is to write them out numerous times until I feel comfortable enough to run through them with someone! Repetition helps until it almost becomes second nature.

If you can play any existing character, which one would you like to choose and why?

— That’s a really good question! I think it would have to be be Julie Pierce in ‘The Next Karate Kid.’ Hilary Swank has always been a favourite actress of mine and that character meant a lot to me as a young girl, growing up. I saw a lot of myself in her and how karate changes her life, just as it did mine.

In which projects will we see you in the future and can you tell us about them?

— I hopefully have another drama to be released for later this year! I’m not sure I can say what it is yet but it was a really wonderful experience to film, again, another real life story. I really hope to have done it justice. That would mean everything.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any other hobbies?

— I’m very close to my family and friends so when I have spare time, lots of it is spent with them. Me and my Grandparents have always been a little team so it’s movies and lots of cups of tea when I’m with them. I really enjoy walking my dog, Buddy and long drives in the country side through the Brecon Beacons with friends. I also spend a lot of time reading in Cyfarthfa Park - especially around this time of year when families and friends are enjoying the beautiful weather.

Favorite movie?

— «Stand By Me».

Favorite TV series?

— «Friends», «Breaking Bad».

Favorite book?

— «A Walk to Remember», Nicholas Sparks.

Favorite quote?

— ‘It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.’ - Rocky.

Favorite singer/band?

— Queen.

Favorite song?

— Someday We’ll Know - Mandy Moore & Jonathan Foreman, Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley.

What track might describe the pace of your life?

— Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts.

Marvel or DC?

— Marvel.

What's your Hogwarts House?

— Gryffindor.

Do you have an idol and if you do, who is it and why?

— Do you have an idol? If so, why? My Mam. She’s my biggest hero and the person who’s always been there through everything. She’s my best pal.