Greetings readers and welcome once again to OneFilmFan.com and another excellent opportunity granted for an interview to read and enjoy! This time around, and thanks to connecting on the wonder that is Twitter, we have the bubbly and beautiful Sara Castro, whose latest indie film effort, “The Shift” was just viewed and reviewed here on the site!  A wonderfully happy and yet serious person when it comes to her chosen profession, Ms. Castro was kind enough to lend her time to answer a few questions we posed, as we always do, about career, acting, indie film’s place in the industry, plus the AWESOME answer she gave for her favorite film, as it happens to be one of this reviewers all-time faves as well! So, how about we dive in with Ms. Sara Castro!

 

One Film Fan: A girl born and raised in the Windy City, but of Colombian decent. Tell us a little family history and how acting ultimately came into the picture. Passion first, then career?

Sara Castro: I love my Windy City, by the way. I was raised in the north side of Chi-town. Both my parents are native Colombians. I’m in love with my country as well. So beautiful, as well as its people. 

I come from a musical and theatrical background. Most of my uncles and aunts either sing or play an instrument. My mother took theatre growing up. I’ve always been involved in the arts to some capacity, whether acting, singing, or dancing. I enjoy doing all three!  I attended Columbia College Chicago. That is where I got the opportunity to learn about the craft and hone my auditioning skills. I graduated with a journalism degree and a minor in the arts.

I knew it had always been a dream of mine to become an actor, so I needed a plan B. I was offered my first job as a reporter at CBS in Palm Springs and hated it, ha ha! Only lasted a year there. Then I started a production company with a business partner at the time, and we produced entertainment shows which I also hosted. However, all that time, I was itching to move to L.A to pursue my dream. But I kept it very quiet. I only shared it with my mom, who’s my biggest fan!

O.F.F.: How did you further learn the art (ie: mentors, influences, and schooling)?

  

S.C.: When I moved to L.A., all I did the first two years is study, study, and study. I wanted to make sure I was polished enough to get out into a world that’s very ruthless. Let’s just say I didn’t want to fall on my face. I started attending scene study with a coach that I so appreciate and admire, Joe Palese. He taught me that it’s imperative for an actor to have, let’s say, a palate of colors to choose from at all times. I learned about range and the importance of details when delivering a scene. 

 My mother is my biggest mentor. She’ll always be as honest as she can possibly be with me when watching me on the big screen. She doesn’t sugar coat anything. She’s the one who encouraged me to live my dream. My mother is my biggest supporter. 

O.F.F.: How hard was it to truly find your first major break in an industry that is quite known for taking actors trying to make it and sending them packing?  How have you dealt with the pressures of staying the course when things get tough?

S.C.: It has been a bumpy road. However, I feel very blessed to be where I am today in my career. I’ve lived in L.A for 7 years and I’ve accomplished a lot! When things get tough, I always remember that there’s something bigger than me in this universe and that’s God. Since the age of 5, I knew I was never alone. Since a young age, I knew that if you give your dream 110%, God will provide the rest. 

O.F.F.: When preparing for a role, do you tend to favor the same methods of research and/or preparation to play a given character(s) or do you like switching it up a bit?

S.C.: I really enjoy researching a character, but it all depends. If I’m asked to play a girl with a disassociation personality disorder, then I’ll study what that implies, the persons behavior, tendencies, characteristics and so forth but I always try to stay true to making it my own.

O.F.F.: As a rising talent in film, do you already find yourself favoring a particular genre and/or style of story, or are you aiming to be as diverse as possible?

S.C.: I’m definitely aiming for diversity in my career, I CRAVE IT. I’m open to many genres. For example, I’ve played a religious mother, an ex-gangbanger girl, an inmate, a girl with a disassociation personality disorder, a board member, a wild child, and there’s more to come! I like to challenge myself and most importantly, it’s fun!

O.F.F.: Has there been a certain character (or characters) to date you’ve enjoyed playing in particular and why?

S.C.: I think the characters that have the most complexity and layers are the ones I enjoy to play. Like in a recent film I did called “The Girl”. My character has a disassociation personality disorder.

O.F.F.: Up to this point, you have done multiple short films that have now given way to several feature-length efforts.  Has that transition been hard in any way, or fairly seamless?

  

S.C.: Actually, I’ve only done two shorts in Los Angeles and the rest have been feature films, which I’m so grateful to be a part of. One of the feature films I’ve worked on is trying to transition to television, a possible series, which to me is very exciting! I guess the stressful part and I think I speak for all actors, is the waiting game.

O.F.F.: So, onto your recently released project, “The Shift”, currently playing on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and other services. What drew you to this film?

  

S.C.: The story. It has a strong message that people need to confront at some point in their lives. 

O.F.F.: Tell us about the character, Carmen, you play in it.

S.C.: Carmen is sweet but tough. She’s a single mother who has never had to depend on family or a man to raise her child. She’s a hard worker and everything she does, she does for her daughter Emily (played by Genesis Ochoa), she’s a Catholic, and believes in miracles.

O.F.F.: Do you find Carmen is someone you could relate to in any way, as you’ve commented how close to your heart this film is to you.

S.C.: I was raised in a single parent home. I know what it means to work hard. Carmen is a strong character. Those are the types of roles I gravitate towards. I was drawn to the story because of its message, and it made me think “Hmm, what would Sara do in that predicament?”

O.F.F.: The film makes some ultimately profound statements about faith, human struggle with loss, and choices the pressure from events can bring. How was it to work with these highly emotional and potentially weighty concepts as an actress playing a character affected by these and others around her.

S.C.: I wanted to be as true to playing Carmen as possible. I just let the character take over me. I embraced every feeling and every emotion. Plus, it’s always refreshing to work with a super talented cast and crew. 

O.F.F.: How was it working alongside actors like Leo Oliva, Casey Fitzgerald, Genesis Ochoa, and, I mean, come on—Danny Glover!

S.C.: First and foremost, I’m honored to be in a film with Danny Glover. I’m a big fan of his, such an extraordinary actor. Leo Oliva and Casey Fitzgerald both gave amazing performances. Genesis Ochoa is such a natural, she was born to do this.

O.F.F.: And how about the directing of Lee Cipolla?

S.C.: Let me just say that Lee is an actor’s dream to work with. He allowed us to go off the script a bit. That’s like a playground for an actor. He wanted to embody authenticity. It was important to him. I truly respect him for that and admire his talent.

O.F.F.: What other projects are on the horizon or are you currently involved in? 

S.C.: I just got back from shooting in Oregon where I played the role of Angie in a feature film called “The Long Way”. It’s a film about a young guy who takes a trip to L.A. to pursue his dream of becoming a Writer in Hollywood. During one of his stops, he meets Angie, a wild child at heart that teaches him one or two things about life. 

I’m excited to say there are other projects in the horizon and will definitely keep you posted!

O.F.F.: Independent film seems to be rising in popularity in recent times, with some even getting slightly larger budgets, bigger casts, and more exposure.  Yet, still, this is an industry ultimately dominated by the massive Hollywood blockbusters getting the majority of attention.  How do you see the role of indie films in the greater scheme of the film industry and how important is it that it’s supported?

S.C.: It is VERY important that we support indie films. There’s so much talent out there that needs to be discovered. So many great writers that need to have a platform to tell their stories. I’m appreciative of indie film fans, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. There’s just too much talent in this industry that needs to be seen. Whether you’re an actor, writer, producer, casting director, or crew member. Everyone deserves a fair shot.

O.F.F.: Ok, it has to be asked as a classic final question! What is YOUR favorite film of all time?  Why?

S.C.: Wow, I have so many, but if I would have to narrow it down to one it would be “Shawshank Redemption”. It delivered so much realism. The truth behind feeling hopeless and hopeful. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins were stellar in it. My favorite scene is when the character Andy (played by Tim Robbins) is enjoying his first minutes of freedom in the pouring rain. 

 

Absolutely fantastic!  I don’t know about the rest of you, readers, but personally, Ms. Castro sounds like one of the most normal, down-to-earth people you could meet, and has the acting talent to make her a rising star to keep watching for now and going forward!  And that is the great benefit with Ms. Castro (and all the people we’ve had the benefit of interviewing here at OneFilmFan to date) in that she IS a star, yet only human, talented, but humble and relatable.  These are elements that make those in the indie film world ones to support and spread the word about, folks!  So, want to keep up with Sara and her goings on?  How about the following ways to do so:

“Follow” Sara’s Twitter account: here

“Like” Sara’s Facebook Page: here

Check out Sara’s Website: here

 

A heartfelt “Thank you!!” once again to Ms. Castro for her willingness to do this interview and be a part of this ongoing and amazing journey here at OneFilmFan.com!  Until next time, thank you for reading and spread the word!!