10 Things about Gianni Paolo
When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor and how did you get your start?
I realized I wanted to be an actor when I took my first theatre class in high school. I was always so crazy and full of energy. And, once I was being praised for that and was able to channel it by performing, I was immediately hooked. The first professional thing I ever got paid for was a Kygo and Ellie Goulding music video called, “First Time”! The rest is history!
Which actor’s body of work made an impression on you and your career?
I really admire Donald Glover as a “creator”. He has really done everything I want to do and is someone that I definitely respect and would like to follow in their footsteps. Acting wise, I am a huge Miles Teller fan. He has been able to strategically pick amazing projects including comedy and drama, which is exactly what I want to do. I aspire one day to write, produce and direct my own projects, as well. So, Will Forte, who created “The Last Man On Earth”, is someone I really admire, too.
As an actor, it’s not easy navigating this business. What inspires you and how do you keep yourself motivated?
Honestly, I don’t know what keeps me going. My whole life, I feel like I have always been very driven, and I truly don’t know what the spark is that lights me. I feel like my career and life has been one giant snowball that hasn’t stopped moving and I don’t plan on it ever stopping. The way I always looked at my life, is the more I work and grind, the more I will be rewarded. That was definitely my mindset when I was playing hockey, but even more so now.
You’re in the highly anticipated film, Ma. How were you first introduced to the project and what excited you to take this on?
When I originally read the audition sides, I am going to be honest, I had no idea it was an older woman. I just thought it was a crazy girl who just moved to our school because the scenes were very vague. Once I got a callback and they sent the script to me, I was instantly hooked. I had to do this project. The character was so fun and just felt right. Once I heard Tate Taylor, Octavia Spencer, Jason Blum and Scotty Landes were all involved in this project, it was like a dream come true.
In the film, you play the role of Chaz. What can you tell us about his personality and how he fits in with the rest of the cast?
Chaz is the fun guy with no filter, that we all know and love. He loves to have a good time and would never turn down a drink or a joint, even on his wedding day. He is one of the high schoolers that parties in Ma’s basement. I like to call our group, The OG Crew. We are the ones that discover Ma’s basement. I definitely think Chaz is a big part of why we end up there because he just wants to have a good time! Don’t we all?!
What did you enjoy most about bringing your character to life and playing him on screen?
I just really love the way Scotty writes. He was a writer on “Workaholics”, so his style totally fit my sense of humor. I think that’s why I gravitated towards it so much. Tate also let us improv and play around a lot, which was so awesome because I literally just said whatever was on my mind. There are a bunch of things that made it in the movie which I’m stoked about!
From your perspective, what is the audience in for when they watch this film?
THEY AREN’T READY! This movie is truly a crazy cinematic experience all around that I think audiences are going to LOVE. The film starts off as a slow burn but once things go haywire, it is a wild ride! I wish this type of movie came out when I was in high school!
If you weren’t working on your career as an actor, what career would you have instead?
I most likely would be doing something with hockey if I wasn’t in the arts. Hockey was my first passion and I still have a lot of love for it, but nothing compares to the feeling I get when I am making movies. It truly is an incredible thing I get to be a part of.
Which designers and styles fit your personality the most?
I have kind of been going through a phase where I am trying tons of different things. I have been into Armani recently, which I would have never thought I’d wear but I absolutely love their clothes. They gave me an awesome suit for my premiere! Bathing Ape is something I’ve also been wearing since I was young. I am a huge lover of street style clothing. You’ll also rarely see me without my Vans on!
We look forward to seeing you in Ma. What other projects do you have coming up?
Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to see it! “Power” Season 6 (which is our last) is coming up and I am so excited for everyone to see it! 50 Cent directed his first episode of TV and it is incredible! There will also be some exciting announcements for upcoming projects coming soon!
Instagram: @GianniVPaolo
Photos: Michael Duenas