1. How did you get involved with the project?

In a few words... very good luck. In a reader's digest description: Shawn Justice the director of Going the Distance was given the name: Suzie Smith, a previous director of mine. She had created and directed a group through Northwest Family Services called Promises. Through this group I became acquainted with her and acted as a member of the group for about two years. When Shawn called Suzie she referred him to a list of promising actors she knew. Luckily, my name was on the list and Shawn gave me a call. I got the craziest message on my answering machine about being in an independent film! I was no doubt curious so I called this character up and met him for coffee to look over the script and character bio's. I was sold from the moment he introduced himself.

2. What was the audition process like and what was it like to be chosen to do a movie?

Wow... umm extremely nerve racking I guess you could say. Being used to auditioning on stage it is very different to perform on camera. I was told you should tone down stage gestures (i.e. big arm movements, etc.)when on camera. Adding this train of thought to the stress of trying to be realistic and create chemistry with the others auditioning was sooo much to think about! Honestly, I wasn't nervous when I arrived... I don't about that camera though... it's kind of intimidating that your image is being captured through it and it can replay all your mistakes. -Being chosen for this movie was... well it was kind of surreal... one of those things you never think will happen to you. It's a big rush... yeah that explains it pretty well.

3. What did your friends and family say? How did they react?

It's kind of strange.. the guy who plays Jason is actually my best friend off screen. Ironic no? Well, it's a little less ironic then it appears. During my first meeting with (the well-known West Linn director) Shawn Justice I dropped Jacob's along with a multitude of colorful adjectives describing my friends superb abilities on stage and screen. Either he actually believed me or merely wanted to show his open mindedness as a director, he agreed to let Jacob audition. We auditioned with one another that day and afterwards were uncertain of the outcome. A week or so later at work I received a page from Shawn so of course I promptly replied. The following conversation was brief but thrilling. He told me that I had received the lead and that Jacob would play Jason. This shot me through the roof! This was incredible! The instant I hung up with him I called Jacob. He was asleep at the time after working an early Costco shift but I told his mom to give him the phone anyway. "He-hello," a groggy half-conscious voice answered. Without even saying who I was a very calmly with an edge of excitement said, "Jacob... we got it." The explosion that came from the other end of that phone was instantaneous. "Are you serious?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!!" Many of the words in the following delirium cannot be aired on primetime so I will leave to your imagination. Sufficed to say he was excited.

My parents, family and other friends were also very supportive. My friends kept asking me, "What's the movie for, a school project?" It took me a while to convince any of them it was the truth.

4. How did you approach your role? What did you learn from playing the part?

The role wasn't the most difficult to approach since it encompassed so many of the problems that either my friends or I have had encountered as hormonal teenagers. I tried to bring as much real emotion as I could from these past experiences to make the character appear as real as possible. Each scene brought a new challenge because it was truly the first time I had ever had to ask myself... okay what would Phil do in this situation. I know what Chris would say, how he would act, but Phil has totally different mannerisms and quirks that make him... him. I learned a lot about myself surprisingly and the ruts I can fall into as an actor using certain character habits that one shouldn't do to bring across emotions. I also found how much the huge gestures of screen acting have to be played down to accommodate the sensitivity of the camera. Every eye brow raise, head tilt, sigh... everything is caught and if you start flailing your arms about like Hamlet in a soliloquy you're going to look a wee bit cheezy ole chap!

5. Can you identify with the character? If so, how?

I can identify to the character when it comes to temptation and the struggles that come with getting too serious in a relationship. Phil's over all laid back attitude and natural leader tendencies I can appreciate and relate with as well. Possibly even his semi-timid first attempt at picking up on an attractive girl he has just met I can relate with a little.. I mean I have A FRIEND yeah that's it and umm HE could relate with that situation perfectly... shoot they're onto me!

6. What was it like working on a movie set? Do you have any memorable stories?

It was amazing working on a movie set. Never in my life could I have imagined the overwhelming amount of work it is to not only act in a movie, but also set and light a scene. My props go out to all the crew of this movie and all others out there. They have a very high stress, fast paced, exhausting job. Working on it though, especially that first day walking onto the set. The big jib with the camera mounted on the end... the MG Midget parked just so for the first take. The extras waiting to become background students during passing time. It was quite the surreal experience! Memorable stories?! Are you kidding me?!! I can't think of just ONE! Okay, okay... during the dating montage where all four of us are watching a movie-well there is a funny story behind that one. No doubt it'll make it on the blooper reel. Jacob and I took the whole hand rubbing gag to excess and flipped over the couched and looked like we were going at it while the two girls got really friendly on top of the couch. Meanwhile Tommy who is randomly behind the couch pops his head up, looking around as if he accidentally walked into something he shouldn't have. That was hilarious... and we got it all one film!

7. What do you think the movie communicates to teens today?

You have the power to choose to do what you want to do. With that power comes an extreme amount of responsibility. With that responsibility be mature enough to make the best choices you know in your mind to be the best for both you and the one you love... it serves it up straight but subtle. No preaching necessary, but obvious enough to be noticed.

8. Are there other Phil's out there, going through what he does in the movie? What would you tell them?

Oh yes without a doubt! I've heard stories from many friends, along with personal experiences that make me certain of that. I would probably tell them that they are very young... and love is a very strong and mature word. Be capable enough to act as mature as your words and you'll be fine.

9. What would you tell teens that want to get into the movie business today?

RUN!! Run for your life and never look back!!! No, I'm kidding. I would probably tell them that their determination and hard work will eventually pay off as long as you cease to give up. If you truly desire to be in it then you're half way there. Nothing is keeping you from pursuing your dreams except your own self-doubt and laziness.

10. What will you take away with you from the experience?

Besides dear, true friends I will take away an amazing learning experience. And an appreciation to the time and work that goes into creating a movie. I'll take away priceless memories and knowledge that will definitely assist me in my future life pursuits. I'll also take away a better view on myself and a new critique on my acting abilities.

11. Okay, one last question, what about being in a band and lip syncing? Hard? Easy? What was it like?

Being in a band was such a rush. When you are up on stage like that it's like the thrill of stage performance, with music, ten times better crowd and who can beat that split level keyboard! Seriously, with the music turned up and the audience dancing around, clapping and cheering... it was such an energizing experience. Those days, after shooting, man you are pumped... you're ready for the next eight hours. Lip syncing was a little more difficult at first because I really didn't want to look like a cheezy sweet valley high take off. Also playing the chords on the keyboard in tempo with the song with the right hand positioning took some coaching from our music composer but it clicked after a while. After it was all over I began to wonder if I should pursue a singing career instead of acting... hah!