Emily Sandifer
Emily Sandifer is someone whose work I have been digging since I first came across her. So this is my third interview with the gorgeous talented actor,director, screenwriter and photographer. She truly is a jack of all trades and is the complete package. So read on and go check out her work. She is the real deal.
1. How did it feel to be on the Netflix show Love?
It was my first guest star role, so that was much needed in my career. And to
have it be on a Judd Apatow produced show: even better. Very exciting. Paul Rust and
the director Dean Holland were really down to earth and easy to work with. I really en-
joyed the improv during the callback and the rehearsals. Top notch team; very lucky to
have been cast. Shout out to my on-screen sister, too, Jennifer Blakeslee, who was just
as nervous as I was going into it, but super enthusiastic and made it fun!! It was really
exciting for everyone involved; it’s a great show.
2. Are you happy with the responses to it?
Yes, I was happy everyone found it hilarious. The amount of positive support
was a relief.
3. Were you comfortable with what you had to do in the part?
Comfortable enough as one can be doing something really uncomfortable. It’s
supposed to be cringe-worthy, so it was filmed really perfect for that and not over-
sexualized. I really liked the way the team went about it and the crew was extremely
respectful of us.
4. What else have you been working on recently?
My boyfriend TJ Dalrymple and I have
been doing a play called I Hate Hamlet (written by Paul Rudnick) with the Mountain
Theater Alliance. We have a lot of ideas for films, but unfortunately not enough time to
do anything about it currently.
5. What is it like to be working on a film with Nicolas Cage?
I didn’t end up meeting Nicolas Cage. My scene was with two of the other actors
in the film. The cast and crew in Atlanta was great, though!
6. Did you have much or any screen-time with him?
No screentime with Cage.
7. What is inspiring you now when you’re making your films?
My bullshit meter is a little more picky as I get older.
If anything screams cliche or typical, either I catch myself on it
or TJ does. So, this actually makes the process a bit longer because it’s a challenge,
but that’s the whole point.
8. Are you doing things differently when making your films or is it more or less the
same?
We haven’t done much in the past year since we bought a house and have been
busy with that, but I’d say it’s just about figuring out what we’re really good at and ex-
panding on that.
9. What was it like working on the film I was a Teenage Superhero Sidekick?
Nothing but wonderful things to say about the director J Hanna and the rest of
the cast and crew. I love comedy. It was a really great character to work on. J is super
passionate about his work and it shows.
10. Are you happy how that has been received?
Absolutely. Very happy for J and his team, they deserve the praise!
11. How do you find the balance of it all with the acting/film-making and the photography
work?
It’s something I’m continually working on.
12. Have you had any bad experiences yet?
If I had, I wouldn’t talk about it – good way to ruin your reputation and not work.
Gotta keep it classy, you know?
13. What is next for yourself?
A trip to Idaho to see my family later this summer and also a trip to Iceland/
London/Ireland/Scotland this fall with my boyfriend. I’ve had two features bouncing
around in my head for awhile that I’m also working on writing as well as continuing our
Ruth & Norbert series.
14. What have you recently seen that has inspired you?
Take Shelter, directed by Jeff Nichols.
15. What would we find you listening to these days?
Mostly silence and crickets. I moved up to the mountains for peace and quiet on
the days I’m not in LA. So, I take advantage of that. Otherwise, if I’m at the studio at a
photoshoot, typically a lot of Rolling Stones and Led Zepellin, or if I’m driving, maybe
some soundtracks and 90s music.
16. You’re a very beautiful woman, you look amazing. Are you still doing the Paleo thing
to keep yourself looking amazing?
Thanks. Beauty and having a great body are secondary in my life. I work on be-
ing healthy, so I guess if I “look amazing,” it’s due to that. The film industry and society
in general are unfortunately obsessed with the perfection of the female image, and I
personally get exhausted with the fact that it’s sometimes viewed as more important or
gets more attention than actual talent. We all age, but it’s especially harsh for female
actors. I’m aware that I especially have to take care of myself in my line of work, but it’s
not everything – because youth fades. That’s a-ok. As long as my mind stays youthful, I
have a long life, and I can continue to play interesting characters, I couldn’t care less
about going to the gym or being a sex-symbol. Not my thing. I don’t have the perfect
body, and I’m too busy doing other things with my life than to kill myself at the gym. So,
yes, the Paleo way of eating is super helpful to my energy levels and feeling great. It works for me.
I do yoga when I can. I don’t go to the gym. I’d rather be outside hiking or
doing something productive.
