AMANDA JANSSON – A star is born

After several celebrated performances on both the Theatre scene and in front of the camera, like Sara in Tunna Blå Linjen, Stormskärs Maja and Jana in Jag for ner till bror, the spotlight is fixed on Amanda Jansson. With her ability to interpret amazingly strong female characters in a complex and moving way, the critics are in unison that she already is one of the best Swedish actors of her time and that the next stop is Hollywood. But is Hollywood a dream for Amanda? Let’s find out …

The career started in Gävle


Fico:
How did your interest for acting start? Did you act in any play as a child?

Amanda: No, there was no opportunity to act in Skärplinge. I’ve just always known that I would become an actor. I’ve often wondered myself where that determination comes from. But I was a real theater kid when I was little and always wanted to perform both at school and at home. What probably left the strongest impression on me, looking back, and perhaps laid the foundation for my goal of becoming an actor, was when I, as a 7-year-old, went with my school to see “Mio, Min Mio” at Dramaten. It was such a powerful experience that my 7-year-old self, who didn’t like being away from home, wanted to experience it again.

F: As a young adult, you then applied to study drama in highschool? Did you feel that you had made the right choice after the education?

A: Yes, I studied drama for 3 years at Vasa highschool in Gävle. I commuted by bus every day. It was one of these buses that stops in every place, so the trip took 1,5 hour one-way. And on Friday nights I went back to the city with the same bus to go out to party. When I look back at all the time I spent on the bus it’s a bit crazy. But I really loved school and all the new friends I made, so at the time it didn’t bother me at all.

After highschool I was still as determined to be an actor as before. Although I worked at Forsmark power plant the first year after school, it didn’t cloud my mind about being an actor. And I got my first professional part the year after that. This cemented my determination even more and I decided to study further. So, at first I studied at Fridhems Residential College for 2 years and then 3 years at Luleå Drama College.

Cap:  Acne Studios, Cardigan: Séfr, Skirt: Residus

F: How would you describe your acting career? Did it go smoothly from the beginning, or have you had a “struggling artist” period, living on cheap Beaujolais and cigarettes?

A: Hehe, I haven’t always had work. It actually felt really awful to graduate from drama school without having a job lined up. While studying there, you feel a bit special and elevated since it’s so hard to get in, and so many people want to study there. Then, the day after graduation, you’re an unemployed actor with no connections. I had studied for a total of 5 years to become an actor and thought, “Is this how it’s going to be?” But there was still a small glimmer of hope since I was casted in a project that existed only as an idea at the time. It was a project where they had assembled a group of actors to present the idea to potential investors. I had been cast in the role of Sara in Tunna Blå Linjen (Thin Blue Line). But it felt utopian that it would even happen since the idea was just in its infancy. However, 2,5 year later, it actually became a reality.

F: How does the casting process for such an idea actually work, especially since they contacted you? How did they know who you were, considering you were still in school?

A: The casting director, Lotta Forsblad, contacted me and asked me to record a presentation in a northern Swedish dialect because I had written in my profile in the artist directory that I could do it. This directory is where everyone affiliated with the theater union is listed, and you can upload voice samples, photos, self-tapes, and mention all the skills you have, such as languages and dialects. For this project, they had decided to contact actors who weren’t very well-known. Apparently, I looked and sounded like how they envisioned the character Sara from Umeå.

Skirt: Residus, Tank top: Samsoe Samsoe, Cardigan: Séfr, Jewelry: Wos

Suit: Samsoe Samoe, Tank top:  Filippa K, Sneakers: Acne Studios, Jewelry: Wos

Sometimes I decide to smile for 5 minutes straight


F:
We have always wondered about the casting of characters. Even though you’re playing someone else, there must be something in the actor’s personality that makes them chosen for certain roles. No matter how good an actor you are, you can’t completely shed your own persona. For example, Jack Nicholson is, at his core, still Jack Nicholson. So the question is really, do you bring a lot of your personality into your roles?

A: It’s hard to say how much of my personality I bring with me. But as you said, the common denominator in all the roles I play is me. I read scripts based on my life experiences. As an actor, you often think, “If I had been through this, how would I react?” Then you try to apply those feelings to the character’s persona. This means that depending on where you are in life and what kind of day you’re having, it will reflect in the character. Especially when performing in theater.

When we had premiered Jag for ner till bror in Sundsvall, and the day after, I went to Malmö to film an episode of Tunna Blå Linjen, then returned to Sundsvall again. I was so incredibly exhausted before that performance that I called the director in tears. “How am I supposed to stand on stage and do a good job when I feel like this?” The director calmly said, “Your character is tired too; she’s very tired.” I understood  immediately. Of course, she is. I don’t need to try to show something else—I can just be, and bring everything I’m feeling with me onto the stage.

F: We understand that life can really fuel certain types of emotions, while in other cases, it must be the opposite. For example, if you’re having a really bad day or something incredibly sad has happened, it must be hard to be funny or act happy?

A: Playing happy is the hardest thing—laughing wholeheartedly without it sounding fake is incredibly difficult. It has to be filled with authenticity otherwise it will not work at all. I’ve gotten better at really asking for time to focus before certain types of scenes. I might do various things, like listen to a specific song, jump around, or anything else that helps me get into that specific emotion.

But it’s a bit frustrating that it’s easier to tap into the dark and deep emotions. But I suppose that’s because we’re never truly carefree. You never actually see someone walking around smiling all the time. However, as practice, I sometimes decide that I’ll walk around and smile for five minutes straight.

Dress: Tiger of Sweden, Bag: Acne Studios, Jewelry: Wos

I’m so proud of Stormskärs Maja

F: When Åsas mom, who has read all five books by Anni Blomqvist and seen the movie, heard that we were going to interview you, she was almost a bit starstruck on our behalf. Do you often experience people “freezing up” when they see you or completely random strangers greeting you? If so, how does it feel? Is it a positive feeling, or would you rather walk the streets completely anonymously?

A: Yes, it actually happens every now and then. People are so sweet, greeting me warmly as if we’re really good friends. Then, all of a sudden, they realize and exclaim, “Oh, now I know where I recognize you from!” But everyone who approaches me is incredibly positive and happy. That said, not everyone needs to come up to me. I appreciate the attention to a certain degree, but like everyone else, I sometimes want my private space. We all have better and worse days.

It’s not like people rush at me in hordes, though—it’s just the right amount of attention. I’m really touched by all the kind things people say about what I’ve done.

F: From what we understand, you got quite a bit of recognition in Åland after Stormskärs Maja?

A: Yes, you could definitely say that 😊. The habitants on Åland absolutely love my portrayal of Maja, and the love from Åland is very much reciprocated by me. I’m incredibly proud of that role, and it makes me extra happy when people come up to tell me how much they enjoyed the movie.

F: Have you, during your career, ever worked with or met someone that made you feel like you had to pinch yourself? Like, how did I end up here, coming from little Skärplinge?

A: Yes, there are especially two moments that feel completely surreal. Last fall, we had concerts featuring the music from Tunna Blå Linjen, and I also released my own song for the series. At the final concert, Eva Dahlgren was a guest artist, as she, like me, had produced a song for TBL. When I was in elementary school, I performed her song Vem tänder stjärnorna during a school talent competition, and now I was sharing the stage with this iconic artist. It felt completely unreal. Of course, I had to ask if we could take a photo together. To my surprise, she said, “I want that picture too—could you send it to me?” I was a bit confused and asked how I should do that. Eva replied, “Take my phone number and text it to me.” So there I was, texting Eva Dahlgren after performing on the same stage as her. 😊

I had the exact same feeling with one of my biggest idols, Suzanne Reuter. She’s just amazing—she’s not only extremely funny but also has incredible depth and impeccable timing. I saw her at an event and so badly wanted to go up to her and say something, but I didn’t quite dare—I thought I’d just be bothering her. But then, as I was helping myself to some food, she came up to me and started talking. Completely surreal! Then, a few months later, I appeared on Efter Fem. During the prep call, they asked me if I had any idols, and I mentioned Suzanne. They contacted her, and during the live broadcast, I received a message from her saying that she admired everything I’d done, thought I was fantastic in Stormskärs Maja, and hoped we’d get to work together before she “kicks the bucket.” The production team gave me her phone number so I could thank her for the kind words. And just like that, I ended up with her number too!

Suit: Samsoe Samoe, Tank top:  Filippa K, Sneakers: Acne Studios, Jewelry: Wos

Coat:  Filippa K, Hat: Sunflower

F: Have you ever benefited from your celebrity status? Skipped a line, gotten someone to come home with you, or other types of advantages?

A: I bought a bed the other week and got a really good price, completely without reason. I don’t know if it’s because the seller recognized me or not. 🙂 But I don’t feel like I directly benefit from my celebrity status. However, I wouldn’t say no to some small perks in everyday life. I love everyday luxury, where I treat myself to something extra. If anyone reads this and feels like adding a little extra sparkle to my daily life, it would be greatly appreciated, haha.

F: You’ve decided to continue living in Gävle, even though it would probably be easier workwise to move 170km south. We really like that you haven’t done so. Can you describe what your Gävle is like and how you experience living here?

A: I love that everything is within reach and that the city is by the sea. The pace is calm, there’s just the right amount of people and traffic. The city center is so beautiful, with the city park and Gavleån river. It’s easy to meet up with friends to hang out. I have a big group of wonderful friends, both new ones and ones from my school days, who live here. There are also a couple of really good restaurants and a decent nightlife. I also love going to watch Brynäs play hockey.

F: What!? Do you like hockey? Are you the new Rolf Lassgård?

Haha. Yes, I just need to get a pair of really big leather gloves and learn how to clap properly. But that would be the ultimate recognition if they zoom in on Amanda Jansson from Skärplinge clapping like crazy in way too big gloves at every home game. Then you know you’ve made it 🙂

 
 

Cap: Acne Studios, Coat: Samsoe Samsoe, Sweater: Rodebjer, Trousers: Filippa K, Jewelry: Wos

Såstaholm Film And Performing Arts Prize 2024

F: What does a typical Saturday night in Gävle look like for you?

A: I rarely go to clubs, but I love going out to eat. As I mentioned earlier, there are a couple of great restaurants here in Gävle. After dinner, I’m happy to grab a drink at a bar. If we don’t go out for dinner, a group of us will often get together to hang out, doing hobbies and drink wine. I paint on canvas, work with clay, make pom-poms, and do all sorts of other fun things.

F: Såstaholm Film and Performing Arts Prize 2024, did you have any idea you were being considered? Did you know the prize existed? What does it mean to win it?

A: I was familiar with the prize but had no idea I could even win it. I thought I was too old, I had read that you had to be under 30 years old. But then I won, and it’s so beautiful. They arranged an entire party just for me, which feels unreal. I got to invite 80 people I wanted to come, and they invited 100. I got to choose the menu, I chose the music, they basically tailored the whole evening to my wishes, and I also got 50,000 SEK. They’re also so kind at Såstaholm, they really wanted it to be a night I’d never forget. So when I told the event manager (Susanna) that the date of the party was my late grandmother’s birthday, she asked if I had a picture of her they could borrow and put up during the event. She had read that I was very close to my grandmother, and through the picture, my grandmother would be present at the party.

F: So wonderful to hear ❤️

F: Do you have a dream role or type of character you would like to play?

A: I think it’s hard to have dream roles because you really don’t know beforehand if it’s a dream to play the role or not. Maja from Stormskär became a dream role for me, but I definitely didn’t think that would be the case before I started playing it. However, I would really love to play a comedic role in a film or series. I could even see myself playing in a farce. But the most important thing for me is the context and working with kind people where safety and trust are key.

F: Is there any actor you would like to stand and exchange lines with?

A: Besides the obvious choice Suzanne Reuter, well…

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the British director, writer, and actress, who I am incredibly impressed by. I would love to work with her in some wonderful, creative, and safe environment.

Cardigan: Séfr, Earrings: Wos

Hat: Sunflower, Coat: Filippa K, Tshirt: Acne Studios, Denim: Jeanerica

Dreaming of an Oscar


F:
You alternate between film, TV, and theater. What differs for you in terms of expression and experience on these different platforms?

A: In theater, you usually rehearse together for eight weeks. You go through that process together. You test the different scenes together to get the best result. You have time to explore your character, create a body and a voice, and figure out how it expresses itself. In film and TV, you rehearse those things on your own, although there are a few directors who like to rehearse some scenes, but that’s usually only for a couple of days. In theater, you’re there when the audience sees the performance, and only those who were there know what happened. Theater is immediate and not entirely identical from one performance to the next. While filmed movies and series are unchangeable, without audience reactions and interaction.

All three types are a form of teamwork, but in many film shoots, you don’t meet all the cast members because you don’t have scenes together. Whereas almost everyone is present for rehearsals in theater, and everyone has to be there during performances. So, it’s a bit more of a solo job with recordings and a bit more of a team feeling in theater.

F: Are there any dreams of a Hollywood career?

A: No, there’s no drive to pursue a Hollywood career. It’s not something I’m making an effort to do. There’s still so much to be accomplished in Sweden and Scandinavia. There are so many talented actors I haven’t had the chance to work with yet, and I’d love to collaborate with them. But if a concrete role offer came up for a wonderful project, I wouldn’t turn it down. I’m just too curious for that. So if it’s a good context and an interesting role, I’d go over to try it out. But I’m not very eager to go over to just play the stereotypical Russian or Viking role.

However, there is a dream of being part of a Swedish or Scandinavian production that wins an Oscar. That would be incredibly interesting, exciting, and fulfilling to be a part of such a journey.

F: Interesting, thank you for participating. We will finish this off with 4 quick questions:

Joel Kinnemann or Alexander Skarsgård? Skarsgård
Aerobics or Crossfit? Aerobics
Dramaten or Folkteatern? Dramaten
Mariehamn or Stockholm? Mariehamn

Dress: Tiger of Sweden, Bag: Acne Studios, Jewelry: Wos

Hat: Sunflower, Tshirt: Acne Studios, Denim: Jeanerica, Shoes: Blankens