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Gaines Goes Hollywood ECCC A lum J ason G aines F inds S uccess as an A ctor

Gaines said one of the most significant highlights of his career as an actor has been his membership in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), as that was a goal since becom- ing involved in film. “When I was first getting started, I remember being on location at different film sets and I remember how great it felt just to be part of the environment, to meet the crew, see how the process of filming works, and to see the cast members of these major productions coming and going from their dressing rooms or trailers. I knew this was where I wanted to eventually be in film, so I loved being part of the process. Thank the Lord I have been able to achieve my goals. Now, as a member of the Screen Actors Guild myself, I am very fortunate to continue to remain in various types of film projects and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.” Gaines said he has enjoyed the travel associated with commuting to filming locations and said he finds great relaxation in listening to music along the way. He also loves the experience of being on the various sets and meeting new people. From beginning to end, he said he enjoys the entire process of making a show or feature film. “Each set and experience is different for sure whether a commercial set, feature film, television series, or voiceover work. I’ve been very fortunate to work in each of these types of projects and really like the different aspects of them all. They each have their own uniqueness which I con- tinue to

Jason Gaines of Brandon said his choice to attend East Central Community College was made well in advance of his actual enrollment. Having grown up in Decatur so close to campus, he said East Central always felt like home. “As I was also involved in music, East Central seemed to be the right option for me, as EC was well known in the area for its great opportunities in music and the arts. The people who I met and experiences that I had, while being involved in different groups at EC, certainly gave me more confi- dence in trying new things moving forward.” Since his graduation, Gaines has enjoyed a successful ca- reer that has included military service, becoming a licensed EMT, licensed private helicopter pilot, and most recently his foray into the world of acting. Just this past year, he was part of the ABC hit series “Women of the Movement” as a recurring co-star. “The series was nominated for numerous awards and was such a great experience to be a part of,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to work in television and feature projects for ABC, Hulu, Sony, and Lifetime, and I am very grateful to remain involved. I understand there are so many talented individuals who train and work hard in their craft for many years and still may never receive the same experiences that I have had, so I do not take these opportunities that I have been given for granted. I’m truly grateful.” Film work has been somewhat of an accidental career for Gaines, but one that he says he truly loves. It all began while watching the late-night news, where he saw that a movie would be filming in the area and would be having a local casting event the following morning. As someone who has always enjoyed being involved in the arts, it was some- thing that appealed to Gaines. “My wife had also recently let me know that I needed to find a hobby! I decided the next morning to attend the audi-

find inter- esting and enjoy very much.” Gaines has been selected

tion, where I was blessed to receive a role. This is when I realized that I wanted to continue to be involved in film, so I began looking at bigger proj- ects, meeting different individuals in the industry, and just learning every- thing that I could. Thank the Lord, this soon became more than simply an interest, but something that would become a major part of my life.”

Photo Courtesy of ABC, James Van Evers

by casting directors to audition for numerous roles, but he said he is careful in the selection of those roles for which he auditions. “When I am selected by a casting director to audition for a role

Photo Courtesy of Jason Gaines

in a film project, I’m always extremely grateful that they are interested in me possibly being a part. Unfortunately, I sometimes respectfully decline auditions due to the content

Photo Courtesy of ABC, James Van Evers

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