Actor Jax Malcolm has written and directed his own TV series, Conservation Invasion, which has won him numerous awards with his latest win being this year at the Canada International Film Festival. His acting career has seen Jax work on short productions along with TV movies and shows and has been directed by Jonah Hill for the new cinema release, Mid90s. Chatting to us, Jax tells us about Conservation Invasion, being on set of Mid90s and being nominated for awards.
Can you tell us about Conservation Invasion?
Conservation Invasion is really a passion project for me and is the intersection point of my career in the entertainment industry and as an environmental philanthropist. It is geared towards children ages three to ten and their families to engage, educate, and promote lifelong environmental stewardship. As most people first encounter wildlife and exciting botanicals as kids, either with their families or in an educational setting like field trips or camps, we shoot mostly on location at zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, museums, and children’s educational centres to bring the experience to the viewer at home. Additionally, the series aims to spotlight the critical role these institutions play in the fight to save endangered or threatened species and promote the importance of planet conservation.
You also direct the series, how did you find the experience?
Directing has been the most rewarding challenge of my career so far. As an actor, it’s my job to bring characters to life. As a director, my role is to blend all of the characters, and action into a cohesive story that viewers want to watch. It can be tough but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Would you like to do more directing?
Absolutely! I have two projects this year that I will be directing.
What was it like on the set of feature film Mid90s?
Mid90s was an amazing experience, I had the opportunity to be directed by Jonah Hill. His vision for the film and characters were a real inspiration for me as both an actor and director.
Last year, you appeared in short film Sauna as Sam, can you tell us about this?
Sauna was a real treat for me to work on because the story was built on a swim team. I’m a competitive swimmer and certified LA County Junior Lifeguard. When I’m not working in the entertainment industry, you will find me in the pool. I’ve already qualified for the Summer Junior Olympics this year. I was really interested in being a part of Sauna because I got to combine two things I love – swimming and acting.
What do you remember from your first professional acting job?
My first professional acting job was a commercial. I played a mad scientist on a Smart Power PSA. It was an incredible experience getting to dress as a mad scientist and travel in a time machine.
When did you get into acting and how did you start?
It all started when I was five. I was watching TV one night and was amazed by the kids on TV and I asked my parents why I wasn’t one of them. From there, I got an agent and a manager and started my journey in the entertainment industry.
Over your career so far, you have been nominated for and won a number of awards, what does this feel like?
It is a real honour to be recognised for the work I’m doing in the entertainment industry. As a director, I have had the pleasure of being awarded on both the national and international stage. As an actor, I have been recognised for my work in television, film, voiceover, and stage. It means the world to be recognised for my work by my industry.
How is it attending and presenting at The Annual Young Entertainer Awards?
I have had the honour of being nominated by The YEAs for the past four years. This year I am nominated for Best Young Actor Web Host for Conservation Invasion, Best Young Actor Live Theatre for my work at the Sierra Madre Playhouse as Scut Farkus in A Christmas Story, and for Best Young Director for Conservation Invasion. I love getting to present at these awards, I get to see so many of my friends at rehearsal and it’s a thrill to be part of the show.
We understand you’ve been featured on Dance Moms, how were you involved with the show?
I’ve had the opportunity to attend several events with the Dance Moms team. I was invited as a celebrity guest to the Los Angeles studio opening and that was recorded for that episode where I was featured on the show.
Do you have any projects you are currently working on or have coming up this year that you can say about?
Yes, I have two projects in the works. I’m starring in a film called Jingle Trails, that is a family film about two teenagers who run into Santa Claus during his off-season, and a web series comedy show. I’m really excited about what 2019 has in store!
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