The video for Eric Church’s latest smash, “Creepin’,” has its terrifying moments, especially for the leading man in the clip, who is played by actor Jared Sullivan. “I’m in this relationship I can’t get out of and the train is a metaphor for this relationship, and I can’t escape and I’m running through the train,” explains Jared. “I’m walking, and I’m coming across these people that symbolize the failing aspects of my relationship.”
Jared is originally from Durant, Oklahoma, and he moved to Nashville last year, where he’d planned to continue doing merchandising for various bands. However, that all changed when he decided to take acting classes and got booked in a principal role in a PSA for the Armed Forces Network. He’s also had a few roles in some independent films, as well, before being booked as the lead character in Church’s “Creepin’” video.
The shoot for “Creepin’,” which was directed by Peter Zavadil, wasn’t all glamour and glitz for anyone, including Eric or Jared. “They had us in Chattanooga, on a steam train, and this train didn’t have air conditioning,” he says. “It was 100-plus degrees, and I was sweating my tail off. They had people coming up after every take, you know, with like little paper towels dabbing me off, trying to keep me dry, trying to keep me looking good for the shoot.”
Eric is currently out on his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, which is scheduled to wrap December 15th in Sunrise, Florida.
“Creepin'” is from Eric’s CMA Album of the Year, Chief.
By the way, if you were wondering who the red-headed woman is in the “Creepin’” video, her name is Melissa Core, and she’s a choreographer, dancer and model originally from Australia.
AUDIO: Actor Jared Sullivan explains his character in Eric Church’s “Creepin’” video.
Eric Church (Creepin’ actor) 1 OC: …relationship. :28
“[Director Peter Zavadil] was amazing, he knew exactly what he wanted and like the energy he brought to the set, it was infectious. Basically, he just wanted me to be scared, to be able to convey a sense of helplessness and panic because my character is, I’m in this relationship I can’t get out of and the train is a metaphor for this relationship, and I can’t escape and I’m running through the train. I’m walking, and I’m coming across these people that symbolize the failing aspects of my relationship.”
AUDIO: Actor Jared Sullivan talks about his character in Eric Church’s “Creepin’” video.
Eric Church (Creepin’ actor) 2 OC: …helpless, you know? :18
“There are scenes where I’m being scolded by people, you know, telling me that I was wrong, that I mistreated this girl, and she almost feels empowered now. That was the motivation he was giving her, and that she was getting stronger, so she’s standing up to me and it’s, I’ve never seen this side of her before. So, I’m scared. I feel helpless, you know.”
AUDIO: Actor Jared Sullivan said it was extremely hot during the shooting of Eric Church’s “Creepin’” video.
Eric Church (Creepin’ actor) 3 OC: …the shoot. :16
“They had us in Chattanooga, on a steam train, and this train didn’t have air conditioning. You know, it was 100-plus degrees, and I was sweating my tail off. They had people coming up after every take, you know, with like little paper towels dabbing me off, trying to keep me dry, trying to keep me looking good for the shoot.”
