In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Freddy Giorlando to talk about acting, life in Los Angeles and producing Hollywood films…
Photo Credit: Joanna Degeneres
Hi Freddy, welcome to Flickering Myth! How have your family reacted to your career choice and your successes in the entertainment industry? Was it always your dream to be an actor?
Thank you for having me, I’m grateful to be able to share my story on your platform. My family was always super supportive of my choice to become an actor, even when I started producing films they have stood by me along the way. I’m very grateful for the love and support of my family.
My mother always instilled in me that I can do everything as long as I stood positive and had vision. Her motto is PPP: “Pray, Positive and Picture It”. She’s instilled in the spirit that has helped shape who I continue to become. My father always reminded me to work hard and to strive to be the best at what I did. I get my work ethic from him. I have a great relationship with my two younger brothers. They continue to support me and have always stood by my side through out my journey. I’m very grateful to have the family I have. They mean a lot to me. My pride and joy and fuel for everything I do is my 14 year old son Anthony. He is a constant reminder to continue to stay on my path and keep striving. I want to be an example to him that anything in this life is possible with hard work, faith and vision.
To be honest, it was not always a dream of mine to be an actor. With that said though, I always did plays in school growing up and really enjoyed performing a lot. It wasn’t until I turned 21 that I decided to give acting as a career a go. I ended up going to my first acting class on my 21st birthday. It’s a been a wonderful journey to say the least. Acting has helped me realize myself as an individual and continues to do so. I really enjoy working with great people and all I want to do is keep getting better as an actor and as a person, to keep learning and growing.
Congrats on your role in “Replica”. Can you tell us about the role you played?
Thank you! The role was a fun role. I play this character Boomer. Who is a neo-nazi thug for the most part. The character shows up in a pivotal scene that connects the two main characters for the rest of the movie. I don’t want to say much as I don’t want to give too much away. We premiere in October at the Chelsea Film Festival for their 10th year anniversary so I’m excited for that.
How did you prepare yourself as an actor?
For a role like that, I just ask myself what do I want in the scene, prep hard and try to let it go on the day and be present. I love the aspect of embodying characters from different walks a like. I get to know a lot about myself and other people in the process. At the end of the day though, for me it’s just a matter of telling the truth and being of service to the story while working with the director and my fellow cast mates. It’s a team game.
Do you have a particular genre of film you prefer? If so, can you explain?
I’ve always been intrigued by Dramas and Rom Drams. I love stories that shed light on the human condition and also shed light and awareness on topics that are not often talked about. I love inspirational films as well as good old classic films from back in the day. I spend most of my Sundays off resting if I can and watching movies all day. Movies are very therapeutic for me and have always played a big role in my life. For as long as I can remember I’ve went to the movie theatre to get lost in the world. I used to watch movies as a kid on repeat with my grandfather because he would always tape them for me and I would rewatch them over and over with him on VHS. Same thing with my father. He would take me to the theatre to watch great movies like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and others at a very young age. That is a way my father and I connected. I just love movies and everything about them.
Are there any actors or directors you would love to work with in the future? Any actor you’d like to play alongside?
There is a lot and a ton! The list is never ending to be honest. I’m really inspired and in awe by a lot of great filmmakers and actors work. A few directors that come to mind are Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, David O’ Russell, Cameron Crowe, Richard Linklater, Paul Thomas Anderson, Damian Chazelle and the Safdie brothers. I got to work with Mr. Scorsese on the pilot episode of the HBO Show Vinyl, but would love to really get in depth with him on something else. For me to choose actors it’s really tough, a lot of people I’m awe struck by, but if I had to choose a few I’d say Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Bradley Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. I really would love to work with the newer actors that have surfaced in the industry over the past past 5-10 years or so and recently like Jon Bernthal, Jonathan Majors, LaKeith Stanfield, Glenn Powell, Ana De Armas, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
We understand you also produce movies. Tell about some of your most recent?
Well as of now I have 5 projects that I have either acted in and/or produced that is currently running through the film festival circuit. I’m equally proud of all of them. This past year I was able to produce and act in my first feature “Replica” that we just spoke about as well as produce two films American Hero and Blessed Be while acting in the films Above The Horizon and The Well.
I currently have my production company Shicken Productions that specializes in Film/TV, Events and Marketing as well as I am partners with Manny Mccord and Josh Ehrhardt with our company Crimson Moon Cinema that has really made strides this past year. We dabble in narrative film as well as commercials and docs as well.
I love producing projects I believe in and most importantly produce with good people. The meaning of “success” to me now is to be blessed to be able to wake up to another day to do what I love, with the people I love so that I can take care of the people I love. As a producer I want to create innovative change but also continue to bring quality work to the big screen. The current landscape right now is oversaturated and every one is consuming content at the most incredible rate that anyone has ever done so with the streaming platforms and such it creates an opportunity for more creators to get there stories told. It’s exciting times right now! I’m just here to play my part in any way I can by making sure quality stories continue to get told to the public.
Currently right now I am putting together my first film I will be making my debut in directing titled Oh Johnny and I am attached as a producer on a feature dramedy. Stay tuned on those!
Do you enjoy to take a break from in front of the camera?
Honestly I consider myself a workaholic. I love to work and see things manifest and come into fruition. Aside from being in front of the camera, I enjoy producing and working with good people and helping people. If I’m not acting or producing I’m just trying to get better as a person so that I can bring my best self to those around me. I enjoy connecting dots and helping others. That fulfills me very much so. Vacations for me right now does not make any sense. I have my day off I give myself to rest and enjoy movies when I can but aside from that I love what I do so every day is a great adventure. I’m blessed to be able to work when I can!
Finally, any advice you would give any actor who is trying to break into the entertainment industry?
I just tell new actors that want to make an impact to just work hard, have faith and to stick to your vision. To constantly make consistent choices on a daily basis that align with your mission and your purpose. I truly believe that anything at all is possible. As I get older I have been able to enjoy the process so I would also say just enjoy the adventure. This journey is what makes you become the person you are set out to be. Trust in the process… Gods got you.
How can people find and follow your journey?
You can follow me on social media @freddygiorlando. I am most active on Instagram so be sure to tap in with me on there.
Thank you very much for your time and opportunity for my story to be heard!
Our thanks to Freddy Giorlando for taking the time for this interview, and to Liz Rodriguez from EMR Media for helping us with the interview.
