Sidelined: The QB and Me actor Jason Fernandes talks working with Noah Beck and James Van Der Beek and funniest behind-the-scenes moments on set

If you are looking for a heartwarming movie that inspires you to follow your dreams, look no further than Sidelined: The QB and Me, which is available to watch on Tubi now! We got to Facetime with Jason Fernandes, who shines as Josh Lahey in the film to learn more about his character, how he connected with the film, and his favorite experiences on set with the cast.

“I’m looking for a heartwarming movie that inspires me to follow my dreams.”

Sidelined: The QB and Me is based on the Wattpad YA novel “The QB Bad Boy and Me” and follows high school quarterback heartthrob Drayton, played by Noah Beck, and Dallas, a headstrong dancer, played by Siena, as they fight their feelings for each other as a grad future threatens to keep them apart. Drew Ray Tanner plays Dallas’s older brother and Drayton’s football coach Nathan, Grammy-nominated artist Deborah Cox plays Miss Alicia, and Dawson’s Creek alum James Van Der Beek plays Drayton’s dad.

Jason’s character Josh is Drayton’s brother and a football player for the Archwood Wolves. In the film, Josh takes risks by trying to charm his way into Gabby’s life, Dallas’s best friend played by Asia Lizardo. 

Jason’s previous acting credits include roles in Cruel Summer, Danger in the Dorm, and It’s a Wonderful Knife.

“It was super exciting because [the film] was something I was really interested in and I’m just really lucky I got to work on it with such cool people.”

Jason revealed this was the first time he had played a sport on screen, and while he is primarily a soccer player, the Westshore Rebels Canadian football team came in to help and give tips to Jason and Noah and the rest of the cast to look like true football stars on the field. 

“Filming [playing a sport] on camera was super cool and super fun.”

On his first day on set, Jason revealed Noah was the first actor he met in the hair and makeup trailer and they both bonded instantly over their love of soccer. 

“I walked into the hair and makeup trailer and Noah was the first actor in there. He was so friendly, super cool and super kind.”

Jason was able to pick the brains of many people on set, including Noah about his social media experience, and James Van Der Beek on how he has built up his long and incredible career. 

“I was just really excited to ask [James Van Der Beek] about his career and how he got to where he is because he is someone I really admire.”

The majority of Jason’s scenes in the film are with Asia Lizardo’s character Gabby and he said they went out to dinner together to talk lines and life overall. Jason said he even wished this movie was a series so all the cast could spend more time together, and we couldn’t agree more. 

Jason had some hilarious off-camera moments to share, from being mistaken for Noah Beck and also playing some very competitive games of Uno alongside director Justin Wu. 

Thank you, Jason, for Facetiming with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at @imjasonfernandes. Watch the rest of the interview where we ask him more about what he learned from his fellow cast members and the most fun moments on set. While you’re there,  be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment. 

Consider this: 

  • Trust your instincts as an actor or actress. Don’t second guess yourself and no matter what emotions you are feeling while filming, don’t be afraid to let them out. 
  • Social media has had a huge impact on the social media industry in recent years. Post on social media for yourself, not for others. Don’t try to please others and post things that give you joy.

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