We had the good fortune of connecting with Mercedes Cool and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mercedes, have you had any epiphanies during or due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The severity of Covid-19 took us all by surprise. Growing up with a parent in the medical field, I felt the knowledge I had attained placed me in a better position for what was coming but I never thought we would reach the point of a global shutdown. Its weird to think that just 3 months ago, the word “quarantine” wasn’t part of my daily dialogue, and “social-distancing” wasn’t a thing. At first, I underestimated the affects of quarantine. I fought hard to stay on track with the tight work schedules I created for myself but became stressed when I failed to meet my deadlines. I eventually reached a point where I had to step back and let myself breathe. I released the pressure of being ready for the mad dash “back to normal” and accepted that it wasn’t something we’d be running back to, it was something that we would recreate. I began to spend my time pondering what I wanted my new normal to look like, the new habits I wanted to adopt, the old views that I wanted to leave behind, and the contribution I wanted to make as we entered new territory. I have a greater conviction to live more authentically, to love harder, to speak openly, to be free with my kindness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an actor, the path of discovery is unending and that’s so exciting to me. The learning never stops. It’s our job to discover a character and peel back each layer of their being, understand what they do and why, figure out how their brain works, and become them. These characters are people just like you and I. I can’t speak for the rest of ya’ll but I have a boatload of layers. So for these characters the possibilities are endless! I absolutely love it. I’ve learned so much from the characters I’ve portrayed. I feel a responsibility to them, and I want to make sure to get their story out, and to get it right. Within the past couple of years, I’ve also had opportunities to expand my knowledge to the production side working on set as a Production Assistant, Script Supervisor, and Assistant Director on various projects. I’ve been a part of some pretty awesome teams and look forward to working on many more sets. Years ago I worked in production for live events, so I was interested in getting production work on a film set. They’re both very different experiences but I enjoy it just the same. Becoming a part of the Dallas film community over the past few years has been the greatest blessing. The people I’ve connected with have helped me to reach new heights creatively, and continuously challenge me to learn new skills. The challenge we have faced of getting more film work in Texas has definitely felt like a roller coaster ride but I’m optimistic for the future. There is an infinite pool of talent here that deserves to been seen, and I have no doubt once we’re able to work again, the film industry will bounce back stronger than ever.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My best friend is a photographer so I would have to take her to the most picturesque places around the city. We’ll definitely be spending some time in Bishop Arts, getting her some Texas BBQ at Lockhart Smokehouse, dessert at Emporium pies, and finishing off with light walk as we shop around and listen to some live music. I’d love to take her to a music festival in Deep Ellum where we’d definitely eat at the Revolver Taco Lounge. I know she’ll have Magnolia Farms on her bucket list so we’d have to make a weekend of it. Last but most certainly not least, we’ll visit the Reunion Tower and Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge for more photos and spend some time on McKinney Ave. getting drinks and eating Velvet Taco. If I’m being honest, we’ll spend multiple nights on McKinney Ave. getting Velvet Taco.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh goodness, there’s so many! To my family – Thank you for your love and support. I cherish your words of encouragement and am so grateful to have you in my corner. To my mentors and friends at the Extra Mile and KD Conservatory – Thank you, for being so generous with your time and knowledge. I am grateful to be a part of this community, and I look forward to when we can all be together again, to learn, grow, and make great film.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedesismyname/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cedesismyname
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedesismyname/

Image Credits
MNP Photography CCooluke ShoOff TV