Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” GO Magazine’s brand new interview series that profiles a different queer lady each day, by asking her seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
I met the ~amazing~ multi-hyphenate, writer-director-producer, Jody Wilson approximately ten years ago. We were both new to both Los Angeles and the film industry, and extremely hungry to create, create, create.
At the time I was an aspiring actress and Jody was an aspiring director, and from the very moment I met her, I knew we were destined to work together. Lucky for me, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jody several times.
Jody just has that creative energy that is palpable in a room. Not only does she have a seemingly endless stream of ideas, she attains the wherewithal to actually execute those ideas. Anything she sets her mind to, she does. She’s equal parts powerful and kind, both creative and business-minded.
Over the years I’ve watched Jody’s career soar, as a brilliant writer, a powerful producer and a gifted director. I can’t wait to continue to watch this amazing force of nature, fly.
That being said, queer kittens, today, it is my pleasure to feature the amazing Jody Wilson, for Seven Minutes In Heaven!
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Jody Wilson: My name is Jody Wilson, I’m writer/director/producer splitting my time between Los Angeles and rural Alberta, Canada. I change my mind all the time with where I want to live because I’m equal parts city and country girl—so I like to spend my time in both for obvious reasons. I write “lo-fi si-fi” and “fantasy lite” (yes I make up my own genres) which are like genre films that don’t feel like genre films—stories that are rooted in reality but explore all my “wouldn’t it be rad ifs.” I’m pretty obsessed with my two wiener dogs, Roux and Francis, we like to chill together a lot. I also recently started flying, getting hours toward getting my pilot’s license and it’s pretty rad up there I must say, although a little extra intense flying over Los Angeles.
GO: What is the driving force behind your career/activism?
JW: I think subtle activism is the driving force behind my creative work/career. All the stories I tell expose some sort of issue that needs addressing, that needs a voice. I love the challenge of having to create characters that provide that voice within story lines that are palatable for all types of audiences. It’s like, educating people through nonfiction, which creates a really powerful tool to change minds—I use emotion to initiate change. It all roots back to activism for me—a lot of my personal driving force each day even, is to kick ass and take no shit so I can help continue to pave the way for other females in my industry.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
JW: When I’m feeling discouraged or depleted, I like to rest. I like to rest… a lot actually 😉 I look to down time as a way to just be with myself, not looking for specific thoughts or solutions —and once the pressure is off, it’s like BAM something really interesting comes to my mind—or I hear one of my characters speak to me about something that she wants or needs. Travel is good for that. I think I have gotten some of my best ideas looking out the window of a plane.
GO: Who are your biggest queer lady role models?
JW: I think my biggest role models are “regular” queer women in history, who even through potentially dangerous persecution and cultural pressure, loved who they loved anyway. There is nothing more admirable to me than someone who follows their heart with conviction. Love isn’t always convenient, and women who loved who they loved anyway, reminds me of just how precious that kind of love is and it’s worth protecting.
GO: Describe yourself in three words?
JW: Reluctant Human Alien—a long form essay (currently on page 35/88).
GO: What music are you listening to right now?
JW: At this moment? Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac just came on the playlist.
In general though I’m always listening to the classics like Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, G n R, Dolly P, Johnny Cash and so on. But I also am a sucker for “pop” like Rihanna and Adele. Love me some 90s hip hop like Wutang and 2Pac. Really feelin’ the band Shakey Graves at the mo. Also love Odeza, and minmalist electropop jamz.
GO: Where can people find you?
JW: @jodysays on IG
You can see some of my work on Vimeo.
Indigo Teaser from Jody Wilson on Vimeo.
What Do You Think?