Jim Klock is a professional actor who stars in the recently released Warner Brothers film, “Alex & Me” and has a recurring role on the television series “Cloak and Dagger.” Jim Klock also serves as a part-time deputy sheriff and spends time working to promote the “Law Enforcement Torch Run” for the Special Olympics.
Jim Klock is also both the founder and president of a company called “Code 3 Films” which has helped Jim further his movie career.
He has already acted alongside Keanu Reeves, Renee Zellwegger, Mark Wahlberg, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Roberts and equally enjoys his status as a producer and director of many films such as “The Trials of Cate McCall” and “Massacre on Aisle 12” which earned him a Best Comedy Feature Film Award at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival in 2017.
Jim is currently executive producing a Christmas film titled “A Christmas Arrangement” with Autumn Federici and The Ninth House Films. He has also recently delved into the digital series world with his comedy series, “Interrogations Gone Wrong.”
As a deputy sheriff in Virginia, Jim has been trained in both hostage negotiations and SWAT. All of his life experiences have helped to make him a versatile storyteller, as he recently discussed via an exclusive interview.
Police, acting and producing
Meagan Meehan (MM): You started out as a police officer, so how did that lead to acting and then starting your own film company?
Jim Klock (JK): I was a full-time police officer for ten years and now part time for about twelve years.
Acting happened by accident when I went back to community college while working midnight patrol; I took acting as an elective because I enjoyed it in high school. My plan was to get my criminal justice degree but after my first assignment the Professor, Dr. Brenda Lewis Holmes, pulled me to the side and said: "you could do this professionally if you want." This encouragement mixed with how I fell in love with acting, lead to a
perfect storm for me to start pursuing it more.
I loved being a police officer and for years thought acting/filmmaking would just be a hobby. The film company started out of necessity. I worked in a specialized plainclothes unit, and the schedule made it difficult to pursue a lot of acting opportunities. I started reading every book on indie films/producing/ screenwriting I could find and jumped into it.
I had a couple of good friends who wanted to make Movies. We worked well as a team. Once I did one film, I kept making more. I liked the fact I could save up my vacation leave and extra cash from working security jobs to pay for the productions. It allowed me to make my own opportunities instead of waiting around to audition and hope someone would hire me.
MM: You’ve had an incredible acting career and worked alongside stars, so what have been the highlights?
JK: This is a question I sometimes struggle with because everyone has offered something in some way. Not every star has been an open book take-you-under- their-wing type but watching them work allows you to learn. I'm not just hanging out in my trailer.
I love watching other actors work, take direction, rehearse, and handle themselves.
I'm extremely grateful and thank God daily for my career and what I've been able to do so far, but I will admit I've had some "pinch myself" moments. One was working with Keanu Reeves in the film "The Whole Truth" directed by the incredible Courtney Hunt; a special film for multiple reasons. Keanu, even though he's a huge movie star, handles his business in a way that's special. He loves the work. I noticed and loved how he approached work in a blue-collar way; just bring your hard hat and lunch pail to the job site and work. We've stayed in touch, and I'm proud to call him a friend. He's guest starred on my Funny or Die series "Interrogations Gone Wrong," and we Executive Produced a film together that we’re very proud of called "Green Dolphin," directed by the talented Christopher Kenneally.
Renee Zellweger also starred in "The Whole Truth," and I had the time of my life working with her. She’s talented and kind to everyone.
In “The Long Shadow” film, directed by Daniel Lafrentz, I star alongside actress Aasha Davis, and the incredible Oscar nominated Tess Harper. I met Tess on a film in 2002 when I got my SAG card. I was a new actor while also working as a production assistant. Tess took me to lunch and talked with me about the business, family, friends, and the journey. That was very special to me. I hadn’t seen her since, so when she showed up in this film, it made my heart smile. We picked up right where we left off. She’s a special woman.
I recently worked with Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen in a film directed by the amazing Peter Farrelly.
A crazy highlight because Peter is one of my all-time favorite directors. I loved working with him and would love to again! Mahershala is such a talented actor and a beautiful soul who was kind and welcoming. Viggo was everything I imagined he would be; he is great at what he does, and he's there to help. He's invested in every other actor and wants to make everyone else better; he made me better!
Jamie Lee Curtis was amazing to me on “Scream Queens”; I loved every minute of working with her. I learned a lot by watching her work and hearing her stories. She made everyone around her better. Working with Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk alongside her was simply amazing.
One of the most wonderful experiences so far was on the uplifting film "Alex & Me" starring the world-famous soccer star Alex Morgan and a talented young lady Siena Agudong.
We had such a beautiful family dynamic that I will cherish forever. The entire cast was special.
Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg were a blast to work with on “Deep Water Horizon”! I loved that experience. Mark is a really nice guy and made everyone feel welcome. And I just worked with Armie Hammer! He is a gentleman and class act; a super talented actor, and an even better person.
MM: What sorts of films do you focus on and can you tell us about your latest projects?
JK: I love variety. I've enjoyed the family dynamic mixed in comedy films like "Alex & Me" and "Santa Jaws" (coming out this year). “Santa Jaws” is a fun movie with a Goonies type feel; directed by Misty Talley who is such a delightful, talented and confident director.
I just wrapped the "Untitled Babak Anvari" project, starring Armie Hammer, directed by Babak Anvari. It’s a cool dark thriller/horror mystery film that was fun to be a part of. Babak is an awesome director, and I'm excited about the film.
MM: What kind of screenplays do you look for when you’re searching for something to produce?
JK: I'm focused on stories that bring an element of hope and truth. Characters that have overcome challenges or battled great tragedy without letting it destroy them or the beauty around them. One of my favorite quotes is one by Keanu Reeves that someone sent me after we had worked together; "If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings,
then you're a badass with a heart of an angel." This summarizes stories/ characters I’m interested in finding to tell.
Especially in today’s world when it feels like there is more hate and negativity than love and beauty. I don't believe that. I believe we may just have to work a little harder to tell good stories, about good people, doing wonderful things to help others and make our world a better place.
Olympics, goals, and digital comics
MM: You are also involved in the Special Olympics so how did that come about?
JK: My involvement in the Special Olympics came about because of one of the most amazing men in my life; Sheriff David Decatur of the Stafford Sheriff’s office in Stafford Virginia, who happens to be one of my best friends in the world as well as my Sheriff. I work as a part-time deputy Sheriff and directly with him creating ways for us to help the community through the arts.
He's been a constant man of faith and honor in my life for over 20 years. He was a single dad raising his little girl by himself while working his way up through the Sheriff’s office. He inspired me in ways he probably doesn't even know. He motivates and encourages with his actions and always has a smile for everyone. He works very closely with the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. We thought there was an opportunity to mix what I was doing in the film/TV business with raising awareness, so we immediately started brainstorming ways to make it happen.
MM: Generally speaking, what are the absolute highlights of your experiences with the Special Olympics?
JK: The feedback the Sheriff gets from the fundraising side means a lot because it shows how many people are willing to show their love and financial support for this beautiful organization.
It is inspiring to hear how it touches so many people involved in the Special Olympics; to know others are so willing to stand up and get involved.
MM: You are now working on a digital comic, so what was it like to dive into that industry?
JK: It's been a blast so far. The fanbase is fantastic. The quality of work in creating content on a digital platform and how that allows you to cultivate your entire skillset is a game changer as an artist. I'm extremely grateful to be working in that space, and I'm excited to do more.
MM: What are your biggest goals for the overall future of your creative endeavors and is there anything more that you would like to add?
JK: I want to keep working as much as possible.
I love the work, I really do. There is no place like being on set for me, and I feel the more I work, the more I grow. Combine this with the work I hope to continue to do with Sheriff Decatur supporting the Special Olympics, the law enforcement Torch Run and other programs that can help our communities; that would be very special to me.
