Q: We recently saw you in the film Pursuit of Freedom. In it, you play the role of Bedros, a character who fights for freedom, making his own decisions, to put it that way. This is a character who is obviously full of goodness and is very human.
How did you prepare for Bedros and what can you tell us about him and your character?
A: Thank you for your feedback on Bedros and Pursuit Of Freedom.
I’d already been in a prior film about human trafficking based on a true story (Selling Isobel aka Apartment 407) and had done extensive research in this arena. So I was far too familiar with the ugly global exploitation and far too common forced labor that exists. And aware of how governments are always one step behind and in some cases don’t care. The wonderful thing here with Bedros, was that these missionaries didn’t need permission. Bedros took extreme risks (much to his wife’s disapproval) because he simply heard God calling, took the initiative and trusted that God would do the rest and reunite these children with their mother. He felt protected, that he had a safety net, so he gave himself permission to take chances.
In prepping, I have my own personal process (like most actors) and in addition I had several conversations with the director about what drove Bedros, who he is at his core, and the dynamic of the relationship with his wife. And course within the context of the conflict that he found himself in. We also discussed the real life Bedros, his experiences in the mission field, and I was shown a few videos of him. And then I spent many months (the film kept being pushed, which happens a lot) working on the accent. Armenian accents can be challenging and varied depending on whether the family background is Turkish, Iranian or Russian.
Q: This is a tough yet human movie. How was the filming of Pursuit of Freedom? What was it like to work with George A. Johnson, director of this film and what aspects of the character did the two of you work on?
A: George Johnson empowered his cast with a significant level of trust throughout the process. That is always paramount. James Burgess (our DP) is a major talent and he also understands the actor’s process really well, so it made for a natural convergence on set. George and our producer Lonnie were both key components because they’d spent time with the real life Bedros (It’s George’s script based or adapted from Lonnie’s stories and experiences including with Bedros) and we could lean into that. And once you’ve prepared, you let it go when you get to set. It was important to me that I honored Bedros and both George and Lonnie, and I connected with the character very naturally, with his needs, his wants, his heart. The shoot was challenging as it was during the pandemic, but again, our production team came through for us, took care of us and the crew.
Q: We have been reviewing your really extense filmography which includes thrillers, comedy… and others. What genre do you feel most comfortable in? And, what kind of movies can we see more of Stelio Savante and which are the ones with your best interpretations?
A: I like all genre because at the end of the day, it’s about me connecting to the character and with other characters and having that need to share something regardless of the world and the circumstances that the said character lives in. Drama with high stakes and struggle is certainly a color that appeals to me the most. I’m an immigrant, so I’ve lived and endured struggle, leaving everything behind, making changes, adapting. These life experiences make it possible for me to gravitate to interesting and nuanced characters. Regarding my interpretations, I don’t really know as that’s more for others to decide as it’s a highly subjective question.
Q: Besides your career as an actor in person, you have also lent your voice in some videogames, among which are Call of Duty or Mass Effect. We would like to know how you envision the future and how will the new technologies affect the trade of being an actor. Will things remain the same in face of so much technology? Is it getting harder to find good roles with so many movies focusing on technological advancements?
A: The advancement of technology opens up new opportunities for creative excellence, including in post production and even with distribution. And this has always meant more opportunities for artists. I think it’s a good thing. It has only meant more work for me, both on camera, and as a voice over artist.
Q: We would also like to know a little about your future appearances and also your work as a producer. We know you will be featured in some films such as Candles, but you are also preparing a film as a producer besides actor and screenwriter, in “Trust in Her”.
What can you tell us about this?
A: Internationally, there are several films that release very soon. What Remains and Find Her will be avail in foreign territories in the next few months. Nefarious opens theatrically nationwide here in the US on April 14th, and I’m in several projects that are still in post production. Yes I’m involved in various films that are in different phases of development. I can’t speak about Trust In Her that much because I’m just one of many parties involved with the film.
Q: Thank you for your time, Stelio. It has been a pleasure and we wish you all kinds of success
with Pursuit of Freedom and your future projects.
A: Thank you, I appreciate all that you do for the medium of film.
