'Yellowstone' star Jefferson White on Indie Filmmaking
Updated: Jun 18
Best known for his role as Jimmy Hurdstrom on Yellowstone, Jefferson White brought a different kind of story to the Austin Film Festival with The Writer, a short film that explores creativity and isolation.
Speaking before the film's screening at the Austin Film Festival (AFF), White described his character, Henry, as a departure from many of the roles audiences have come to expect from him.
"I don't play a lot of guys who think," White said with a laugh. "I tend to play a lot of bad guys, a lot of creepy guys, a lot of guys who lurk."
In The Writer, however, White takes on a more introspective role. Henry is a writer who retreats to his late father's cabin in an attempt to adapt his story into a feature film. As professional pressures mount and memories of his father continue to haunt him, Henry is forced to confront the same destructive patterns he hoped to leave behind.
The actor also had the opportunity to work alongside veteran actor Neal McDonough, an experience he called a "real treat." The film also features a cast that includes Sara Paxton and Sherri Saum.
Finding Creative Freedom in Independent Film
While White has spent years working on large-scale productions, he said projects like The Writer offer a different kind of creative fulfillment. He explained that with fewer logistical demands, independent films allow filmmakers to focus more intensely on the storytelling.
"The big productions are fun, but stuff like this is the real creative juice. There's a clarity of intention and purpose. On a film like this, all that energy is focused on the work, on the words, and on the relationships."
White also credited debut director Austin Glasser, saying a conversation with the filmmaker quickly confirmed his decision to join the project. "If you're writing about a writer, I feel like the script has to be pretty good," White said. "I was immediately struck by it."
The Film's Message
The short film follows a character who believes he must separate himself from others in order to create meaningful work.
White stated that he sees that idea as the opposite of what festivals like AFF represent. "I think the message of the film is to communicate," White said. "Communicate with your loved ones. Talk about your work."
He pointed to the festival environment as proof that creativity thrives when artists share ideas and experiences with one another.
"The whole premise of this festival is let's get together and talk about our work and share our work," he said.
Full interview: Jefferson White
Full Interview: Debut Director Austin Glasser
The Writer screened as part of the Austin Film Festival's "Shorts That Bump In The Night" block.
Comments