BETWEEN TAKES JODIE TURNER-SMITH
THE MURDER MYSTERY 2 STAR ON HOT SAUCE AND HEAD SHOTS.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive on set?
First, I like to set up my trailer. I like to bring a rug, because my feet are always so cold! I like a cosy floor. Sometimes I get those string lights that you can attach Polaroids to, because I love to bring a little Instax Mini with me. I hang up some artwork from my favourite two-year-old artist. It’s to kind of make it a home. And I bring all my seasoning, like my hot sauce. I have to have my hot sauce [laughs].
Hot or cold lunch?
My preference is a hot lunch, but it really depends on what’s available. I don’t really like to microwave things. But on set, you don’t really have much of a choice. I need to demand a trailer that’s got a stove in it! I will eat a cold lunch, but I will not eat a cold breakfast. Everyone deserves a hot breakfast.
Do you sleep on set?
I’m not a big napper, so it’s hard to do that. And it’s hard to create complete darkness inside your trailer, unless you’re shooting at night. Even that little window that’s on trailers lets in so much sunlight. They need to start putting a shade over that.
Best on-set experience?
I loved working with Kogonada [on After Yang]. There’s just a gentleness to sets with him, this intimacy. I love the energy he brings. He makes me feel like I could do anything. I also really loved Murder Mystery 2, because I worked with the Sandman [Adam Sandler] and Jennifer Aniston. We had tonnes of fun. That one was all laughs, all the time.
Most embarrassing set memory?
Not really embarrassing, but Queen & Slim was so nerve-racking. At the time, it was moving so fast, and I was so scared [laughs]. I feel like I’m a little bit more relaxed now.
Ever stolen anything from set?
It took me a while to realise that I should steal things! I hear about this all the time – actors being like, ‘Yeah, I took this, I took that.’ I’m like, ‘Damn.’ I did a show last year called Bad Monkey, and I really loved some of the jewellery my character wore. They were like, ‘You can have this.’ So they gave it to me. I always steal socks and underwear. Once I’ve worn the pants, do you really want them back?
Any skills you’ve learnt making movies that have proven to be useful in real life?
I have an irrational fear of zombies. I think that the zombie apocalypse is coming, so I like to cultivate skills that will prepare me for the zombie apocalypse. So far, I’ve only learned to shoot guns. You’ve got to be able to do head shots, and you’ve got to double tap. I don’t think knowing how to stand on a mark is going to help me that much.
Most memorable end-of-shoot gift?
I always like to give myself a gift after every shoot, because I think it’s important to celebrate myself! I keep on taking it to the next level every time with what I do for myself. I love a holiday after I wrap. I think that’s the best gift I can give myself, just to unplug. My husband and I went to GoldenEye [in Jamaica], and had a really amazing, amazing time.
Do you stay friends with castmates?
Yeah. I think that when we make a film with someone, it’s kind of like making a baby together. I still keep in touch with a lot of the people. At least enough to say, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ I love a random FaceTime. I’m always FaceTiming Daniel Kaluuya out of the blue. He loves it. One time I randomly FaceTimed him, because I was with Megan Thee Stallion, and he did not answer. The next day, he was like, ‘Oh my God!’ I was like, ‘Yeah, babes. You should have picked up. Megan Thee Stallion. Your loss, babes [laughs].’
MURDER MYSTERY 2 STREAMS ON NETFLIX FROM 31 MARCH.