CAMRYN JONES ON PLAYING TIFFANY IN AMAZON’S COMING OF AGE SERIES PAPER GIRLS
BY IRVIN RIVERA
Emerging actress Camryn Jones plays the feisty and smart Tiffany Quilkin on Amazon Prime Video’s PAPER GIRLS. It’s an exciting series about a diverse group of young women taking control of the course of their lives in a wild, twisted time-bending adventure.
PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA
In this exclusive interview, A BOOK OF caught up with Tiff’s character development, memorable moments in filming, challenges and highs, rising above the challenges, dreams, fears, aspirations and more.
Camryn, how are you? What’s been keeping you busy after filming “Paper Girls?”
Paper Girls Press tour and launch, Dance, and hanging out with my friends!
How would you describe Tiffany Quilkin’s character evolution throughout the show?
I would describe Tiff’s evolution as a squiggle because a squiggle has its ups and down and it is not a straight line. Tiff goes through a lot in this season: finding out things about her parents, her future, and her friends. She handles it all very well, but in getting hit with those Mack trucks of reality she comes into herself more and becomes more confident and self-assured.
Do you remember your reaction when you first read the script and knew about your character?
When I first read the script and knew about Tiff I was automatically hooked. The authenticity and substance that all of the girls had was just so relatable. Tiff in particular jumped out at me because I could relate to her the most. The stuff that she has to go through really touched me and I also thought that she was really confident and brave!
How would you describe the show to those who haven’t seen it yet?
The day after Halloween 4 girls get caught up in a time war while they were just trying to deliver paper! Now they have to work together with girls they didn’t know 24 hours ago and try to get home while people try to kill them. Paper Girls is a coming of age story with time travel, action, adventure, and really relatable characters!
What’s unique about the show?
I would say seeing 4 young women taking agency in their own lives. Also the representation! There is heavy female influence both on screen and off. Along with diversity and LGBTQ representation.
What’s the best part about playing Tiffany?
All of the gadgets! I get to have walkie-talkies and other technology that I have the ability to learn how to use and experiment with.
What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?
Highs of filming were definitely meeting new people, getting to experience so many amazing things, and the opportunity to explore Chicago! Challenges were the weather since we did film a lot on location, and filming during covid protocols.
How did you manage to rise above the challenges?
We had a PPE team that ensured that we were extra careful and followed covid protocols. We also got to decorate our mask cases and shields to make it more fun! Also we would have portable fans, ice packs, and trailers so that we could keep cool in the heat!
What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series?
I would definitely have to say having my birthday on set! The hair and makeup teams decorated their trailers which was incredible. I got cupcakes, popsicles, and a poster. Also, we were in this really cool abandoned mall with an old movie theater next door and I got to explore it with my cast mates and we had a lot of fun!
Everyone’s process is different and each has their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?
I usually study the scenes the night before so that I’m prepared for filming day. When I get to set I will read over the call sheet and make sure nothing has changed in the sides for the day. Then after that, I will read a book, crochet, or watch something on my phone so that I don’t overthink anything. Then when I get taken to set to film I will run it with the cast present in that scene and then we go film!
Who and what inspires you?
I am inspired by hardworking people who are passionate about their craft. People like Viola Davis and Oprah have been inspirations for me in my career so far!
What scares you?
Being alone probably. I’m usually a social person so I would say that having nobody would scare me.
What’s your dream project?
I think a Marvel or DC movie would be amazing projects to be a part of! I’ve grown up watching those movies so it would be very cool to play that type of character!
Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?
I think that I really resonate with Tiffany because we both share some of the same struggles. Also the way she carries and handles herself is something I really look up to.
Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?
I keep busy with dancing on the drill team! Also I knit, crochet, read, and hang out with my friends and family.
What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?
I’ve learned that you should always ask for what you want. If you don’t ask, there is no chance that it can be accomplished. Mrs. Ali Wong actually taught me that while I was filming Paper Girls!
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
I would say that I would either be a fantasy/adventure novel chronicling my travels and experiences or a poetry book full of the lessons I have learned from my encounters!
