How did you get attached to BEARS ON A SHIP?
I worked with Eduardo on a film prior to this one and we really connected on set and had a lot of fun. I seen the posting on Facebook for Bears on the ship. I said wow! I heard of snakes on the plane, now bears on the ship. This is going be interesting! Usually how it works in the film industry it’s all about who you know and also how you perform on set and get along with others I was blessed to get a call months later Eduardo asking me what I like to be in the film. My jaw dropped and I said will I! of course!
Tell us a little bit about your character?
I played Dex, and he’s one of the engineers that works in the engine room at the bottom of the ship. He works along side “Briggs” who is the chief engineer played by Michael Grayson. My character was responsible to keeping the ship running smoothly. Deck and Briggs has work together for a long time so you can see that brotherly connection in the film.
How was it working with Eduardo Castrillo?
Eduardo is always fun to work with. He’s a visionary leader with a clear creative vision, who can effectively communicate his ideas to the cast and crew, making any project he works on achieve its full potential, while also being adaptable, open to input, making a positive and productive working environment for all involved. I look forward to working on many more projects with him. There’s a scene in the film where Dex and Briggs are talking to one of our crew members and out of nowhere the bear wraps his hands around him and drag him away and Briggs and Dex are terrified hugging each other and screaming like little girls. It was funny. The difficult part was the weather. It was really hot, and we filmed all day in the heat. But of course, Eduardo made sure everybody stayed hydrated. We had a lot of water and ice thank God.
What makes this film stand out?
I think this film stands out because there’s bears on a ship! lol. As I mentioned earlier everybody loved snakes on the plane. Now everybody is taking all these different animals and putting them in these strange environments with people. It draws you in and makes you want to see the film to see what happens, and how everybody will handle this situation. I think people are really going to enjoy this film.
Do you have any favorite horror films?
Oh Yes! I love horror films. All the Nightmare on Elm St films., Friday the 13th. Hellraiser, Halloween, Night of the creeps, I have so many favorite horror films.
What made you want to get into acting?
I always wanted to get into acting when I was a kid, and I did some school plays so acting was always in me at a young age. I didn’t take it seriously until I met Mario Lopez at the wildcard boxing gym in LA. And asked him how he went about getting into the industry he gave me some advice and when I came back from LA to the Bay Area, I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since. My wife, Alexis, who also loves to act, is very supportive And always help me Prepare for my films.
Who inspires your creativity?
Studying the work of renowned actors, observing their techniques and understanding how they embody complex characters. I’m a big fan of Denzel Washington. I’ve been watching his films since the early 90s. Also, actor Glenn Plummer he such a great actor too.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m attached to a film called “Midnight Maniac” it’s a horror film, directed by Justin W. Smith. I play Kevin, it’s about a serial killer Max Grady has awakened from his years long coma and Riley Snow with a camera in hand focuses on the scars left by Grady, seeking to document the events before the Midnight Maniac continues his reign of terror once again. I’m Definitely looking forward to starting production on that soon.
