Movie night anyone?

If you’re looking for a movie to drive you crazy this Thanksgiving weekend, Sidelined: The QB and Me is at the top of our recommended list. Jason Fernandes in particular is a scene stealer.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Jason about his turning point at the Rio Theater, the marriage of singing and acting, and more!

Who would you say is one of your biggest acting inspirations?

J: “When I watched the Karate Kid movies with my family, Ralph Macchio was always someone who inspired me. When I was growing up, people pointed out similarities between the two of us. Our shared birthday was one of them. On the subject of book adaptations, “The Outsiders” was a great thing. Other actors I look up to; Jack Nicholson, Jim Carey, Denzel Washington and, more recently, his fellow Vancouverite Ryan Reynolds. Just to name a few.”

Congratulations on your role in Sidelined: The QB and Me! How did you experience filming the series?

J: “Thank you! — Being a part of this film was an absolute dream. Working with Noah, Siena and the rest of the cast, everything was perfect and the chemistry between us was great. The opportunity to share the screen with someone like James Van The Beek was a great reference on set and he was always available to answer any questions. We had so much fun that we joked and wished there was a sequel where we would do it all again competitive UN evenings Orchestrated by our director Justin Wu, will never be forgotten.”

Do you think you have anything in common with your character Josh Lahey?

J: “Josh is definitely a better student than I ever was…Unlike Josh, I don’t have a brother, but I really appreciate his loyalty and care for the people he loves. I strive to be more like Josh in life.”

Can you reveal what fans can expect from the film?

J: “Expect to feel. A heartwarming film that will make you laugh and cry. A film about people who follow both their hearts and their dreams.

This film is a live-action adaptation of a very popular Wattpad story. What other book do you think deserves to be made into a film?

J: “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, this is a story you can be drawn to. In this story of love, life and baseball, a catastrophic mistake on the field upends five lives. With all the recent successful book adaptations, I look forward to working on more.”

We heard that you were a great singer as a child! Do you think you would pursue a music career in the future or try to land roles that combine your singing skills with acting?

J: “I have always loved singing! When I was 15, I emailed a talent agency a video of me singing. It was an acting agency that was interested in signing me as an actor. Funnily enough, I had told them that I wasn’t interested in acting because I had never thought about it at the time. Although my dream of becoming a pop star is long gone, I’m revisiting it more and more these days. With the advent of films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocket Man, Elvis and I Wanna Dance with Somebody, I’ve definitely thought about moving on. Who knows what the future will bring?”

What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?

J: “The opportunity to film It’s A Wonderful Knife at one of my local cinemas that I went to as a child and saw all sorts of films with my parents. Super cool to end up making your own film at the Rio Theater. A full circle moment that I will never forget.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

J: “@ImJasonFernandes-Instagram and TikTok :).”

Be sure to heat up your Thanksgiving leftovers and watch Jason in Sidelined: The QB and Me, out November 29th on Tubi!

Photo credit: Kristine Cofsky Photography

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start her own publication, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When she’s not helping her team and working on their print releases, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking with a viral TikTok recipe.