.png)
In an interview with Taso Mikroulis, star of short film Prego, we explore the filmmaking experience, character acting, and...of course...what he would say if he was a dolphin...
Interview by Chris Olson
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your film career thus far.
I’m originally from Chicago and lived a few years in Greece for college. I live in Manhattan and am a big fan of doing indie work and theatre.
What can you tell us about your character (Mark) in the short film, Prego?
The character was initially molded after on of Usher’s acquaintances. We worked hard on finding the perfect resting “is anybody home” face for him and decided to make him as ridiculous as I can be but being as true as I can to my circumstances. And defending what ridiculous things this guy was saying. I wanted to give him a heart on top of everything written.
Why did you want to feature in this film? Was there anything that drew you to the character? Or was it more the project as a whole?
Katie originally recommended me to Usher when he was looking for an actor. She talked me up so I had to make sure I didn’t suck. I submitted a video audition and booked the role the same day. Thank God he liked what I did because there were so many ways this character could have gone. I love characters you can play arbitrarily and really have fun.
How was the filmmaking experience working on Prego? Were there any highlights or hardships?
We shot Prego in one day. It was my first time working opposite Katie and first time working with the director Usher. We shot for 15 hours in one location and had no idea how things were going to turn out. We had a lot of fun filming it but because everyone on set was professional and talented, we made it happen. I was pleased with the end result. I built a great relationship with the team and we’re already working on our next project.
Do you have any favourite actors or directors? Who would you most like to work with?
I would give anything to work Guillermo del Toro. I’m infatuated with his work and love the way he tells his stories. Have him put me in a movie with Kate Winslet, Al Pacino and Meryl Streep and I wouldn’t be upset if I died the next day.
What’s next for you?
Pickings the feature with Usher and the team again. I’m working on a few independent shorts films, one of which is in the festival market called “The Weekend”, and two features that are currently in pre production. I’m really excited about writing my short film “The Girl at the Door”, with my writing partner. Hopefully I can get back on stage at some point. Let’s see where these roads lead me.
What would you say if you were a dolphin?
Here fishy fishy…
You can find out more about Taso on his website - www.TasoMikroulis.com
.png)
