Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
Jillian Reeves can be seen starring in the highly-anticipated film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Based on the true story of Donna and Reverend Martin who helped spearhead twenty-two families from a rural Black church in East Texas to adopt seventy-seven kids from the foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere. She plays Donna’s sister Diann, a divorced single mother who is the first to adopt in the town. The cast also includes Nika King, Elizabeth Mitchell and Demetrius Gross just to name a few.
A talented filmmaker, Reeves directed, wrote, produced, and starred in the short film Broken, which explores the topic of serious mental illness with poignant resonance. This project deepens her off-screen advocacy for Mental Health Awareness and efforts to #EndTheStigma, particularly within the African-American community. Currently, she is developing Broken into a feature-length film with the goal of amplifying its impact and reach.
Hi Jillian welcome to OLC! So can you tell us about your role as Diann in “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” and what drew you to this character?
Hi, thanks for having me! So, as you mentioned, I play Diann in ‘Sound of Hope.’ She’s a single mother who was the first in her town to adopt, taking in three boys. What drew me to Diann was her incredible heart, determination, and optimism. Despite facing her own challenges, she opens her heart and home to children in need. I was so impressed by this and by the strong sense of unity and community among the people of Possum Trot.
How did you prepare for the role of a divorced single mother who is the first to adopt in her town?
Preparing for the role of Diann felt pretty natural in some ways because, like her, I grew up in a rural, close-knit church community, and I was a single mom too. This background provided a solid foundation, and from there, I built the rest of her character, adding layers to fully bring Diann to life.
What was it like working with the cast, including Nika King, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Demetrius Gross, on this project?
Working with Nika, Elizabeth, and Demetrius was great. Everyone brought their A game and each one of them brought something special to the table, elevating the whole project with their unique talents and energy.
“Sound of Hope” addresses important social issues. How do you think this film will impact audiences and contribute to the conversation around adoption and foster care?
I think Sound of Hope will raise awareness about the challenges children face in the foster system and hopefully inspire people to get involved in helping these children and struggling families. I hope it inspires unity and restores hope, showing that when we come together, we can do amazing things that truly change lives.
You directed, wrote, produced, and starred in the short film “Broken,” which tackles serious mental illness. What inspired you to create this film, and how has it influenced your advocacy for mental health awareness?
Sound of Hope tackles some really important issues around adoption and foster care that aren’t always front and center in public discussions. I think this film will really open eyes and hearts. It shows not just the challenges but also the incredible moments of joy and connection that can come from adoption. It also highlights the importance of supporting struggling families to keep kids out of foster care. I hope it inspires more people to understand and maybe even explore how they can contribute to the lives of children in foster care or support families in need.
What challenges have you faced in developing “Broken” into a feature-length film, and what do you hope to achieve with the expanded project?
Turning Broken into a feature-length film has definitely had its challenges. Funding? Well, that’s always an adventure. Another significant hurdle, given that I was previously primarily an actor, is the complex work of creating powerful character arcs and developing subplots that are not only compelling in their own right but also weave seamlessly into the main storyline, enriching the overall narrative. I’m a perfectionist, and I care deeply about the subject, which can complicate things, lol. Additionally, infusing a difficult subject that has no clear answers with a sense of hope is very important to me. Hope was definitely not present in the short, but I think it’s crucial to include in the feature.
With the expanded project, I aim to dive deeper into the characters’ lives to give an honest look at the toll untreated mental illness takes on the broader family and community. I hope to create a film that not only informs but also inspires change and helps reduce stigma. Crafting a complex story is hard work, but it’s absolutely worth it.
As an actress with an extensive TV career, how do you balance your work in television with your passion projects like “Broken”?
Balancing my acting work with all my other pursuits in entertainment and beyond can definitely be a challenge, lol. I feel very blessed to be in this business, but if you’re looking for consistency, you’re in the wrong place. ‘Hurry up and wait’ is a very true saying here. You have times when things are slow and it’s easier to manage your time… and then all of a sudden, everything happens all at once. It’s exciting, exhausting, and exhilarating all at the same time. I’m lucky to have a passion for the projects and causes I care about to keep me motivated during the slow times, and a solid support group to keep me grounded when things get crazy.
Your advocacy work has earned recognition on global platforms, including the United Nations for World AIDS Day. Can you share more about your involvement in these causes and what drives your commitment to social issues?
This industry has taken me to some amazing places. My role in Michelle Coons’ Let’s Talk’ introduced me to the world of HIV & AIDS awareness, which was incredibly impactful for me. Serving as an ambassador for early detection at the United Nations was an unforgettable experience. I feel so blessed to have been involved in amazing projects that make a real difference in the world. I am truly grateful to play a small part in addressing issues that affect people around the globe.
You created the AAA Masterclass as a lead acting coach. What inspired you to start this program, and how has it impacted aspiring actors?
I actually started the AAA Masterclass during the pandemic when I was living in Italy. I taught the American accent through acting to Europeans who had their sights set on becoming Hollywood actors someday. After returning to the US, I decided to revive the class. Right now, we’re in the process of developing really informative classes and entertaining content. I absolutely love actors! Seeing them grow in confidence and skill, and watching them succeed, is incredibly rewarding. I also have a passion for language and speech, so the accent training part of the class is a lot of fun for me. It’s not only enjoyable but also extremely useful for business professionals and performers alike. It reminds me why I love this industry so much—it’s not just about the roles we play on screen, but also the roles we play in each other’s lives.
What advice would you give to young filmmakers and actors who aspire to create meaningful and impactful work like you have?
Hold onto your passion and let it guide you. This industry is tough, and the path isn’t always clear, but your unique voice and vision are what will set you apart. Your gifts will make room for you. Dive into projects that move you, and don’t be afraid to tell the stories that matter to you—and to speak the truth, even when it’s hard. Remember, the most impactful work often comes from a place of personal truth and a desire to move others. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and never stop learning and pushing the boundaries of what you can achieve. And most importantly, remember that success is not the destination; it’s the journey. Live a full life, laugh, love, see the world. This business isn’t going anywhere, so don’t forget to live and enjoy your life as you pursue your dreams.
