A teen from the York, Penna. Grace Brethren Church (Dan White, pastor) is currently featured in local media. This is an excerpt–to read the entire article, click here.
Central student nabs role in indie film
Jessica Ilko, an aspiring actress, hopes to be the next Reese Witherspoon.As a petite blonde, Jessica, 15, has the looks, and she recently landed what could be a breakout role in the independent movie “Leaving Hollywood.”
On a recent Wednesday, in between classes at Central York High School and singing lessons, sophomore Jessica sat down at Border’s Books & Music, 3000 Whiteford Road in Springettsbury Township, to chat about the film.
What are you looking forward to about the premiere? There’s going to be a concert, and I’ll be singing two songs. It’s kind of nerve-wracking. I am going to see some agents (at the event), so hopefully I’ll get noticed. I also can’t wait to see the outtakes.
How long have you been singing? I have been singing in chorus at school and in church (at York Grace Brethren) for a while, but I started singing lessons a few months ago. In January, I sang for a competition at church and put the video on Facebook. (“Leaving Hollywood” director Nick Bailey) saw the video and asked me to sing in the movie.
A York countian worked on the movie’s score, right? The director contacted Ryan Lewis to work on the music. We were already friends. I’m really good friends with his sister.
How long have you been acting? Acting is really what I want to do. I’ve been acting since seventh grade. This is my first film. I was contacted through (the talent database) Explore Talent. The director sent me an e-mail and asked if I would be in his independent film.