Gino Anthony Pesi is co-starring in this years alien invasion film “Battle: Los Angeles” as Cpl. Nick Stavrou. Gino is also appears in “S.W.A.T.: Firefight”, “Takers” and is upcoming episodes of The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries”. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Gino about his new role and how was it working on the big budget film “Battle: Los Angeles”
Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with the film “Battle: Los Angeles”?
Gino Anthony Pesi: I had read the script and then went in for an audition with Debra Zane, who was the casting director for the film. Debra is really great and makes the actor feel really comfortable during auditions. They taped my audition and a short time later I got the role. It was probably the quickest process of getting a role for me.
MG: What can you tell us about the film and your character Cpl. Nick Stavrou?
GAP: The movie is a very real look at an alien invasion/war movie. I would say it’s more of a war movie with aliens in it rather than your typical invasion type movie. The makers of the film wanted a very gritty almost documentary look and feel to the film which I think they did a great job of. My character Cpl. Nick Stavrou is Greek by way of New Jersey. He is loosely based on a person Chris Bertolini, who is the writer of the movie. When the character was first envisioned, he was to be a mountain of a man but with a big heart. He can kick most people’s asses.
MG: What was the most difficult part of working on the film?
GAP: For me I think it was the CGI. It wasn’t really difficult for me but it was something new. When you act with a real person, they act back. When you are working with a green screen its pretty much all imagination.
MG: How was it working with director Jonathan Liebesman?
GAP: It was fun. Jonathan was very open to suggestions and ideas. He liked the idea of the development of different character relationships. We really were given the chance to take the script and take one step further. Jonathan was then able to pick and choose what he liked and didn’t like.
MG: Tell us about your role working on “S.W.A.T.: Firefight”?
GAP: That was pretty fun. I actually had the same opportunity on this film as I did on “Battle: Los Angles” in that I was allowed to make changes and riff on my lines. It was great to see things I just tossed out there make it into the film. It’s very freeing and great for an actor to be able to add to a role.
MG: How was it working with such a great cast on last year’s “Takers”?
GAP: They were all really nice! It was a fun role to play. I remember walking by T.I. one day and realizing he’s not that big of a guy but he has a really big presence. I actually like playing bad guys every once in a while, because in real life…I’m not a bad guy. I had a good time.
MG: Tell us your character Maddox and how was it working on “The Vampire Diaries”?
GAP: I play the character of Maddox, who is a warlock. It’s a pretty pivotal role in the series. Everyone is waiting for Klaus to appear and Maddox in a way paves the road for Klaus. I can’t tell you where it’s going but it should be really exciting.
