SUPER 8An Interview with Richard T. Jones
By Wilson Morales
June 6, 2011
Having starred in both of Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married’ films, as well as a supporting role in the TV series, ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,’ actor Richard T. Jones’ visibility has grown tremendously in the last few years.
Coming up next for the California raised native is a supporting role in ‘Super 8,’ one of the most anticipated films of the summer.
Directed by J. J Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film centers on a group of kids in the summer of 1979, who after witnessing a mysterious train crash, begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the creepy phenomenon.
For Jones, who has come a long way since he played Ike Turner Jr. opposite Laurence Fishburne in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ this film represents the biggest exposure in film career.
In speaking exclusively to Blackfilm.com, Jones talks about his role in ‘Super 8, working with J.J Abrams, and his acting prospects after working with Tyler Perry.
What role do you play in the film?
Richard T. Jones: I play Sergeant Major Overmyer, working in a special force assigned to extra terrestrial activity. We’re part of the Air Force.
What was the appeal of taking the film?
Richard T. Jones: Working with J.J. Abrams and Spielberg. When you get an invite, “we’ve got a secret script we’re working on. J.J.’s directing and Spielberg’s producing, that’s all we know.” It’s like, okay, we put our faith in those two guys.
If you say “aliens” and “Spielberg” you know there’s a hit in mind. What are some of Spielberg’s films that you recall that you liked?
Richard T. Jones: The first film I’d seen of his was “Jaws,” of course, the classic. He’s had so many… one of our family’s favorites is “Jurassic Park.” What he did was amazing as far as bringing things to life. I’d have to say “Jurassic Park” is my favorite.
How was working with J.J. Abrams?
Richard T. Jones: He’s amazing. Very collaborative, very into suggestions, very informative about what he’s trying to accomplish in a scene. It was a blessing to be with a director like that. Sociable, very fun, very relaxed, low-key, no yelling. Sometimes with these big budget pictures you have directors that like to yell and have a power trip. That’s not J.J. at all, he’s the total opposite and everyone just loves him.
Was this your first time working with CGI?
Richard T. Jones: I did a little in this picture called “Event Horizon” awhile ago, but yeah, this is my first time doing this much CGI. It brings you back to when you’re a kid playing in your bedroom, like cowboys and aliens in a way.
With this film, “Event Horizon” and the TV series of “The Terminator,” I take it you have an appreciation for the genre?
Richard T. Jones: Out there doing “Event Horizon” and especially “The Terminator” I got a taste of the genre and now I love it. Before I did “Event Horizon” I knew nothing about it, and I didn’t know exactly what we were doing until we were 80% done. They showed us a little preview of all the stuff we had done, I was like, “Wow, we’re doing that type of movie!” I had no idea exactly what I was getting into. Now that I’ve done “Super 8” I really enjoy it, it’s one of the funniest genres to play in.
Would you say this is the biggest film to get you international exposure?
Richard T. Jones: Yeah, I think this is the biggest blockbuster type film, it’s going to be big. I’d agree with you on that.
Having done and had success with both of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married films, did you have to audition for this film?
Richard T. Jones: I did. I went in, met J.J., I read some lines that weren’t in the movie at all, and he was like, “I love you! I want you in my movie.” It was the quickest audition I’d ever done. I’d auditioned on a Friday and was on a plane on that Wednesday. So it was real quick. It all kind of came together real fast, and I didn’t really understand what I was hired for and I read the script when I got there.
Do you have any more feature projects with him down the line?
Richard T. Jones: I’m waiting to see what’s going to happen there. I’ve got a couple movies that are on the line now that we’re seeing if we can work them out. I also have a movie called “Forgiveness” that we’re trying to finish up in the coming months. We took a hiatus on that for a little bit. I’ve got a few things that are not a done deal yet so I can’t say much about it. We’re trying to work it out.
What’s “Forgiveness” about?
Richard T. Jones: It’s about a pastor trying to shape his congregation but at the same time he’s caught up in this underworld type business that he got into trying to save his church. Now he’s caught in it and he can’t get out. It’s about these two different worlds coming together and causing havoc in his life and the life of the church.
Is it a little easier playing the lead role in an independent film?
Richard T. Jones: Independents are hard work. It’s a lot of hours, trying to get a lot of shots, but there’s a lot of freedom and a lot of input you can bring to the project. It’s fun, but a lot of work. On big budget movies you get in the car, go to set, say your lines, get back in the car and go home. Which is great. (laughs) It’s a balance, you need a little bit of both.
Having done both the “Why Did I Get Married?” films, how is the work coming to you? Are you getting more opportunities or are you still in the same hole of looking for work?
Richard T. Jones: It’s a little bit of both. It’s funny how you do one thing and that’s how the whole industry sees you until you do something else. They only see you as that. You keep jumping back and forth. A blessing and a curse was when I was doing the Tyler Perry movies and the “Terminator” that they didn’t know if I was a comedy or drama actor. Not that I’m starting from the beginning, but I’m always searching for my next job.
That’s a good thing because you’re showing your diversity in different things for a different audiences.
Richard T. Jones: You would think, right! (laughs)
Isn’t that the game plan, to show different sides of your acting abilities?
Richard T. Jones: That’s the game plan for every actor but studios don’t really feel that way. They want to keep you making money at what you do. “If everybody loves you doing this, then just keep doing that.” That’s the hard part, trying to break out of the bubble they put you in.
If you saw an alien in your neck of the woods what would you be doing?
Richard T. Jones: Oh man, I would be running. With the alien that’s in “Super 8,” I’m definitely running. I don’t like anything new, crossing any lines. I’ve seen too many of the aliens coming to destroy America kind of movies. It’s always “Battle LA” or “Independence Day” or “War of the Worlds.”
