KAT JACKSON

K - So, what made you want to be a part of this project other than pure peer pressure from me?

V - It is an honour to be a part of a project that deals with LGBT+ storylines. As someone who identifies as LGBT, I have always longed for more films with accurate depictions of the LGBT community - particularly whilst growing up. The LGBT+ community often feel underrepresented in the media and so being a part of this project myself feels incredibly special. I think Her Name is particularly important as it has been written and directed by someone who identifies as LGBT which makes the project more authentic.

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V - As someone who identifies as LGBT, what does this project in particular mean to you?

K - I think as a director, there are things can are in your control and out of your control. I think, as someone who is part of the LGBT community, it was vital that not only my voice was heard but the voices of thousands and millions of people's voices can be heard. This project is one of the most personal because at the core of it is is a girl just wanting to be happy and find love and she nearly lose that hope, which I think people can relate to and understand.

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K - Okay, so your character Reece is someone who isn't in it the film a lot but is at the core of it and is the reason why the film is taking place. If we got to spend more time with your character, what do you think she would be like?

V - I'd like to think that Reece is laid back and down to earth, with a good sense of humour. She is the life of the party and can charm anyone by making them laugh. She is also sensitive and embraces her vulnerability as her greatest strength.

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V - Are there any aspects of yourself that you see in Tessa's character?

K - In earlier drafts of my script, Tessa had lost her sister in a car accident. And although I cannot relate to that scenario I can relate to the pain of losing someone. I think the Tessa people are about to see is a shy and restricted person but she is a hopeless romantic which is something that I relate to...plus she loves women too so there is that.

V - All your characters get hurt! So basically, in any of your works if there is a car crash, I should be scared.

K - Fun fact each book and project is universally connected. We Met On A Thursday (other project has the same car crash galaxy and his mum were in. The more you know. I got asked that because someone said what is it with you and crashes and I was like it's the same bloody crash.

V - I want to hug all your characters and shield them and say 'it's okay, she can't hurt you anymore.'

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(This is very true. Vee has told me to stop hurting characters several times but I haven't listened just yet. I probably will never listen.)

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V - Would you consider doing a sequel to Her Name in the future?

K - I think some stories should be left as they are. I think that's when things go wrong. I want to leave the ending to Her Name open to interpreting.