Mala EnTrana

A few weeks ago I had the wonderful privilege to work with a bountiful pool of talent on a music video in New York City. The song is titled "Asesinos" by the band Mala Entrana. Now this was quite a unique experience for me. Shot in two weekends, this was a big step in stepping out of my comfort zone. Traveling down to the city to work with a large production of people where I knew no one was daunting enough, but to be painted up as a demon, and told to just let loose with anger? Talk about a natural high. This was an example of one of the many things I love about acting. To just truly be someone, or something, different. Having a different personality, a different view on life, even if its only for a few minutes at a time... Its exhilarating, and to be a demon is taking it to a new level. My mind was just an array of different stories running a mile a minute setting up my backstory for this... Demonic Ulisses.

Demonic Ulisses

As out of my comfort zone as it was to be meeting up with total strangers and just letting loose, it turned out to be rather easy due to the friendly nature and high level of professionalism that the cast, crew, and musicians on the video had.The video was produced by an amazing photographer, Alain Aguilar. Make up was done by Jonathan Pantaleon and Jenny Diaz. The director of photography was Ruben Rodas. They were accompanied by a large professional group of talented people, who all worked non-stop into the night on each day of the shoot without complaints. This video had a lot packed into each day too. I mean, demons, vampires, generals, flame swingers, punk goth chicks, gangsters and more. So the first day of shoot alone went from early morning to early morning the next day straight. And that make up that took many hours to apply to me? Not the easiest thing to get out at 2:30 in the morning with just sink water. Both weekends I caught a lot of looks from people on the subway, still being covered in paint and fake blood.

One of the greatest pleasures was sharing this rewarding, although exhausting, experience in costume with other amazingly talented actors. Though I met a lot of new people, a few names stuck out that I was delighted to work with, such as Jason Torres, Romina Schwedler, and Karim Mohamed Marie (pictured above respectively.) Learning about what their experiences have been, and seeing them progress in the same line of business as me is inspiring. From life acting in the city, to traveling all the way from Russia, it was insightful for me to see how other's do the same thing in completely different situations. Plus, so much fun to see them "lose control" on camera.

Mala Entrana themselves were great musicians, and although we didn't speak the same language, it was such a thrill to meet them. They loved making this video, and that excitement really carried the morale with all the others involved.

This was definitely an experience for the ol' scrapbook for me. And personally, a step in the right direction that I want my career to go in. It broadened my horizons, both in networking and music (the style of Mala Entrana not being a usual type I listen to, but I love the song.) And it allowed me to appreciate hard work and dedication from new people that are as passionate about what they do as I am. So I am looking forward to more jobs like this one, and possibly working with some of these people again in the future. So please do enjoy the official trailer for Mala Entrana's "Asesinos" and appreciate the darkness for a moment. Can't always be sunshine.

............. Although we can always have some fun. Check out some behind the scenes photo of us working/goofing off!