We recently connected with Rylee Jensen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rylee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I had always wanted to create my own work, yet I was too scared to take the leap and start. With inspiration and encouragement from fellow actors, coaches, and mentors, I finally wrote my first short film: ‘The Yellow Room,’ earlier this year. That experience made me realize that I am capable of creating my own work, and so is everyone else!

I had a script on the backburner for a long time. In the midst of a layoff and the Writer’s and Actor’s strike, I decided to pursue this script. Through the help of many incredible Utah actors and filmmakers, my second short film, ‘Where Flowers Won’t Grow,’ became a reality. This film holds a special place in my heart and has absolutely been my most meaningful project to date. Connecting and creating this film with other actors and creatives I looked up to has just been a dream come true.

In the film ‘Where Flowers Won’t Grow,’ we follow Reagan, a woman torn between staying in her toxic marriage or embracing the unknown alone. Through this film, we want to reach out to those who have been in or are currently navigating such difficult situations. We want to give them a voice, showing them they’re not alone.

‘Where Flowers Won’t Grow’ will always be incredibly special to me. It has been a beautiful journey to write, produce, and act in my own story, especially working alongside some insanely talented actors and filmmakers. I will be forever grateful for my amazing cast and crew!

Rylee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Rylee Jensen, a passionate actress, singer, and writer. My artistic journey began in the world of musical theatre, where I took my first steps as Fanny in “A Christmas Carol.” Theatre became my playground, and I embraced roles such as “Olive Ostrovsky” in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and “Penny Pingleton” in “Hairspray.” Initially, my dream was Broadway-bound; however, I fell in love with the magic of filmmaking while studying at Utah Valley University.

This newfound passion led me to Los Angeles in November 2019, just a few months before the world was shaken by the pandemic. After over a year in LA, I decided to return to the Utah market. Back in Utah, I resolved to take my career seriously. It was time to give my all to my craft. I enrolled in various acting classes, both in person and virtually, and immersed myself in the vibrant Utah Film Industry.

While in Utah, I’ve met inspiring, kind, and incredibly talented individuals, true hidden gems in the industry. The creative energy here has been my driving force. While I plan to return to Los Angeles in the future, my time in Utah has been truly invaluable and just overall incredible! I absolutely love the Utah Film Industry.

In the past year, I embarked on the exciting journey of creating two short films: “The Yellow Room” and the ongoing project, “Where Flowers Won’t Grow.” None of this would have been possible without the support and creative brilliance of the amazing casts and crews behind both films.

I am deeply grateful for everyone who has played a role in shaping my path. Each step, each role, and every moment of creativity have sculpted me into the artist I am today.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn as an actor is that there’s a “right” and a “wrong” way to create and act. That simply isn’t true!

This led me away from following my gut feelings and doing what I thought would look “right.” This made my work incredibly stiff, and “safe.” I wasn’t truly expressing what I, as the character, felt; I was completely disconnected from my creativity in a way. Once I made the connection that there really is no “right” or “wrong” in acting and creation, I was able to let go, trust myself, and my creativity.

Of course, this is still something I’m unlearning, but taking baby steps every day has really made the difference.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Connecting with audiences and fellow creatives, in telling stories that stir emotions and drive change, and just being able to breathe life into various characters.

A recent experience of this connection occurred with my film, “Where Flowers Won’t Grow.” Witnessing how profoundly people are already engaging with this film has been incredibly rewarding. Connecting and inspiring others is the essence of this film’s purpose, and seeing it come to fruition has been deeply fulfilling.

I am so grateful for all the support we’ve recieved on this film!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ryleejensen.onuniverse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryleejensen_nelson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDr-ykJif8xRAkGmHhhAu4A

Image Credits
Bre Welch – PepperFox Photo (Headshots) Kendell Stephans – Where Flowers Won’t Grow Stills Kailey Brown – The Yellow Room Stills Lance Nelson – Freelance Productions (BTS Where Flowers Won’t Grow)