Jillian Reeves: A Multifaceted Talent in Hollywood
Jillian Reeves stars in the highly regarded film “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.” This movie is based on the true story of Donna and Reverend WC Martin, who led twenty-two families from a rural Black church in East Texas to adopt seventy-seven children from the foster system, sparking a movement for vulnerable children everywhere. Reeves portrays Donna’s sister Diann, a divorced single mother and the first to adopt in the town. The film also features Nika King, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Demetrius Gross and debuted in theaters on July 4th.
Reeves is not just an actress but also a talented filmmaker. She directed, wrote, produced, and starred in the short film “Broken,” which poignantly explores serious mental illness. This project aligns with her off-screen advocacy for Mental Health Awareness and efforts to #EndTheStigma, especially within the African-American community. Currently, she is developing “Broken” into a feature-length film to amplify its impact and reach.
Photos Courtesy of Jillian Reeves
The Hype Magazine got Jillian to weigh in on a few things!
How do you view the current landscape of filmmaking from a business perspective, and what challenges and opportunities do you see for filmmakers today?
As a filmmaker, it’s both a really exciting and tough time to be in the industry. On the one hand, there are so many tools and platforms available now that make it easier to create and share our work and build our audience. On the other hand, with that also comes increased competition, which makes it harder to stand out and rise above the massive amount of content out there.
Similarly, the rise in AI is both a very real threat to jobs in the industry and also a tool that can help you be more productive than ever. We are in strange times indeed.
The good news is that people are more hungry than ever for diverse and unique stories, and those authentic, human experiences are not something that will be easily replaced. We need humanity now more than ever, and there is a lot of room for new voices and perspectives.
In the end, I think it’s all about being able to adapt to the changes in the business and stay passionate and persistent. If you can navigate the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities, there’s a lot of potential to do great work and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
What initial thoughts or emotions did you experience when you were first presented with the details of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot?
Honestly, I didn’t realize it was a true story at first. Initially, I only read the sides for my audition, so I didn’t grasp the full context. But once I read the entire script, I was struck by how challenging the material was, especially in terms of the children’s roles and the intense performances required from them. The story demanded a lot emotionally and physically, not just from the young actors but from everyone involved.
What really moved me, though, was the incredible resilience and love shown by the families in Possum Trot. Their commitment to giving these children a home and a future is nothing short of inspiring. It made me appreciate the power of community and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Being part of telling this story has been a deeply humbling and rewarding experience.
Can you describe a benchmark moment from the film that stands out to you and often triggers a reflective mood?
A benchmark moment for me was shooting a pivotal scene where our beloved mother passed away and we grieved at her bedside. It mirrored my own life in a surreal way. The doctors had recently stopped my own mother’s cancer treatment because she was too weak to continue as she was dealing with both dementia and cancer. A day later, I was filming this deeply emotional scene. It was incredibly challenging to go to that place emotionally, as it was such a very real fear in my own life at the time.
Ironically, we were called back for reshoots right after my mother passed away. On the way to set, incredibly, I saw a street sign with my mother’s name. The cast and crew showed me so much love and support, and it was one of those times that makes you feel like maybe everything really does happen for a reason. I feel like I was meant to be on that project during this time.
How did the true story of Donna and Reverend WC Martin, and their community’s effort to adopt children, influence your portrayal of Diann?
As I researched, I found out that Diann was the first to adopt, even though she was a single mom working in a factory to support herself and her daughter. This gave me insight into her heart and character as I imagined the courage and compassion it took to take on three additional children from the foster care system. I wanted to capture the vulnerability, optimism, open heart, and devout faith that permeated all of her choices. Playing Diann, I wanted to honor her spirit and the love she brought into the lives of the children she adopted, as well as the strength and support she gave to her sister and community.
As a filmmaker and actress, how do you balance your creative vision with the practical aspects of production and business?
Balancing your creative vision with the practical aspects of production and business is always a challenge! Sometimes your grand vision becomes a victim of your budget or location constraints, but I believe that both acting and filmmaking are about finding creative solutions to the obstacles thrown in your way to still get your message and vision across. When issues come up it’s crucial to adapt and think outside the box. This might mean simplifying or cutting scenes, finding cheaper locations, or using innovative techniques to achieve a similar impact. As an artist, it can be painful to make these difficult choices, but the show must go on.
What significance does Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot hold for you personally, and how do you hope it impacts audiences?
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot holds deep personal significance for me. It’s a powerful reminder that we are better together and that, united we can accomplish things that seem impossible. In a time when so many forces in our nation seek to divide us, this story showcases the strength of unity, community, and true support for one another.
I hope it shows audiences the importance of having the love of God for the most vulnerable and for humanity as a whole. This story is a testament to the incredible things we can achieve when we come together with compassion and selflessness. My hope is that it inspires people to embrace the power of community and to recognize that through unity, we can overcome even the greatest challenges. I also hope that it reignites the mission that Bishop and First Lady Martin started—that there should not be a child without a home.
Could you share any behind-the-scenes insights or memorable experiences from working with the cast, including Nika King, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Demetrius Gross?
Nika King and Demetrius Gross both had big shoes to fill, playing strong, powerful characters who are still alive today. Their dedication and commitment to capturing the essence of their real-life characters down to Demetrius’ gold grill was a joy to watch. They both rose to the occasion, delivering powerful and authentic performances.
Elizabeth Mitchell was the sweetest, most positive person on set. Her infectious energy, amazing talent, and ultimate professionalism made her an absolute pleasure to work with.
Each actor brought their unique strengths to the project, contributing to the film’s success in their own special ways.
How do your advocacy for Mental Health Awareness and efforts to #EndTheStigma inform your work both on and off-screen?
I think film has the power to put people in others’ shoes, touch their hearts, and foster empathy in a way that other mediums often cannot.
In the film that I wrote, Broken, I wanted to bring depth and realism to characters dealing with mental health struggles and the impact these have on families and loved ones. I aimed to tell a story that had not yet been told, showing the true rippling effects untreated mental conditions have across families and communities. I believe that simply seeing these portrayals can help people realize they are not alone, encourage conversation, and lessen the stigma around this issue.
Actually, my latest film, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot has a mental health component by depicting families trying to care for children who have been deeply traumatized. It’s one of the things that makes the film so special—it doesn’t shy away from or sugarcoat what it means to save a child from the foster care system.
I’m excited to see more entertainment address this issue authentically and respectfully.
Off-screen, I actively engage in initiatives to raise awareness and support for mental health issues. From being an active volunteer with NAMI to using my film Broken as a tool to raise awareness, foster conversation, and highlight these issues, I strive to make a difference. In July (BIPOC Mental Health Month), we will screen Broken and host a panel on mental health aimed at caregivers, featuring therapists offering guidance and self-care strategies. Change is happening slowly but surely, and I’m excited to be a small part of that!
By shining a light on these stories and promoting open discussions, I aim to create a supportive community and contribute to ending the stigma around mental health.
In your role as an entrepreneur and acting coach, what advice do you give to aspiring filmmakers and actors about navigating the industry?
I always tell aspiring filmmakers and actors to find their passion and start creating their own projects. Sitting around waiting for an agent to hand you an opportunity is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The industry is tough, and AI is looming, but also there’s never been more opportunity to create and get your content out to the world.
These days, you can grow your own fanbase online, which can bring in income and give you more leverage when you’re pitching bigger projects or negotiating deals. So, be proactive, keep learning, and stay dedicated. Join with others in the industry and collaborate on projects. Take control of your career and let your passion lead the way.
How do you see your upcoming projects, including the feature-length version of Broken, contributing to your overall mission and impact in the film industry and beyond?
My personal mission of telling stories that create change, uplift, and inspire include expanding Broken into a feature-length film or limited series. This will allow me to delve deeper into this complex story, offering a more nuanced portrayal of mental health issues and their impact on families. Creating content in and around this subject will always be close to my heart.
Beyond filmmaking, I’m developing a few other projects including my upcoming venture, Thrive With Jillian. Inspired by my own experience as a caregiver—both for a family member with a mental illness and caring for my mom—this initiative aims to support and empower people facing or who have come through various personal challenges. Thrive With Jillian will provide resources and experiences designed to help individuals find restoration, healing, and strength after difficult times. I’m excited to incorporate my love of travel by including “travel therapy” to nurturing locations like Bali for restoration and rejuvenation.
In the end, I just hope to create a lasting positive impact both in my industry and in people’s personal lives.
More About Jillian Reeves
Actress | Writer | Producer | Director | Entrepreneur | Travel Enthusiast
TV Credits: Grey’s Anatomy, CSI: Miami, The Young and the Restless, Masters of Sex
Commercial: Collaborated with George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, and Beyoncé
Film: Starred in “Raptors,” executive produced by Martin Lawrence
TV Series: Regular as Giselle Marks in TV One’s “Media” alongside Brian White, Pooch Hall, and Penny Johnson Jerald
TV Movie: Played Yvette Jackson in “Ward of the State” with Janet Hubert and Vanessa Williams
BET Project: Appeared in the groundbreaking “Let’s Talk”
Advocacy: Recognized on global platforms, including the United Nations for World AIDS Day
Educational Initiatives: Created the AAA Masterclass, where she serves as the lead acting coach
You can join the conversation with Jillian via Instagram…check her feed below!!!
TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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