Paula Campbell
She played in Stephen Dean‘s Dollar Baby Rest Stop as Johanna Dykstra.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Paula Campbell: Absolutely! My name is Paula Campbell. I’m a singer/song writer and actress. I was formally signed to Columbia music. I was also Super Star Neyo’s first artist. I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland but now reside in Atlanta, Georgia… I love acting but music is my passion. I’m single and I’m cute. Lol ?
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Paula Campbell: I knew I wanted to become an actress in elementary school when I played “Lavenia” the wicked stepsister in Cinderella. I was hysterical! Staying in character while the entire auditorium laughed uncontrollably and the compliments and congratulations that I received afterward made me want to do it all over again! What solidified it for me was my role in a play that my drama teacher wrote titled “Free.” I played a school girl who was bullied and hit in the head with a brick because of the color of my skin. People were shocked and hurt. I was just a 9 years old and didn’t quite understand why both men and women were angry, some in tears. Until that point I thought acting was just pretending but that particular role in that production helped me understand that I was bringing something to life… and giving light to someone else’s truth. What I realized is that even if it were a comedy, my job was to bring out something relatable and evoke emotion for everyone who could see or hear me.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rest Stop Dollar Baby film?
Paula Campbell: I’ve known the director Stephen Dean for a while from a few movie sets like “Insurgent” and “Hidden Figures.” We became instant friends! He told about a project he was working on and I expressed my interest. I learned so much from the amazing my cast and even the crew. They pulled so much out of me and gave pointers and literally made me become Johanna Dykstra. The lessons I learned from the phenomenal talents on this set will take my acting career even further! I’m forever grateful for this project.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Paula Campbell: I think the most attractive quality about this story is how relatable it is to human behavior. We all have something going on inside (good,bad or indifferent). Most people strive for perfection never understanding that we’re striving to please others. Wishing people could see the inside struggle and somehow just save us! This story shows the diversity of many personality differences, the pros and cons with them, the disillusioned thoughts that often come with them and the desire to cope. And then there’s the humor in it all!
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Paula Campbell: I auditioned for “Rest Stop” after the director Stephen Dean told me about the production. He explained the story and some twist that he added and I was hooked! I honestly didn’t think I’d gotten the role. I almost gave up and didn’t send in a second audition tape. I thought I wasn’t good or experienced enough. But I was wrong! And man oh man, I’m glad I was.
SKSM: You worked with Stephen Dean on this film, how was that?
Paula Campbell: Working with Steve is like working with your brother. He’s filled with knowledge and he gets everyone’s individual personalities and idiosyncrasies. He’s able to pull exactly what he needs from each talent with ease! Steve is an awesome teacher and director.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Paula Campbell: I can’t give much away but I can say my scene with the psychiatrist was hilarious! I was almost unable to compose myself while filming that scene.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Paula Campbell: Sure! I still talk to Steve from time to time. He sends me updates and upcoming auditions and opportunities often! I think everyone is on a tight schedule so we all connect through email from time to time.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Paula Campbell: Now I’m back in the studio recording. I’m also shopping a screenplay I wrote titled “She Won’t Tell.”… I just recent started a podcast and blog site… it’s the “Be Very Clear” podcast and BeVeryClear.com where I give my honest unfiltered opinion about life, love and relationship… We touch on all subjects but we focus more on those topics.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Paula Campbell: I’m a huge fan of Stephen King! Though I have to be honest and say I’m a scaredy-cat and won’t watch much horror.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Paula Campbell: Hmmm, I’m a huge prankster and at the same time I’m super sensitive and I take everything personally.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Paula Campbell: Yes! Thank you to all the fans and critics! Thank you all for your interest in Rest Stop! Again I’d like to thank Stephen Dean and the entire Rest Stop cast and crew. Thank you Stephen King for an amazing write and the opportunity to play it out through a different vision/version. I’m forever grateful.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Paula Campbell: Please be sure to keep up with me on social media…
Please keep up with the “Be Very Clear” movement… The Be Very Clear Podcast on Anchor And BeVeryClear.com
Last but not least please follow my journey with the screenplay “She Won’t Tell” I’ll be posting updates on
