There is a special type of preparation needed to play a character based on a real person. Actor Ezra Richardson does just that as young Joey in the film Average Joe, which is out in theaters now. We Facetimed with Ezra to learn more about his preparation and experience on set. 

“It is awesome to see how much goes into making a film and I thought talking to people was good to understand the entire process.”

Average Joe, directed by Hardold Cronk, is based on the true story of Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach, who was fired for praying after games. The film explores Joe’s life journey from foster care to the Marines and his legal fight for religious freedom. Eric Close, known for his role as FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald in Without a Trace and as Teddy Conrad in the musical drama Nashville, stars as Joe Kennedy. The film also stars Austin Woods, Amy Acker, and more. 

“[The most challenging part] was really getting into the headspaces of Joe because he is a real person so I wanted to accurately portray him.”

Besides commercials, Ezra is new to the entertainment world and Average Joe was his debut film role! He was surrounded by some great and seasoned actors while on set, and Eric Close gave him some great advice at the premiere of being himself and paving his own career path. 

“Eric Close told me at the premiere to pave my own path and do me in my career.”

Ezra said the audition to play young Joey was one of his favorites and he could really see the variety and importance of telling a story like this one. He revealed that he actually got to meet the real Joe to learn more about his life, which helped him get into the headspace of playing young Joey.

”It was one of my favorite auditions that I’ve ever done. There was a lot of variety and I definitely saw there was a lot of variety in [young Joey].”

Young Joey is involved in fight scenes during the movie with actor Wyatt Parker’s character and even as a newcomer, Ezra said he did a lot of research and was excited for his own stunts so there really wasn’t too much to teach him! Talk about being a pro already. Ezra said the hair and makeup department did an incredible job with fake blood and bruises to make it look incredibly realistic. 

“Hair and makeup did an incredible job in all of the scenes.”

While on set, Ezra had many conversations with many actors and the crew to learn about all that goes into making a film. He also got to take a photo of the slate as a parting gift on the last day of filming to commemorate his debut role!

Thank you, Ezra, for Facetiming with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at @the_ezrarichardson. Be sure to watch the rest of the interview where we ask him more about behind-the-scenes moments, filming in New Orleans, and the role of social media as a young actor. While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.

Consider this:

• Sides are the pages of the script that you get for the audition. Study these!
• It’s okay to be nervous for your first day on set. But, you were casted for a reason and deserve to be there.