Actor Interview: Antonio Elias
Actor Making His Trek Through Hollywood
At 26, actor Antonio Elias trek through the world of Hollywood and finding his niche in acting is just beginning. Elias’ resume holds solid guest starring roles on some of television’s most popular series. But, it’s his latest project that is boldly going where’s he’s never gone before – his first feature film.
It just so happens that film is “Star Trek,” the highly anticipated J.J. Abrams vehicle.
“I play Officer Pitts,” Elias said in a recent phone interview from his Los Angeles home. “It was intimidating to work on a film like this – there was so much excitement. It was really fun to film.”
Acting at An Early Age
Elias, who was born in Livingston, N.J., moved with his parents to Florida at the age of six. By the time he was 11, he’d already obtained a Screen Actors Guild card.
“I remember always loving movies and TV,” he said. “I would memorize the lines. When I was about eight, my mom signed me up for a summer camp [for acting]. I signed with a manager soon after. It was a no brainer for me to go into this business. It’s very natural.”
Though he doesn’t remember much of his time in Livingston, except for “playing in the snow” Elias feels compelled to visit his roots once again. He has a passion, in fact, for history.
“I think people would be surprised to learn about me that if I were doing anything besides acting, I would be an archeologist,” he said. “I spend a lot of time watching the History Channel. “
Elias said he also has an affinity for science fiction roles.
“I think it’s because I was so taken by the original “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and the “Star Trek films”,” Elias said.
Working with J.J. Abrams
To prepare for his role in “Star Trek,” Elias rented the original films, to “brush up on the universe.” On the set with Abrams, whose other works include “Alias,” “Lost” and “Fringe,” proved to be an exceptional experience.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Elias said. “I was intimidated. He introduced himself individually to everyone and that made it such a positive experience for me.
"I can only imagine the pressure of recreating the “Star Trek” franchise – he certainly didn’t show it.”
Elias went on to say that he was entertained by Abrams' "beat boxing" abilities.
"He did it multiple times!" Elias said. "Really well, too! Very random. But, really, he knows how to communicate and is so approachable."
Future Projects
Next up for Elias’ acting journey is the independent film “Spoken Word,” directed by Victor Nunez (“Ulee’s Gold”).
“It’s weird to go from a $100 million film to a $4 million film,” Elias said. “At this point I’m not in a position to choose roles, but I’m attracted to action roles, as well as smaller, more complicated roles. Anything that challenges me.
“My goal is to be a working actor.”
Antonio Elias stars in
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