What it is like to be in front of the camera for you?

I feel totally naked when I am in front of the camera. And is fascinating in the same time. It’s me. I feel complete but in the same time vulnerable. I have a feeling that only the camera can understand who I am and nobody else can.

 You play in Dedication the role of an actor who is struggling to find a role. Is the story based on personal experience? 

Many people asked me this. But no. It’s not. I don’t really connect things with my personal life. When I did Before Suicide I remember everyone called me to ask me if I am ok. It was funny actually. But no. I don’t connect my creation with my personal life. It can be very dangerous. Stories that I write? Yes. I combine the experience I go through in my life. But I don’t put myself out there and say hey this is about me and all that. Dedication is about the struggle and dedication an actor has to go through to succeed in his audition or not. He has to be ready mentally for all the struggle and must push forward otherwise it will never happen.

What can you tell us about your role in A Tale Of Shadows: Illusions?

I play the farmer in A Tale of Shadows: Illusions. The farmer is one of the villains in the film. He is the main point of contact of what is happening in the farm. He knows about all the killings that happens in the farm. He is mysterious and very quiet and is observing everything that is happening there. Because he is afraid to lose his job, he doesn’t talk too much with anyone. The fact that he becomes an evil person later makes the story very interesting.

 How do you find being an actor based in Asia? Do you think there are enough opportunities to work in local movies?

Being an actor here you are forced to create. You don’t have many opportunities. Because the days when producers and directors can spot you in a café and give you a role, I think is over. Today the acting industry is totally changed. You must create your own path. You must create to be seen. And it’s not an easy task. But I believe there is great potential in Asia of growth in the industry. I consider myself an international actor and I can play roles anywhere in the world. I don’t belong to a theatre company or I am not tied up to anyone and I like that. I prefer to be independent. I think this is how actors must be.

What is it like working on horror films?

Today the film audiences are very interested in watching horror films. They are very educated in the language of filmmaking than previous years. And if you see the statistics you can notice that among all film genres, horror films levels are constantly increasing. The audience is very demanding. From a filmmaker point of view is cheaper to make a horror film rather than another genre. I, as an actor I love working in horror and drama films. This film is my second horror film now after Nyctophobia.

How was your transformation from being a football agent to acting? How everything started?

I was going through allot of changes at that time in my life. It was a very important turning point for me, and I am happy now I made that decision to make the change. Somehow, I knew that one day I will come back to acting because I always wanted to be an actor since I was a child. Then I went for an audition and the fact that I didn’t take the part made me want to study acting and pursue this professionally. Football will always be a part of my life and I am still involved in it as a business side.

How do you prepare for a role?

As a method actor I like to take my time and learn first about my character and study it. I am interested to know everything about the character, to understand its world, so I go very deep in experiencing everything that is captivating about it. I try to find a way to tell the story exactly how its perceived.

What made you decide to want to become an actor?

I am one of these guys who had nothing, who started their life from zero. I know what means to have allot of money and then have nothing. I didn’t have my parents rich or any support from anyone. We had a normal life. I grow up finding a way in life alone. I had to work my way up in life just like anyone else. My involvement in many business activities changed me allot in a good way. When I decided to make a real change in my life acting came very naturally for me because it’s something I felt I was always connected with.

Who are your acting inspirations?

It may sound cliché, but I never look upon anyone to get an inspiration. I think every person its different in their own ways. People who are indeed talented they have something special in them that makes them be different than others and this is something than you cannot copy. People who can invent and create, people who have amazing ideas and can make a big difference when they get involved in the craft. I am part of this category.

 Who would you most like to work with in the movie world?

I just want to work with films and stories that can make a difference in people’s life. I would obviously love to work with the biggest stars in the industry, but this is not really my target. My target is to play characters that can somehow help others. I know that one day I will be working with the best in the industry. I know it and I feel it. It will come at the right time, I think.

What film would you like to make if you had the choice of any?

I would like to make a film about human rights abuse in the world. In fact, I am working on something now. Maybe sometimes in the next couple of years I will be ready with it.

What is your personal motto/ words you live your life by?

My motto in life is “everything is possible in life.” You can do anything you want if you really want. You just must push yourself to the limits. Because everything is possible in life.

What is the most difficult moment for an actor before taking a role?

The most difficult moment is when you have to convince a director that you are good for that role. When you feel the director doesn’t understand your approach and you have to make him believe in you. As far as I am concerned I feel I can transform myself for a role considering that I can play many types of roles.

 What are your upcoming projects ?

I just finished working on Poison and Nyctophobia, and I am looking forward to taking a little bit break and then I start preparations for shooting Unexpected Revenge. This is my first action film, so I look forward to it. Apart from this I work on a comedy script that is ready to go.  I will announce it when is ready probably in 2025. Currently I enjoy visiting Europe. It’s been a while since i haven’t been here.

What do you do in your free time when not filming?

I don’t really have much free time these days but when I get the chance, I write something, read a good book or I go fencing or do archery, swimming. Depends on the time and the mood, I go for horse riding or just go play football, tennis or watch couple of movies. Yeah i love watching movies.

Interview courtesy : Black Falcon Studios