Most actors and actresses know the unknown road all too well. Audition after audition, acting begins to look dim, as most often than not, they don’t get the part.
Each is looking for the “big break,” yet prepared to work odd jobs in order to maintain a schedule that allows them to attend auditions.
UTRGV graduate and actor Michael Velazquez never had to brace the unknown, quickly finding himself with two roles after graduation in Spring 2017.
He is set to premiere in two movies currently being filmed in the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico, both with late 2018 release dates.
“El Boxeador” centers on a young man finding his way through the boxing realm.
“It explores the world of boxing, not only how people see it, but how it really is,” Velazquez said.
The film is a backstage pass to the harsh realities boxers face on their journey to stardom.
Velazquez portrays Ramiro, the best friend of the lead during their teenage years.
His other project is a remake of the popular Mexican horror movie, “Vacaciones de terror.”
“Vacaciones de terror” tells the timeless scary tale of a haunted doll wreaking havoc on a family who just moved into a new home. The film will stream on Netflix next fall, making it the 30th anniversary of the original release, as well as show in Mexico theaters.
What makes the film unique in style is that it will be streamed in the United States with an English-speaking cast, and shown in Mexico with a Mexican-speaking cast.
“What’s so cool about it, because of the interest that they’re getting, they’ve decided to film in not only in Spanish but in English, so there will be two versions,” Velazquez said.
This choice of two editions of the film benefited Velazquez, who is bilingual, because he is able to appear in both renditions.
He describes being able to tell Mexican and Hispanic narratives as “really cool, because I’m actually Hispanic, and great that they’re creating all these opportunities for Latino people.”
As for advice he would like to give aspiring actors in the RGV seeking opportunities, he said, “To not be afraid,” and to simply get out there, going past one’s comfort zones.
Be on the lookout for Velazquez in 2018 as he takes his first steps into the world of cinema. Lights, camera, action!
