Category Archives: Actor Profile

Actor, Actor Profile, Model, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

“From Sydney With Love” Star Karan Sagoo in the Upcoming Film “Followed”

March 25, 2017 lgreenbaulm Leave a comment

Karan Sagoo shot by Toranj Kayvon

Indian-born actor Karan Sagoo recently wrapped production on the upcoming horror film “Followed,” which also stars Satellite Award Winner John Savage from the seven-time Oscar nominated film “The Godfather: Part III” and the five-time Oscar Award winning film “The Deer Hunter,” Blanca Blanco (“Bullet,” “American Romance”) and Kelsey Griswold from the two-time Golden Globe Award winning series “American Crime Story.”

Expected for release later this year, the film is depicted through a series of video blog posts made by an unseen vlogger whose interest in the macabre leads him to take his show, and a crew of three friends, to a famous Los Angeles hotel with a reportedly haunted past. As the group traverses the hotel in search of answers, they soon find themselves getting more than what they bargained for when they encounter an evil entity with malicious intentions. And that is where Karan first comes into play.

A key character and driving force in the plot, Karan seamlessly embodies the masked demonic character using his body movements to elicit fear within the amateur film crew in “Followed.” His spot-on performance is definitely a key element behind the film’s suspense.

Oddly enough, Karan was initially cast in the role of an aggressive and mentally unstable drug dealer who goes after the crew as they document the hauntings (a critical role which he plays in the film as well) however, after the film’s director, Antoine Le (“Bar Union”), saw Karan’s extraordinary command over his movements and body language, he immediately cast him to play the lead role as the film’s main antagonist.

“Karan is an incredibly talented actor. After watching the way he used his body as the deranged drug dealer in my film, I asked him to try to embody the evil demon for the film and he nailed it. I cast him for the second role right away. He was able to bring both characters to life, from their mannerisms to their body language, perfectly. Having him in the film has definitely been a huge asset,” says Le.

It will come as no surprise to those that have followed Karan’s career to date that his mastery over his body caught the attention of “Followed” director Antoine Le. Prior to embarking on his acting career, Karan Sagoo carved out a prominent position for himself in the fashion and advertising industries as a model, a field of work he continues to be sought after for today.

Karan Sagoo shot by Casey Moore

Over the course of his career Karan has been featured in some of the world’s most popular magazines, including Elle magazine, DNA, Yuva Youth magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, Man’s World, Society magazine and more. His charisma, good looks and ability to transform himself and embody different looks and personalities (which has been a huge asset in his acting career as well) has led him to be featured in ads for a diverse list of global companies such as Virgin Atlantic, Toyota, UK Trade and Investment, Videocon, Liril Soap, Max Lifestyle, Union bank, Focus T-shirts, E-Zone, Ernst and Young and others.

Having been on billboards and inside the pages of countless magazines, Karan Sagoo is probably one of the most recognizable male models in the eyes of viewers across India; but what he’s achieved as an actor has made his name known on a global scale. Karan first hit the big time when he played one of the lead bachelor’s in the hit series “The Bachelorette India,” which aired on India’s major TV network Life OK. While his role on the series several years ago made him a major heartthrob in the eyes of women across India, his dynamic talent as an actor is what has kept him on everyone’s mind.

In 2012 Karan starred in the hit romantic comedy film “From Sydney With Love,” which follows Meghaa, a small town girl from West Bengal, India, who is in for a major culture shock when she travels to Sydney, Australia for college.

Starring alongside some of India’s most sought after actors, including Bidita Bag (“X: Past is Present,” “Icche”) who plays Meghaa, as well as Ronjini Chakraborty (“Man’s World,” “At The End of it All”) and Evelyn Sharma (“Gadaar: The Traitor,” “Kuch Kuch Locha Hai”), Karan takes on the lead role of Suhail Syed in the film. A narcissist from an extremely wealthy family, Karan’s character Suhail becomes the film’s major antagonist through his relationship with Meghaa, who he sees as a challenge, which leads him to pursue her romantically.

Karan’s performance as Suhail is definitely one of the highlights in “From Sydney With Love,” as he easily embodies the attractive, but overly egotistical character in a way that makes him easy to hate.

Directed by Prateek Chakravorty, who produced the hit series “Born Stylish” and the films “Jomer Raja Dilo Bor”and “Tujhya Vin Mar Javaan,” “From Sydney with Love” premiered in Sydney, Australia and was screened across the globe in the U.S., Australia, Canada, England and India. The film was produced by Pramod Films, one of the most recognizable names in Bollywood cinema as the production company behind major hits such as “Deedar,” “Barood,” “Jagir,” “Azad” and others.

From Sydney With Love film poster

In addition to “From Sydney With Love,” Karan is known for his lead roles as Professor Drew in the docu-drama series “Cry Wolfe,” Mukul Sinha in the crime series “Khotey Sikkey,” as well as the series “Rishta.com” and the multi-award winning film “Band Baaja Baaraat.”

Karan took on the lead role of Vikram in the romantic comedy “Band Baaja Baaraat,” which won the coveted Aspara Award, Filmfare Award and many more. Directed by Maneesh Sharma (“Fan,” “Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl”), “Band Baaja Baaraat” follows two wedding planners, Shruti played by Zee Cine Award winner Anushka Sharma (“Sultan,” “PK,” “Nh10”) and Bittoo played by BIG Star Entertainment Award winner Ranveer Singh (“Finding Fanny”), tasked with planning the weddings of three very different and demanding couples.

One of the couples is Vikram, played by Karan, and his fiance Preity, played by Kanksha (“Paranoia”). Due to Vikram’s family wealth and status, he has the means to give Preity the wedding she always dreamed of, even if it means bringing in India’s biggest star to perform at the wedding. A key character in the film, Karan’s memorable and magnetic performance as Vikram in the critically acclaimed film “Band Baaja Baaraat” definitely earned the actor quite a bit of attention both in India and abroad.

Aside from playing two lead roles in the upcoming horror film “Followed,” Karan is currently featured in a commercial for TagFi, a popular new social networking app that allows users to connect and find groups of people with common interests and passions, and easily make plans. In the commercial Karan plays Neil, an on-the-go business professional who is unable to meet and make connections with people due to his busy lifestyle, but thanks to TagFi, Neil’s social life is buzzing.

“The ad has been featured on app download services worldwide such as iTunes and the Apple App Store, and has been viewed millions of time. Karan is super professional and dedicated to his craft. He has a very natural charisma and gravitas as an actor that really comes across on screen. He has played a lead role in endearing Tagfi to millions around the globe,” says award-winning director Cole Mueller, who directed the Tagfi commercial.

In the commercial world, Karan is also known for being the face of major ads for Mother Dairy ice cream, Samsung, Raymonds suits, Ariel detergent, Lipton iced tea, Sompo insurance, Lux soap, Fiama Di Wills body wash, Volkswagen and more.

From his lead roles in several highly acclaimed films to his illustrious career as an international model, it’s easy to call Karan Sagoo one of India’s hottest exports– and he’s definitely one you should keep your eyes out for!

Actor, Actor Profile, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

Catch Actor Toby Levins in “Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts” Airing March 26 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

March 23, 2017 lgreenbaulm Leave a comment

Actor Toby Levins

Some actors just have the kind of face audiences can’t help but love and Australian actor Toby Levins is definitely one of them. Besides being naturally good looking, Levins’ has an amiable and magnetic on screen presence that makes him an easy fan favorite– so it comes as no surprise that he was cast to take on the lead role of Deputy Bill Todd in the first five TV movies in Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ on going “Murder, She Baked” series.

You can catch Levins reprising his role as Deputy Bill Todd in the series fifth film, “Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts,” which premieres Sunday March 26 at 9:00 p.m./8:00c on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Based on the cozy mystery novel series written by Joanne Fluke, the films follow Hannah Swensen, played by Daytime Emmy Award winner Alison Sweeney (“Days of Our Lives”), a small-town baker who starts splitting her time as an amateur sleuth after her delivery driver is found murdered behind her bake shop in the series’ first film “Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery” released in 2015.

Levins’ character Bill Todd, Hannah Swensen’s brother-in-law, is the town deputy, who works closely with series’ lead Cameron Mathison (“All My Children”), who plays Detective Mike Kingston.

While Levins is widely known throughout the industry for his recurring roles in several action heavy dramas such as the Primetime Emmy Award nominated post-apocalyptic drama series “The 100,” ABC Freeform’s Saturn Award nominated fantasy drama “Beyond” and the Leo Award nominated crime series “Rogue,” his character in the “Murder, She Baked” franchise is the polar opposite of most of his other roles. As Deputy Bill Todd, Levins effortlessly brings the films’ comic relief, further proving his dynamic range as an actor.

Levins’ says, “In one of the earlier films I was joking With Alison Sweeney, who plays Hannah in the franchise, that Bill should be based on Yosemite Sam. So now before a scene I just think ‘What would Yosemite Sam Do?’ How can you not have fun at work when that is your mindset!”

The on-screen chemistry between Levins and Mathison is immediately evident, and their relationship is definitely critical to the popular movie series as Bill is always at the scene of the crime doing his duty to enforce the law as Detective Kinston and Hannah try to solve the case.

About working with Levins, Mathison (who is also a lead reporter for “Entertainment Tonight”) says, “He is a riot on set. All of our procedural police scenes are together, and Toby and I always have a blast when we work together.”

Despite the mystery murder concept that runs through the “Murder, She Baked” series, there is definitely a romcom element, especially as things begin to heat up between Hannah and Detective Kingston over the course of the films; and with Levins’ character Deputy Todd married to Hannah’s sister Andrea, played by Lisa Durupt (“Preggoland”)– Hannah, Kingston and the Todd’s might just become one big happy family. But you’ll just have to keep watching the on going series to find out!

Since “Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery,” Levins has starred in the series’ follow up films “Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery,” “Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery,” “Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe,” and most recently, “Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts.”

Film Poster for “Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe” released in 2016

The “Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe” film will air on Sunday at 7:00 p.m./6:00c on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, just before the most recent film in the franchise premieres.

In “Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe” Levins takes center stage when his character Bill Todd runs for town sheriff. Up until then, Levins’ character has been a staple in the series representing the honest, good-natured energy of small town law enforcement. However, when the current sheriff, the one Bill is running against in the upcoming election, is found murdered, he becomes the prime suspect. The film offers quite a drastically divergent plot line from the previous films, one that gives way for a lot more character development on Levins’ part, which he nails as usual. To find out whether the lovable Deputy Bill Todd is actually a cold-blooded murder who’s been disguising his evil ways all along, you’ll have to catch the movie when it airs on Sunday.

Out of all five films, Levins admits that his favorite one to work on so far has been “Murder she Baked, Just Desserts.” “I had a lot of police procedural scenes with Cameron Mathison (Mike), who is a lot of fun to work with. We have an ongoing battle to make each other laugh during a take. I am kicking his ass,” explains Levins.

Over the last few years Toby Levins has been one incredibly busy actor who continues to be in high demand for a number of lead roles. Since shooting the first five films in the “Murder She Baked” series between 2014 and 2016, he’s also played an impressive list of critical recurring roles on some of the most-watched TV series in the U.S. and Canada.

His lead role of Lieutenant Carl Emerson on season 2 and 3 of the “The 100” really gives audiences an opportunity to see Levins’ capacity for playing intense, dark and action-packed characters.

The series follows a group of 100 teens from the Ark Space Station who return to earth 97 years after a nuclear disaster to see if earth is inhabitable. There they find that a few groups had survived the disaster, but the surviving groups are caught in an intense power struggle, with the Mountain Men having the dominant upper hand.

Marie Avgeropoulos (left) & Toby Levins (right) in “The 100” Season 2 Ep.11 ‘Coup de Grace’

Levins’ character Lt. Emerson, the right hand man of the Mountain Men president, comes onto the scene in season 2 when he tries to kill members of the Ark, but is captured instead. He becomes a key piece in the Ark’s unfolding plan to gain the upperhand when they send him back to the Mountain Men with a message: “We’re coming for you.” Towards the end of season 2 Emerson becomes the only surviving Mountain Man after Mount Weather, the Mountain Men’s headquarters, self-destructs killing everyone but him. Despite being on the antagonist side of the story, Levins’ portrayal of Lt. Emerson easily made him a fan favorite in the show.

While Levins look has made him an easy cast for authoritative, law enforcement roles, the stark contrast between the characters he plays has revealed him to be an incredibly dynamic actor.

“What makes a performance interesting, and I am speaking for myself here, is truth. There is nothing duller than watching an actor working extremely hard in order to show the audience how amazing an actor they are,” explains Levins. “What is mesmerizing is watching an actor and forgetting they are an actor. What leads to this, I think, is twofold; making the truth of both the scene and the character the highest priority, and not allowing one’s ego (which is usually a very loud voice in an actor’s head) to have skin in the game.”

Up next for Toby Levins is the highly-anticipated scripted comedy series “Loudermilk,” which is being developed for AT&T Audience Network by Peter Farrelly and former “Colbert” Report writer Bobby Mort. The 10-episode series centers on Sam Loudermilk, played by Golden Globe nominee Ron Livingston (“Swingers”), a recovering alcoholic and substance abuse counselor with a bad attitude.

Levins will play a key recurring role as Carl, the boyfriend of series’ lead Allison, played by Laura Mennell (“Alphas,” “Watchmen”). “In playing Carl I was afforded the opportunity to improvise with Ron take after take, a luxury so rare and rewarding. ‘Loudermilk’ is a show that I would watch if I wasn’t in it – that is a very nice thing to be a part of,” says Levins.

Stay tuned for updates on the release date for the upcoming series “Loudermilk,” and make sure to catch actor Toby Levins in the premiere of “Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts” Sunday, March 26 at 9:00 p.m./8:00c on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Actor, Actor Profile, Canadian Talent, Producer, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

“FADED IMAGE REVEALS A VULNERABLE & GIVING TROY GREENWOOD

March 7, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Troy Greenwood has many talents; producer, writer, actor, etc. While he may not truly accept it, poet and artist should be mentioned in the same breath. His film Faded Image is as vulnerable, heart-wrenching, and inspiring as any of the great poems of literature. The film seeks to reveal, relate, and give respite to those who experience or come into contact with those who experience depression. The public’s understanding and acceptance of the validity and presence of mental health has grown considerably in the last decade, often as a benefit of the work of artists like Greenwood who help others to peer into the invisible “virus” that effects and overwhelms our fellow citizens and family members, often directly in front of us. Faded Image was an official selection at the Covellite Film Festival as well as the Bare Bones festival 2017. As someone who has dealt with the challenges in his personal life like clinical depression and leukemia, Troy is able to communicate the internal perspective that so many silent individuals struggle with on a daily basis. Because he is a lauded and respected member of the film community, Greenwood is able to present these feelings in a way that makes them palpable to a wide audience. Good films allow us to “see” the emotions on the screen, great ones allow us to “feel” them; and Faded Image is a great film. The two drastically different scenes relate the mental state and the ability of all individuals to choose which of these to gravitate towards. As the dialogue of Faded Image states, “Find shelter in the simplest of things that bring us joy. Dance, cry, sing, laugh…even when it hurts and know that you are never alone.” Poetry. Hope. Art.

To suggest that Faded Image is a life-long endeavor is completely accurate. The writing of the script has been a decades long process for Greenwood. While the majority of those who battle depression avoid the help that could be given them due to some antiquated sense of inferiority or shame, it takes an artist like Troy to run headfirst into the fray and reveal the most personal and vulnerable parts of himself. This is partly due to a desire to help and inform others and also as a self-enacted form of therapy. Therapy happens in stages and can sometimes take a lifetime to achieve the progress necessary to cope. Greenwood began creating the script for Faded Image two decades ago. He reveals, “I wrote the first half of the script during my teens when I was first diagnosed with chronic depression. Battling through dark times and dark thoughts it can almost feel like you’re detached from yourself, unable to feel, and the dialogue of the first half of the script came out of a piece I wrote talking to myself as an outsider about the way it feels to be at the end of your rope – suicidal. I then thought about what I might say to myself in those darkest of moments to get myself through, and that formed the first incarnation of the script, nearly 20 years ago. I returned to the piece at numerous points throughout my career, tinkering with the script, mostly updating or revising the second half of the script, and how my thoughts had changed about what I might choose to say to myself to get through. It wasn’t until I started collaborating with Film Acting Fight Club that the idea came back in earnest to film this project. It had been several years since I looked at the script but I brought it in to the group for a reading. The feedback I got from the group was great, and I went about rewriting a draft of the script.” The first half of the film, which was written in Troy’s teen years, takes place in a bathroom. It depicts a teen contemplating, and to some point, attempting his own suicide. It is painful to watch. The lack of color translates the lack of interest and stimulation that someone suffering from depression receives from the world. This myopic outlook is unavoidable in the same way that someone dealing with pneumonia cannot resist a cough. The second half of the film depicts the same person, now an adult who has persevered and now possesses the wisdom and ability to speak to his younger self about the trials he has faced. The man’s age has also taught him the ability to do that most difficult thing, take one’s own advice. The setting for this second half of the film is a summer’s day surrounded by color and light…and hope. A young girl plays in the park, alluding to the hope that blooms in the future.

If writing this script was the act of writing a speech, filming and releasing it was the equivalent of reading the speech aloud at the city square. Troy confirms that the technical part of filming came with its challenges as well. He notes, “I knew the constraints of an enclosed space [bathroom scenes] would make it nearly impossible to get the angles I needed to bring my vision to life, so we built a set and shot the first half of the project during the winter. After finishing the first half, the second portion was much easier as it just required waiting for the weather to clear in order to shoot in the summer. The sunny park and the winter indoors are obvious metaphors for the winter and summer of our lives and proved incredibly apt. The finished piece has been very well received. It is my desire to donate the film to health and support groups as an educational and/or promotional tool for discussing the issue of depression. Too often, we struggle in silence, and I would hope this film might shed some light on that and at least open up some conversation about an issue that I think affects a lot more of us then we admit.”

The entire film is a voice over monologue, which lends itself to the idea of the viewer being inside the mental perspective of Faded Image’s main character. This facet also makes the cinematography more vital than normal. Troy is adamant that the talent of his DP Chris Bragg helped him to so accurately portray what depression (and the release from it) feels like. Bragg comments, “Faded Image was a unique and interesting project to work on. It was clear that Troy had spent a long time with the idea and script to know exactly what was needed. The bathroom set was painstakingly built to allow for specific angles and it really opened up possibilities for me as the cinematographer, like the tight close-up over the sink, or the slow move up and around his shoulder. The final piece is a raw and engaging piece that grips you and leaves you pondering it well after viewing.”

Faded Image contains many possible motives. It can entertain, inspire, inform, help…the specific reasons are not completely obvious. This is an unexpectedly endearing quality for a film. Void of outcome attachment, the audience is able to take something personal from the production. Greenwood relates, “Inspiring people can drive people to create change in the world (that is a help), and films that help are often sources of inspiration for people. If anything, I’d say in all of my work my aim is get people to see things from different perspectives, to offer insight perhaps into why someone acts a certain way or question what ‘equality’ or ‘justice’ or ‘truth’ means and in doing so get my audience to investigate their own views on various subjects. I guess the best way to put that would be to say, my goal in all my work is to investigate and illuminate humanity.”

Actor, Actor Profile, Film, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

“Rollin’ with the Nines” Reveals Anthony Warren’s Flare for Action

February 21, 2017 lgreenbaulm Leave a comment

Actor Anthony Warren shot by Will Tudor

There’s a scene in the hit film “Rollin’ with the Nines” where Anthony Warren, playing the Jamaican drug dealer Karnage, stabs an informant trying to buy drugs. Warren’s performance is so believable and his Jamaican patois so on point that anyone could be forgiven for thinking they were watching a documentary about crime on the island nation. Upon meeting the successful British actor however, it’s clear that the scene was very much a reflection of his impressive acting talent. Warren is a charming and imposing figure all the same, representing the ideal combination for leading men in the world of film.

Anthony’s ability to jump into distinctive roles that prove to be memorable and game-changing for any film of which he takes part is making him known in the industry. He tells us that the aforementioned scene in particular was “so violently gross [to film] but it was fun.” If anything, the London native was so convincing to his co-stars on the set of “Rollin’ with the Nines” as a menacing drug dealer that “Eastenders” star Terry Stone felt compelled to literally hit Warren in the head with a frying pan in a scene where he and his buddies try to swindle Warren’s antagonist. It hurt, according to Warren, but he swears it was an accident.

Anthony Warren’s hugely successful career began over 20 years ago, in a more humble fashion than compared to his current position of fortune. His work in “Rollin’ with the Nines” marked the beginning of his dominance in the action genre that began simultaneously over a decade ago with his critical role in “Control” opposite Academy-Award nominee Willem Dafoe (“Spiderman,” “The Aviator”), and “Fast and Furious” and “Avatar” heroine Michelle Rodriguez. Leading and starring roles in similar projects have continued, and when watching his impactful performances in films like “Rollin’ with the Nines” and “Control,” it’s clear why Warren hasn’t lived the typical life of the struggling artist.

While many actors take on work whenever they’re hired, Warren’s sought after stature in the industry means he needn’t be concerned with just taking on any project. If anything, his filmography proves his careful selectiveness and irreplaceable position within the acting field.

The truthfulness of Warren’s leading performances in other genre films like “The Deaths of Ian Stone,” opposite “Under the Dome” and “Bates Motel” star Mike Vogel, and as Capt. Naish in the Wesley Snipes (“Blade,” “Passenger 57”) and William Hope (“Aliens, “Captain America,” “Sherlock Holmes”) feature film “The Marksman,” are all proof of Warren having firmly found his own place in a world characterized by high-standards, loyal fans and blockbuster thrills.

“Rollin’ with the Nines” film poster

“Rollin’ with the Nines” in particular has been a thrilling highlight for Anthony, notably so for representing his collaboration with successful director Julian Gilby who also directed Will Poulter (Oscar-Winner “The Revenant”, “We’re the Millers”) and Emma Rigby (ABC hit “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”) in the 2014 hit-film “Plastic.” It further reinforced his growing profile with action films shot in the UK and his association with the music industry, as “Rollin’ with the Nines” concerns small-time drug dealers releasing their music in urban London.

And therein lies part of Warren’s truly exceptional talent – he has managed to traverse genres effortlessly. In his case (and maybe for this decade) action and musical theatre specifically. Alongside his key roles in action films “The Contract” with Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman (“Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Dark Knight”), Warren’s classical singing training and skill on stage landed him a leading role in Opera North’s Rodgers and Hammerstein production of “Carousel,” directed by Jo Davies, and “Brashana O”, directed by Geoffrey Creswell.

In “Brashana O”, a story based on the legendary rolling calf that forms part of Jamaica’s folklore, Warren wowed audiences with his portrayal of Barker. His connection to Jamaica gave the production a refined sense of integrity, helping to sustain the belief that the Rolling Calf is really a ‘duppy’ (ghost) that has the ability the change, if and when necessary, into other animals. Warren’s performance was easily considered as both impactful and humorous all at the same time. His role as Heavenly Goggin in “Carousel,” a more traditional musical, was an important one that esteemed reviewer Geoffrey Mogridge noted as “mysterious,” and set the scene for the protagonist’s confrontation with the production’s antagonist.

One could say that Anthony Warren is something of a ‘jack-of-all-trades.’ But his success in the different areas of the acting field prove that he is certainly not a ‘master-of-none.’ We look forward to seeing him in many more blockbusters (hopefully action movies, and more musicals) for years to come.

Actor, Actor Interview, Actor Profile, Canadian Talent, Child Actor, Film, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

Young Canadian actor Kyle Meagher talks about his role in new film “The Big Crunch”

February 13, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Actor Kyle Meagher

Many people spend their lives working in a job that brings them little happiness. It takes many years to figure out what they are meant to do. Those graduating high school face a decision as to how they want to spend their lives, and few that age can figure it out. This is where Kyle Meagher is the exception. While growing up in Ottawa, it was evident what he was meant to do, and he started doing at the age of ten. Now, four years later, Meagher stands among Canada’s best young actors.

Audiences have had the pleasure of watching Meagher in an assortment of national commercials, web campaigns, award-winning television programs, and feature films. And even with a successful career under his belt by his teens, he has no plans on slowing down. This past year, he was able to secure a role in the short film The Big Crunch, alongside Peter DuCunha (12 Monkeys), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt’s Creek), and Chris Gibbs (The BFG). He also got to work with his friend Sam Ashe Arnold (The Adventure Club).

“This was a cool short film to work on because they added a bunch of special effects and used a new, very expensive camera that helped make the special effects possible. I was really excited to see what it would turn out to look like,” said Meagher.

The Big Crunch, by Inflo Films, is produced by Harry Cherniak, and written and directed by Dusty Mancinelli. Meagher was excited to work alongside them, as he had heard of their great reputation of making award-winning films. It looks like The Big Crunch will follow the same trend, as it is already making its way to many film festivals.

“I love hearing about the festivals the film is going to and seeing the press about it. Harry and Dusty are great film makers and they deserve the recognition for the amazing work they do,” said Meagher.

The film follows 12-year-old August (DaCunha), who suffers an existential crisis about his place in the world after learning the universe will one day collapse in an epic Big Crunch. Nothing can shake August out of his depressive state, not even celebrating his birthday six months early. But when August is accidentally electrocuted after changing a light bulb, he has a magnificent cosmic experience. During an intense game of dodgeball at school, August suddenly unearths his own magical powers and goes on an extraordinary adventure of self-discovery. With his newfound understanding of the universe, August stands up to his bully and goes after the girl of his dreams.

“In this film, it was a great build up to a climax where August kisses the girl he has been admiring. It’s amazing to watch the character go from a very forlorn and sad child to one that sees the world in a completely new way. The scenes were fun to shoot, we spent some time outdoors and running around a school,” said Meagher.

The film made its world debut at the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax in September, and quickly headed to the Edmonton International Film Festival right afterwards. Audiences get to see Meagher play a role completely unlike himself: a bully. He and his friends are known as the “Goons” and bully August throughout the film.

“I am totally opposite to the bully, but I can relate to the role because I have been bullied before myself, and I simply channel what I’ve seen into a character,” said Meagher.

Throughout his career, Meagher has played the character of a bully many times. His experience makes his performance not only believable, but outstanding. However, those he works with find it interesting to watch him take on roles that are so different to his real-life personality.

“Kyle’s a really great guy, so it’s fun to see him play such a jerk,” said Sam Ashe Arnold, who played Elvis, August’s archenemy in the film. “Kyle is funny and nice to everyone, and he’s always professional and well prepared. That’s pretty much exactly the kind of person you hope to get cast with. He’s a great actor partly because he has such an expressive face, with big eyes and a big smile, but it’s mostly because he’s smart and he really listens and takes direction,” said Sam Ashe Arnold.

Arnold played the main bully in the film, and had worked with Meagher previously, but it was on this production that they truly became friends. They are both from Ottawa, so they attend auditions together, and hope to work together again soon.

“Sam and I are with the same talent agency and we spend time together so it was neat to actually get to work with him on set,” said Meagher. “I also met Peter DuCuhna for the first time who is a great actor that has a lot of experience.”

Despite having a lot of experience himself, the role also provided a unique learning experience for Meagher.

“There was a stuntman who taught Peter how to jump out the window for a scene – and it was the first time I had been with a stuntman on set,” he concluded. “It opened my eyes a bit more about safety and was interesting to see what they teach!”

Audiences will have the opportunity to see The Big Crunch later this year. Bell Media will be putting it on the BravoFact website.

Actor, Actor Interview, Actor Profile, Canadian Talent, Film, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

Actor Andrew Searles talks creating a character in film Sharkboy

February 13, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Actor Andrew Searles

Andrew Searles is funny, there is no doubt about it. The actor and stand-up comedian knows how to deliver a line and leave audiences in stiches. He is known across his home country of Canada for his comedic talents, and whether on stage or screen, he captivates audiences.

When working on the film Sharkboy, Searles’ natural comedic talents shine through. He plays Sundown, a character who was created after the film was written, specifically for him. The role required a lot of improvising, and natural comedic talents. Luckily, that is Searles’ specialty.

“I really had fun and enjoyed playing the character of Sundown. The character was not originally part of the script, but the director liked me so much that he wrote me into the script as one of the gang members. I was instructed, because I originally didn’t have any written lines, to improvise and go along with the scene. As a result, I would often repeat the last word said by anyone in the scene, for comedic effect,” said Searles.

Sharkboy tells the story of Francis, a half-man, half-shark, and the events surrounding his arrival at a new high school. The “Sharkboy” has a difficult time adapting to the high school, as he is bullied by Scott and his gang. Scott’s girlfriend is caught by the eye of Sharkboy, but not before Scott catches him staring, which leads to a violent altercation for Sharkboy. When Scott challenges Sharkboy to a wrestling match during their gym class, Sharkboy eats Scott, and immediately becomes not only the new leader of the gang, but the coolest kid in school. Now Sharkboy is styling and winning awards and the hearts of his fellow students, along with the heart of the newly single, Scott’s ex-girlfriend. The film is based on the myth that the band Led Zeppelin once defiled a groupie with a shark.

“From the breakdown of the film, it seemed like a type of awkward, twisted comedy, and I was eager to sign on and be a part of this, especially when they explained what the “Sharkboy” character was. I think the title alone was enough to sell me on this,” said Searles.

Still from Sharkboy

Sundown is one of the gang members lead by the antagonist Scott. He is in almost every scene, and turns into one of Sharkboys friends. Part of what makes the character so funny is his look, which was entirely created by Searles. Sundown looks like a member of an ‘80s gang, donning a high-top, California State Trooper-style reflective sunglasses, and a box of toothpicks. Searles was inspired by the iconic character of Mr. Bean, where Rowan Atkinson created a classic icon who did not speak, but was incredibly funny.

“I felt with such a unique looking character such as mine, the less he said on screen, the more of an impact he would have, and based on the reactions of people who have seen the movie, with my characters unique look, I felt I accomplished just that. I’m very proud of myself to this day for portraying a comedic character that said so little but stood out on screen,” said Searles. “I liked the fact that I was given free will with the character. I was able to make it my own and craft it exactly how I want to do it. In most cases, an actor is given a breakdown or guidelines of what the character is, but in my case there were no restrictions or guidelines, so it felt great to really create something on my own.”

Pat Kiley, the director of the film, loved Searles’ look for the character, and he effectively named the character “Sundown” after the striking similarity to the Top Gun character of the same name.

Still from Sharkboy.

“Andrew created his own retro style for the character and we loved his angle and his approach to the character as it fit perfectly with the story. I loved how even though his character had few to no lines in a scene, his character spoke volumes on the screen while saying so little. He ended up becoming one of the crew’s favorite characters because of his hilarious look and demeanor whenever he was on screen. Even at the film premiere, the audiences loved him too. Andrew not only brought life to a character, but he did it with so little and he brought out so much out of it. I look forward to working with him again one day. He did spectacular job and I wish him all the best in his career. He is definitely an incredible actor whose character began with nothing and made it huge and a fan favorite on screen,” said Kiley.

Creating a character for the film, which would be a challenge for many of the most seasoned actors, was a breeze for Searles. His experience in improvising and stand-up comedy made it easy to think on the spot.

“I would watch and listen attentively to the other characters lines. After a run-through and rehearsal, I would decide what I would say and when to say it, to keep the rhythm and pacing of the scene. After figuring out what I would say before the cameras started rolling, I would let the other actors know that I would be saying something at a certain point in the dialogue when nobody would say anything. Therefore, we all knew when I would come in and say my line, without stepping on another characters line,” said Searles.

Sharkboy premiered at the 2004 ‘Comedia Festival’ gala as part of the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. The film was also screened at the Austin Film Festival.

You can watch Searles as the audience favorite Sundown in Sharkboy on FunnyorDie here.

Actor, Actor Profile, Film, international Talent, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

EDDIE TANG BRINGS LIKABILITY TO A VERY BAD MAN IN THREE SIXTY

January 4, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Kidnapping is a dangerous situation. It is the subject of the film Three Sixty. While the action displayed on film is tense and dark, Eddie Tang gives a glimpse of levity that has endeared him to the audience and created a stand out role. The brilliance of Three Sixty is not in the originality of its plot (though it does possess a couple of major twists) but rather in the execution and performance of the actors. Every character in Three Sixty is tense and frightening in their own way (even the kidnapping victim “Cheryl”, played very convincingly by Ella Bowman) with the sole exception of Tang. In a small ensemble, the audience is afforded the chance to bond with each character to a greater extent. In Three Sixty, Zac is oddly the character which is most easily relatable. Eddie Tang is an Australian actor with a diverse career in film (Three Sixty, Happy Feet 2, Superman Returns), TV (East West 101), and commercial work (major campaigns by Volkswagen, KFC, and others); his performance as Zac is a perfect example of the talent and on screen charisma that have made him a sought after actor in so many productions. Three Sixty is benefiting from some of that attention as it is set to become a feature film in Hollywood with actors such as Ray Liotta attached to it. Tang is interested in following suit with the film and pursuing the opportunities that Hollywood’s film industry offers.

Three Sixty is an Australian thriller that depicts the story of a kidnapping gone wrong, in multiple ways. It’s the tale of two hapless youths, Zac and Roc, eager to make a quick buck by accepting a job from a nightclub owner to kidnap the girlfriend of a famous footballer. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing? Not if your Roc and greedy for more money. It’s a classic sting, almost a cliché. Get the merchandise, hide and stash it, and raise the price; except that the merchandise isn’t playing ball. No one is playing the game as it was supposed to be played. Nothing in Zac and Roc’s scheme goes according to plan. Just when things seem to get sorted, everything does another three sixty. From the moment when Zac and Roc rip the tape off of Cheryl’s mouth, the duo realizes that they may have kidnapped the wrong girl as evidenced by her American accent rather than the expected Australian one. The chemistry between these three characters (and thus cast members) is undeniable on screen. It is equally as attention commanding as any episode of the Sopranos. This positive interplay was palpable between Tang and Eamon Farren [Roc] during their mutual audition. Faith Martin, one of Australia’s leading casting directors, asked Eddie to audition for Zac based on her experience and intuition about the role. Tang comments, “Eamon and I had an instant connection. Off-set we were best buddies just like our characters were on set. The banter between us was great. There were jokes between us and the sound guys, which led to jumping on the airwaves on the crew radio and causing mischief. It was a fun set to be on. I felt like we were up to George Clooney and Brad Pitt-esque type shenanigans. Sometimes you have to design that kind of vibe on set but it happened completely naturally on Three Sixty. The producer came up to us at dinner on the first night of filming. He said there was magic dust in the air about this film. He was excited by the onscreen chemistry between Eamon and I as actors and how both our characters bounced off each other.”

While Roc is the darker and menacing of the two, Zac is the one who is more meticulous, cautious, and considerate of both the Cheryl and the felonious plan. Zac analyzes the situation and makes sure nothing goes wrong. The dark heart of Three Sixty is the kidnapping and its ambassador is Roc who, if left to his own designs, would add rape to the plan. Zac brings an aura of level headedness and sense of gentile to the circumstance. The comedy of Three Sixty is in the inexperience and the stupidity of these two when it comes to committing the crime. They often stumble their way through, being fooled and bewildered by Cheryl. Another comedy element is the banter and friendship between Roc and Zac. The back and forth commentary between the two characters in the diner is a classic example of this comical relationship. Three Sixty’s small cast (only five cast members in this film) could have resulted in the audience becoming weary of seeing the same actors on screen but, thanks to the electricity between Tang and Farren the opposite is true.

Eddie Tang’s successful portrayal of Zac in this film can be described with one word, subtle. The unobvious nice guy, Zac is presented in a low key manner which draws the viewer in to an emotional place where they feel sorry that he is even involved in the crime. It’s not an easy place for a character to access with an audience…while committing a violent felony. Eddie notes, “I always prepare and research for a role and I did a lot of work running lines with my PA for Three Sixty. My co-lead, Eamon Farren, is such a fine actor that I knew I’d have to be even more prepared to go toe to toe with him. The roles only work in this film if we both are magnetic in our individual ways. Roc is the character that pushes the guy who organized the job for more money. I felt that Zac’s role needed to be subdued in order to be more the natural stylistic kind of character; the character who is the subtle comic relief within the film. Zac is not an over the top clown, but rather the straight deadpan comic relief. It’s very easy to overplay a comic opportunity but if you underplay it, then it becomes more relatable to the audience and you are not begging them to like your character. It’s better if they just do it because they can relate to him. It gives you an opportunity to build rapport. It’s not an easy task to get the audience to like a character who is a kidnapper; a man who in reality is the villain. Nobody likes a kidnapper in real life, but Zac somehow wins over the audience by playing a subdued role within the film.” Eddie was disciplined and proactive in his approach in creating the backstory for his character. He states, “His father was never around. Because of his abandonment issues, he got into trouble in High School and was expelled. Zac started mixing with the wrong crowd. Roc was his best friend. Zac’s a DJ and dabbled in some Marijuana growing up. He’s overweight, not got much money, never had a girlfriend. He grew up in the South Western Suburbs of Sydney.” Eddie’s preparation paid off in his performance with the film’s Official Selection at the following Film Festivals: L.A. Shortfest, Rhode Island International film festival, Flickerfest (Academy accredited), Hollywood Film festival, Sydney Cockatoo Island, Cleveland International Film Festival, Carmel Art, and Bay Area film festival. Three Sixty’s director Dan Mitchell declares, “I do not hesitate when I say that Eddie’s leading role for Three Sixty was irreplaceable. The film could not have achieved the tone that the script suggested without him. I cannot imagine completing the film without him. Eddie’s achievements in his leading role for Three Sixty were a huge factor in the film’s incalculable critical acclaim. A good actor is an invaluable member of any production and Eddie is doubtlessly a great actor. His status as one of the most accomplished members among his peers can be seen in the variety of achievements he has earned throughout his career. Eddie is one of the most sought after actors in his field.” It’s a bit ironic, by not seeking attention for his role as Zac in Three Sixty, Eddie Tang has once again become one of the most lauded and recognized actors in a successful production.

Actor, Actor Profile, Film, international Talent, Interviews & Features!, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

Actress Tatiana Romao: Driven to Tell Touching Stories

December 15, 2016 lgreenbaulm Leave a comment

Tatiana Romao shot by Adrian Aguinaga

While many actors are driven to perform by the fame that accompanies the spotlight, Brazilian actress Tatiana Romao is driven by the unceasing need to tell stories that touch audiences on an emotional level.

Over the past two decades Romao has become known for her work in both South America and the United States through her roles in an impressive list of high profile films such as Bruno Costa’s Encantacao aka Enchanted, Benjamin Holk Henriksen’s romantic drama The Elephant Clan, multi-award winning director Giulio Poidomani’s 2012 drama Disruption, Nyon Visions du Réel and Santa Monica Film Festival Award winner Andrea La Mendola’s 2015 film Lips, Nir Paniry’s (Tina Bobina, A Scarecrow Story) film Extraction, which stars Sasha Roiz from the two-time Primetime Emmy nominated series Grimm and was nominated for the Audience Award at the prestigious South by Southwest Film Festival, and many more.

About what drives her to perform, Romao says, “I want the stories I am a part of to be an example to someone else of a reality different than what they know or have, a new perspective on the struggle they might be going through, to inspire, to give hope. To know that I am able to change someone’s life fulfills me in a way that nothing else does. That’s how I want to change people’s lives and that’s the story I want to live behind.”

One of her most touching portrayals to date came in 2014 when she took on the lead role of Diana in the dramatic feature film Simple Being written and Directed Marco Ferrari (Moonscape, Don’t Let Me Go). In the film Romao stars alongside Sol Mason (This Tunnel South, Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life), Jasmin Radibratovic (Broken Hill, Misfire), Jeff Adler (Reel Evil, Criminal Minds, Modern Family) and Tony Award winner Paul Sand (Time of Your Life, Joan of Arcadia).

“Simple Being” Film Poster

Revolving around Clive (Mason), a college student who’s spent most of his life feeling like an outcast, Simple Being offers audiences a powerful look into one young man’s experimental journey into experiencing what it means to really have an impediment.

“It has a beautiful lesson and it teaches the world how to respect and appreciate others,” Romao says about the film.

With few friends in his life aside from Diana (Romao), Xécile (Radibratovic) and Aaron (Adler) who live with him, Clive’s overwhelming feeling of disconnection to the world leads him to embark on a three week journey of sensory abstinence– devoting one week each to experience what it’s like to be deaf, blind and mute.

As Clive’s closest friend in life, Romao gives a knockout performance as Diana, the one person who supports him on the journey to finding himself and his place in the world.

“Diana gives him the idea to do the experiment for 3 weeks… She is the one who is always by his side and guiding him through it all. He needed to learn about life and she wanted him to find his path, to find himself,” explains Romao. “He is judged and somewhat mocked by his family and classmates and Diana is the only one supporting and pushing him to go all the way and finally discover himself in this journey, she is always by his side with a word of incentive.”

Journeying through each impediment, Clive discovers more and more about himself as each week passes. Over the course of the film we watch him go from being uncomfortably disconnected from everything and everyone to pushing the boundaries of his normal ‘comfortable’ life, and ultimately coming to a point where he is able to experience a new reality filled with real connection.

Produced by Hornil Brothers Productions (Missed Call, The Face of an Angel, Trouble Child, 6 Rose Circle), Simple Being did exceptionally well on the film festival circuit taking home the Best Feature Film Award at Italy’s Artelesia Film Festival, the Castell Award from the Barcelona Film Festival, the Jury Special Mention Award at the Detour On The Road Film Festival, as well as the Excellence in Cinematography Award at the Amsterdam Film Festival and an award at the Human District International Film Festival of Human Rights. Simple Being was also chosen as an Official Selection of the ARS Independent Festival, Brasilia International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, No Glass Film Festival, Canberra International Film Festival and more.

“This is one of those scripts that you just fall in love with straight away. It wasn’t so much about my role or who I was playing, but more about the story that was being told. That is exactly the kind of project that I want to be a part of, that I want my name connected to and that is exactly what inspires me,” admits Romao.

Romao’s performance in the film is so authentic and touching that you’d imagine she actually lived Diana’s life off screen. To those who have seen her work in the film it will come as no surprise as to why the film garnered such praise, and why she has become such a sought after actress on an international level.

Actress Tatiana Romao (left) director Lidia Damatto & production designer Elisa Lopes (right) at the Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival

In 2017 audiences will be able to catch Romao in the upcoming zombie horror film Valentine DayZ, which also stars Carrie Keagan from the hit series Reno 911 and the films The Hangover and Dead 7, and Robert Allen Mukes from the series Westworld and Weeds. She is currently in talks with Valentine DayZ producer Kate Rees Davies (The Girl, The Night Visitor, The Vanished) and director Mark Allen Michaels (Mind Rage, The Fiance) to take on a critical role in one of their upcoming projects, so stay tuned for more information about that!

Davies says, “When I first met Tatiana, I was so impressed with her ability as an actress and her passion. She is a very versatile talent… I look forward to continuing a strong work relationship with her for many years to come. She is already under consideration for many exciting projects such as ‘Babes With Attitude’ to be filmed in 2018 and ‘The Conflagration’ for the year after.”

For Brazilian actress Tatiana Romao, acting is a means of telling stories and touching the lives of viewers around the world; and, while she’s garnered international fame for her work, it is only a side effect of doing what she loves.

Actor, Actor Profile, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

The CW Keeps Actor Nathan Mitchell Busy With Several Hit Shows

December 13, 2016 lgreenbaulm Leave a comment

Actor Nathan Mitchell

From hit teen shows to action-packed dramas Canadian-born actor Nathan Mitchell has become a recognizable face on some of The CW’s most popular television shows, and it’s no wonder why—the guy’s got a lot of talent.

Over the last decade we’ve watched Mitchell break Lindsey Shaw’s (“Pretty Little Liars,” “Temps”) character Claire Tolchuck’s heart on “Aliens in America,” battle it out with Colton Hayes (“San Andreas,” “Teen Wolf”) aka Arsenal on the DC Comics inspired series “Arrow” and take on polarizing roles on both sides of justice in the series “Tomorrow People” and “iZombie.”

Ironically enough, Mitchell actually got his start on the small screen on The CW series “Aliens in America” where he played the recurring lead role of Jeffrey, an amiable high school jock who’s the on again off again boyfriend of Claire Tolchuck. Over the course of the first season we watch the two go back and forth falling in and out love with that hot and cold style that’s so characteristic of most high school relationships. At first Tolchuck tries to dump Mitchell’s character in an effort to raise her social status and find a more popular beau, but it doesn’t stick.

“Like any sophomore in love, I waited on her lawn and blasted ‘In Your Eyes’ till she came down and gave me a nice PG hug,” recalls Mitchell.

The two make it work for a little while, but like many high school boys, Jeffrey eventually decides he needs more freedom.

Mitchell says, “I decided she was too clingy so I ended it in between classes. Nice and clean. She was crying but I was cool, so whatevs. Playing the character was a blast!”

Nathan Mitchell as Jeffrey in “Aliens in America”

“Aliens in America” couldn’t have been a better jumping off point for Mitchell’s career, as we got to see the actor take his character from being a lovable stud to a nonchalant ass hole. Proving his dynamic talent, Mitchell takes the character from someone we immediately adore and transforms him into one that is easy to hate, making Jeffrey relevant and relatable to the show’s massive teen following.

In stark contrast to Jeffrey on “Aliens in America,” Mitchell went on to play a significantly more vile character on the Joey Award winning series “The Tomorrow People.” In the action-filled sci-fi series a group of young people who possess psionic powers as a result of human evolution are forced to keep their abilities a secret or risk being imprisoned and exploited by Ultra. Mitchell comes into the mix as one of Ultra’s key agents in the first season of the series, and he’s definitely one badass the Tomorrow People do not want on their trail. Comparing how intimidating his character is on “The Tomorrow People” to Jeffrey in “Aliens in America” it’s surprising that they are played by the same actor, from his mannerisms to the way he carries himself, Mitchell is that good at morphing himself into different characters.

Nathan Mitchell in “The Tomorrow People”

One of his most popular CW roles to date though is Isaac Stanzler, the bitter and abandoned protégé of Wildcat on the Leo and Prism Award winning series “Arrow.” In the show’s third season we get to see Mitchell put on his villain’s mask and battle gear and get into a nasty brawl with Arsenal aka Roy Harper in a tell-tale interaction that foreshadows the series’ thickening plot. Mitchell is clearly a force to be reckoned with on screen when it comes to action.

“Isaac’s showdown with Roy was epic… The fighting sequences were off the chart,” says Mitchell.

After Mitchell’s character commits a series of bloody murders in a ploy to frame Wildcat and get revenge for past pain, he encounters Arsenal who puts a stop to it all in an intense battle scene that keeps us on our toes.

Colton Hayes (left) and Nathan Mitchell (right) duking it out on “Arrow”

Mitchell’s most recent spot on The CW was in season 2 of the comedy crime drama “iZombie,” which aired earlier this year. Earning a Teen Choice Award nomination last year, as well as a Joey Award nomination this year, “iZombie” follows Olivia Moore played by Rose McIver (“Masters of Sex,” “Once Upon a Time”), a medical student who, after being turned into a zombie, finds a way to use her unique circumstances to help the police solve crimes around the city.

Mitchell first appears in the series powerful season 2 finale in a crucial role as a law enforcement squad leader who leads his team into the Super Max Rager research facility after a group of young researchers take a pill that turns them into bloodthirsty zombies. We see Mitchell take charge as he dashes through the doors of the building and orders Moore, Detective Babineaux and Major to vacate the building so he can clean up the mess.

Nathan Mitchell in “iZombie”

Audiences will also be able to catch Nathan Mitchell in a recurring role as a mercenary in season 3 of “iZombie,” which is slated to air on The CW in 2017.

From playing the high school stud to an embittered criminal, as well as several roles as dominating characters in positions of power, Mitchell has done a brilliant job of transforming himself to fit whatever the project calls for; and thanks to his unparalleled talent and undeniable good looks, audiences around the world can bet on seeing a whole lote more from the Canadian actor for many years to come.

Actor, Actor Profile, Film, international Talent, Intetnational Films, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

SEBASTIAN SACCO’S PERFORMANCE IN “NO PLACE” IS EERILY SIMILAR TO PRESENT DAY SCENARIOS

November 14, 2016 pressva Leave a comment

Imagination can be wonderful but it can also make things harder for us in the real world. That statement might contradict what most of us think about imagination. Escapism can be a beneficial tool, right? Most of the time it is, but consider the predicament of Writer/Director Joe Beverly, a celebrated filmmaker who had written a deep and intense character driven piece called No Place (the film would go on to be screened at the Forum Film Festival and win ‘Best Short’ and ‘Best Screenplay’). The central character, William Aims, would need to communicate his inner turmoil without words as often as with. Aims is such a strong force in the story that casting anyone less charismatic or “alpha male” as the character would cause the story to “lose its teeth.” Luckily for Beverly, young British actor Sebastian Sacco was seeking an intensely dramatic role. Joe Beverly declares, “I needed to cast an exceptionally strong actor to successfully execute what I had written in the script. I was extremely lucky to find Sebastian and, when he auditioned, I knew almost instantly that he was the absolute perfect choice to essay the role of William. He has an uncanny ability to communicate without speaking or even moving much, a gift which only the very best actors possess, and which he put on full display in No Place. His performance went beyond what I had even hoped for and truly made the film a special tour de force about the cult of money and how it can topple lives. There is no way the film would have been possible without Sebastian’s stunning performance and everyone who has seen it has been floored by his portrayal of William.” The film’s star states that the reason for his being cast is likely due to a combination of acting and inherent character traits as he sates, “I’m an extremely moral person and will speak up if I think something is wrong. I think it was this trait which Joe saw in me. In my opinion, a strong actor is someone who isn’t scared to go there, to look ridiculous, to fail in front of people and to keep trying. That’s a strong actor. I think what Joe meant was that I was capable of holding the audience’s attention. I take it as quite a compliment that Joe saw that in me.”

No Place is unsettling in how contemporary and possible it seems. The plot depicts a scenario in which England has seen a political, economic, and social change. The government has fallen, the banks have crashed, and the old system has fallen into the hands of three remaining corporations. These three corporations are now ruled by the Bank of Britain, posing as three separate organizations that still give the public an opportunity to vote. Young economist Will Aim’s (Sebastian Sacco) works his way to the top of the system, eventually working alongside Tony Darwin (Paul Dewdney) who is the final over seer of Britain’s future. Will’s moral compass and girlfriend, Skylar (Danielle Norman) rejects the new system, seeing the bigger picture, she tries to open Will’s eyes. He slowly begins to uncover the truth that Skylar saw all along and, with Skylar by his side, Will has a life changing decision to make; one which is harder than he ever expected. As inspiration for Aims, Sebastian reverted back to an earlier time and emotional state of mind which he had experienced. He remarks, “I went back to my private school days. Trying to impress people in that world. It’s all about how you talk, dress, posture eat; everything is judged and weighed up. If you can do it all the ‘right way’ then you’re part of the club. That sense of constant self-awareness and trying to look and act a certain way but never above your station was important to me. Will was very straight edged. He rose to his position so quickly because he was smart, not because he was imposing or a risk taker. In my own private school days, I thought some people were rich because they were smatter and harder working than others. I believed in these ridicules lies. The truth is most people are stuck and trapped by their circumstances. I’ve been as ignorant and blind as Will was and I’ve come out the other side. So I understood his journey.

The film was well received by critics, the film community, and the public; no doubt due to the intense performances which Sacco and his supporting cast delivered as well as the timely subject matter. Sebastian reveals that he is somewhat conflicted about these recognitions as he remarks, “It was amazing to hear it won awards. Joe called me straight away to let me know. I’m always very hard on my performance and wasn’t happy with it, so to hear that it had won two awards…I couldn’t have been too bad. I think awards are pointless in many ways. Arts are about expression. Not all expression is nice. A lot of awards are like a popularity contest. I think as long as you don’t make films with awards in mind, staying true to the original idea and express it in the strongest way possible to that truth…then if someone wants to give you an award for that, I feel that is good. The best reward is just making the film. When that happens, my entire life just stops. It is fulfilling and draining simultaneously. When you finish, you have this piece of art that you have all worked together to create. You have this thing that existed in your collective minds and you made it materialize, then you send it out for others to experience. Now that is an award!”