( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Jaime Andrews’ Newly Released Book Details A Turbulent Past
ENSPIRE Contributor: Nicole Armstrong
With her memoir, The Brink, Jaime Andrews uses comedy and hopes to inspire others to learn from her past and lead greater lives. She originally wrote it 20 years ago after recently moving to Los Angeles. She shows off her writing skills in other areas as well. Andrews previously wrote a column for Backstage in which she shared advice with new actors. Jaime Andrews’ newest writing endeavor, Brink: A Memoir, can be purchased on Amazon.
Andrews is also accomplished in the world of film. In addition to writing her film Division, she also produced and starred in it. The movie follows an actress who finds companionship in a fan during the COVID-19 pandemic, only to find their political opinions differ wildly. The movie was selected at the Socially Relevant Film Festival and her performance earned her the Best Actress Award at The Lady Filmmakers Festival. She also appeared in truTV’s World’s Dumbest for five years, as well as Good Girls Revolt, and guest roles on Chicago Fire, Crash & Bernstein, and Heels. On top of her acting and writing careers, she also owns her own production company, Jaimation.
Hair and Makeup: Jacque Carder
We spoke with Jaime Andrews to learn more about her exciting career.
What has been the most rewarding part of writing and releasing your memoir?
The most rewarding part has been hearing from people that they think The Brink could help people who are struggling and give them hope for a better future. That was my biggest impetus for writing this book, so it’s gratifying to hear.
Of all the varying forms of writing you do (editorial writing, screenwriting, writing a memoir, etc.), what has been your favorite? Why?
I think my favorite has to be screenwriting. With books, you just kind of write it and let it go, but with screenwriting, you get to work with a group of people to make that writing come to life. It’s very surreal and satisfying to see the story that came from your brain up on a big screen.
What inspired you to release your memoir now? Was there a catalyst in this decision?
Honestly, my catalyst was a sort of boredom! I had written the book 20 years ago and was afraid to put it out in the world because it’s pretty incendiary. But while I was waiting for my movie, Division, to get through post-production, I felt very anxious to focus on something else. So, I decided I had made enough peace with my past at this point in my life that I wanted to put the book out there. There’s also a lot of 90s nostalgia going on at the moment, so I thought that might be something to capitalize on, although the story itself is kind of timeless. Teenagers are gonna teenage, ya know?
Being in several different creative fields, what keeps you motivated to continue?
Gosh, I don’t know…insanity? I guess for any artist, it’s the belief that you have something to communicate to people. And, while you shouldn’t get your sense of self from external sources, I have to say that people telling me my work meant something to them…that has kept me going during times when things got difficult.
What has been your experience owning your own production company, and what do you hope to see in its future?
Starting Jaimation gave me a platform to create the kind of work I want to make, but I hope that, in the future, I can use it to help other artists realize their projects as well. I’m very inspired by Margot Robbie right now, who uses her production company to make her work, but also that of others.
Overall, what projects are next for you? Which are you most excited about?
Now that the strike is over, I’m hoping to get back to acting soon. I’m up for a really fun role right now that has me staring at my phone, waiting for it to ring! But since doing that will drive you crazy, I’m most excited about my latest screenplay, Hardcore. It’s the first thing I’ve written that my life did not inspire, but by this shocking crime committed by a kid I went to high school with. I think it could be a great, intense film that makes a powerful statement about mental health care in this country. My friend would also like to make The Brink into a series, so I’ve got to get to work on shaping that. Honestly, there are so many things that I’m excited about, which – considering where I’ve been in the past – is a great feeling.
Andrews has proven herself to be brilliant in all her ventures with a witty sense of humor that will serve her well in her career. With many projects behind her, and many to come, she is a force to be reckoned with. She can be found across social media, including X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Her website can also be found here.
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