In one of the most smile inducing films I’ve seen this year Chloe Traicos plays Jodea Maxwell, personal assistant to a very popular film director  . When Jodeas work life takes a turn for the worst, she finds herself out of a job, but only for a short time as shes thrust from assistant into the co lead of the directors next potential hit.  Introducing Jodea is one of the most enjoyable films ive seen this year and you can read my review here  I was fortunate enough to be able to virtual chat with the films star Chloe, who took some time out to answer some of the ‘Spending Time With…questions, and im sure youll agree with me when I say her answers are a great read,  Many thanks to Chloe, and also please do check out Introducing Jodea when it arrives on home viewing later this year.

What was one of the most memorable films you saw as a child?

My favourite video as a kid was The Slipper and the Rose.. . A Cinderella story which strangely very few Americans have heard of. I watched it religiously.

What is one of your most favourite locations you have filmed or performed in?

I loved filming at the studio location for Introducing Jodea. There was something so wonderful bout being at a real studio with all the different locations

In your creative roles? What is the longest day that you’ve ever had?

I think probably my first movie I Wish I were Stephanie V. I was just out of school and was very inexperienced. There was a scene where I had to run and collide with a girl I hated on the tennis court. I was so scared of hurting her. It took so long our’ soundy’ went for a walk and fell asleep under a tree

Do you have any ‘props or keepsakes from any of your films or shows?

I kept a sexy blouse that I used in a movie where I played a pole dancer. I really liked it and it hadn’t cost much so wardrobe were like ” Yeah keep it”

Let’s shine a light on some of your past work. Which of your projects are you most proud of?

I think Introducing Jodea. It’s probably the only film where I’ve been able to watch myself without cringing. I also love my very first project A Stranger in my Homeland. A documentary about Zimbabwean refugees. I directed that and it was incredible hearing the stories of so many amazing people.

What is one of the best pieces of advice you can remember being given?

Oh wow….so many….I think my Grandmother gave it to me. Her saying was ” When there’s a will there’s a way” That taught me at a young age that if I wanted something there was always a way to get it…if you wanted it bad enough

With regards to your own projects? What are you working on that you can tell me about?

Umm nothing really…and several things I’m kind of superstitious about talking about projects too early. I have several scripts. It’s just a matter of seeing which takes off next

Out of all the projects you’ve done, which one do people seem to ask you the most about?

Definitely Introducing Jodea….I think because of the whole film industry element.

Do you remember who got your first autograph?

A cricket fan of my Dad’s in India. My dad used to play cricket for Zimbabwe and this guy was a huge fan and then he watched one of my movies and wanted an autographed photo

Have you ever gotten someone’s autograph? Which is the most memorable for you?

I got Andrew Shue’s autograph. I always had a crush on him as a kid and I met him when I was involved in the Save Zimbabwe movement in New York. I didn’t have any paper so I asked him to sign the front page of the book I was reading which was Alexandra Fuller’s ” Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight”. . Which is about Zimbabwe so it was kinda significant

What is the ONE single coolest movie geek thing you own?

Oh no….I’m boring….I don’t think I have one

Have you revisited one of your favourite films during lockdown? Which was it?

Oh yes. My Cousin Vinny. Best comedy ever made

What is one film that gives you the ‘creeps’?

Sleeping With the Enemy….the scene where Julia Roberts is in the bathtub and looks up and sees the towels perfectly aligned.  Its brilliant. 

How do you prepare for an audition? 

I read the sides over and over till I form an idea of what the character is about.

What’s the first thing you do when you get on ‘set’

I get into character.

Do you prefer day shoots or night shoots?

Both actually. Night shoots are fun if you are prepared and have slept during the day to be ready for them. What’s not fun is when day shoots are delayed and go from day into night when you are not expecting it.

When you are being interviewed Do you prefer ‘interviews’ face to face, over the phone/podcast or by email?

I don’t mind actually. Over the phone is easier in that you don’t need to worry about make up

Injuries on set are unfortunately more common than they should be. Have you been injured whilst doing what you do?

No thank God. Although once when shooting a scary chase scene I was running and fell flat on my face. It ended up being the best take so the director used it even though I’m cursing like crazy ( which had NOT been in the dialogue)