Ricky Church chats with Stelio Savante about Media…
This Saturday, TV One will premiere Media, a film about the power struggles within a family that runs a media corporation. Media focuses on the Jones family and their media empire, Jones Universal Media Properties, better known as JUMP, as matriarch Jackie (Penny Johnson Jerald) and her son Michael (Brian White) combat forces in and outside their family that seek to destroy everything they’ve spent their lives building. You can view the trailer here.
Flickering Myth got the chance to speak with Stelio Savante, one of the actors in the film who plays underworld power broker Howard Boston. Savante has had a long career in television and film such as Ugly Betty, Eisenstein in Guanajuato and The Making of the Mob: New York. We spoke with him about his role in Media as well as Netflix’s recently released Colors of Heaven. Check out his thoughts on the projects below…
Ricky Church: What made you want to join the cast of Media? Was there a particular theme or something about your character that struck you the most?
Stelio Savante: Howard Boston’s stillness drew me in. He is full of rich contradiction. So thank you to Kevin Arkadie for his gifts as a writer. As I’ve shared recently, Media is one of the most unique scripts I’ve ever seen because it is defined by its honesty. The audience is brought into a world where all the characters speak in their own language, and have a journey that is expressive and unique to their culture without having to apologize for it; and without having to be defined or mischaracterized or stereotyped by someone outside of their culture. To be a part of that is a privilege.
RC: Technology has made it easier for fans to follow the activities of celebrities. How does Media touch on the ways celebrity culture has changed in the last 20 – 25 years?
SS: JUMP is the world’s premier urban media conglomerate in this story, and because of that, they can control the narrative of their various products (radio, print, etc.) and speak to their audience and consumers in a very personal way. I think the biggest difference between now and 25 years ago; is the accessibility to information, people and news that was once unattainable. Likewise the speed at which information is shared, it is available immediately. That certainly does play into the storyline but you’ll need to tune in and find out how and why.
RC: Your character is described as ‘an underworld power broker’. What does that mean and how is Howard Boston involved with the characters?
SS: It means that because of his history and his status, he has control, relationships with certain people, and basically an ‘army’ at his disposal. That kind of influence gives one tremendous leverage, even when they’re in prison. He was brought to justice by Michael Jones (portrayed by Brian White) and is now in a position to use this influence as leverage with Michael. But everything is not what it appears to be.
RC: What’s the one thing you hope audiences can take away after watching Media?
SS: A sense of fulfillment entertainment-wise and through identification with the characters. But also fulfillment about themselves. Seeing successful CEOs, highly accomplished attorneys, caring and successful mothers, brothers and sons who are role models and knowing that they themselves as audience can achieve this greatness and influence.
RC: You’ve also starred in the Netflix film Colors of Heaven (view the trailer here). What can you tell us about that film?
SS: Colors of Heaven is based on the true story of Muntu Ndebele whose life was greatly altered and influenced by the Soweto Uprising of 1976. It is best described as Slumdog Millionaire meets City Of God with a hint of Romeo and Juliet because it is ultimately about love. It is an epic drama that has won over audiences internationally on the festival circuit and at the South African SAFTA awards (their Oscars) and we’re all very excited that it is finally available on Netflix here and globally.
RC: Colors of Heaven is based on a true story. What was it like for you to star in a film based on such a powerful story?
SS: Being South African myself, it was very moving, very emotional. Filming in Soweto, experiencing the pulse of the local heartbeat, and touching on very provocative subject matter, I think we certainly caught lightning in a bottle.
RC: What can you tell us about your character, Major Dixon, and how he deals with the changing times in South Africa?
SS: Major Dixon was an enforcer for the Apartheid government’s secret police. There were so many plots to pit the Zulus and the ANC against each other and that’s where he came in. Dixon is cool, calm and collected when needling others. Even though he wasn’t necessarily all about the cause, he certainly thrived in those kinds of situations. So it was a matter of adapting to change and many new relationships in his journey.
RC: Howard Boston and Major Dixon. Do you enjoy playing such antagonistic characters?
SS: They are so enjoyable, one has artistic license to explore the inner thought process of chilling, rabid characters but that also means there is sometimes an opportunity for redemption, a theme that so many of us strive for in our own lives.
RC: One of your next projects is Jo, The Medicine Runner with Matt Dillon and Jim Caviezel. What can you tell us about that or your other upcoming projects?
SS: Yes, we shot Jo on the Big Island (Hawaii) and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life; on and off set. I really hit it off with Matt, loved working with him. The second time I’ve worked with Jim, who is terrific. David L. Cunningham is a masterful director on every level.
You can actually ‘play me’ in the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare game and upcoming DLC; I’m the ‘Faster than Light’ character in the multiplayer levels. I also have several films that will be released this year. No Postage Necessary opposite George Blagden (Vikings, Versailles), Michael Beach (The 100, Pitch) and Charleene Closshey (An Evergreen Christmas) directed by Jeremy Culver. Rapid Eye Movement opposite Francois Arnaud (Blindspot, The Borgias) and Reiko Aylesworth (24) , directed by Peter Bishai, and Avalanche; opposite pals Gideon Emery and Autumn Withers and written and directed by Todd L. Green. Moving forward I have an offer on a series shooting in Colombia for a week but cannot share any more info than that.
Media will premiere February 25 on TV One at 8 PM EST while Colors of Heaven is available now on Netflix.
Many thanks to Stelio Savante for taking the time for this interview.
Ricky Church
