Jodi Sta. Maria opened up about her acting process. The actress emphasized that preparation is the foundation of any great performance. 

"Naniniwala ako lahat ng 'yan, sekreto diyan ay nasa preparation," she said in an interview with Boy Abunda.

She also explained that once the cameras are rolling, an actor must let go of being overly technical or calculated.

"You can't be too technical 'pag nandun ka na sa eksena. Hindi ka pwedeng masyadong logical or dapat ito ang gawin ko, nagiging kalkulado ka kasi nangyayari ina-anticipate mo 'yung sitwasyon, 'yung eksena, 'yung ibabato ng ka-eksena mo so 'yung pagiging organic or 'yung pagiging raw ng pag-atake mo nawawala," she explained.

Jodi stars in the psychological horror film Untold, a departure from her usual dramatic roles. When asked about the difference between acting in a horror project and a drama, she said: "Sobrang magkaiba. Siguro kung may pagkakapareho siyempre gumagamit ka pa rin naman ng totoong emosyon mo eh."

She also pointed out that one of the biggest distinctions lies in the physicality and intensity of horror. "Siguro ang pinagkaiba lang ng drama sa horror siguro mas marami lang sigaw talaga sa horror... And mas physically taxing siya."

She went on: "[Sa horror] maraming takbuhan, sigawan, and at the same nandun 'yung katatakutan, 'yung ibang klaseng fear na nanggagaling sa kaibuturan ng iyong puso."

In the same interview, Jodi opened up about her decision to step back from acting for now to prioritize her education. Nonetheless, the actress assured fans that she still has films lined up.

"For the past 27 years, naniniwala ako hindi naman ako tumigil eh, dere-derecho 'yan from the time na ni-launch ako back in the '90s hanggang sa last year dere-derecho 'yung trabaho. So ang naisip ko, may mga bagay akong gustong gawin din sa life ko," she said  on why she decided to focus on her studies at the moment.

Jodi clarified that her decision does not mean she has lost interest in acting. Rather, she’s choosing to explore other personal goals for the time being.

"I'm not saying na hindi ako pinapasaya ng passion ko for acting but sometimes may mga bagay ka lang na alam mo sa sarili mo na meron ka pang ibang gustong gawin at meron ka pang ibang pwedeng gawin," she pointed out.