Aleks Paunovic – Blackway

By starrymag | June 5, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I did War for the Planet of the Apes and finished that a few weeks ago. I just finished a project called A Very Sordid Wedding with Whoopi Goldberg and Caroline Rhea. I’m working a television show now for Syfy network called “Van Helsing.” Kindergarten Cop 2 just came out. I’m really proud of a movie called Numb, where I was an associate producer and starred in. We were nominated for twelve Leo Awards and I was nominated for “Best Actor.”

Q) You always seem to have back-to-back projects. Do you prefer having such a packed schedule?

A) Honestly, I absolutely love it because I really don’t consider it work. I feel like I’m in a sandbox playing all the time so I absolutely love it. It’s a great job because you have a few days here and there where I can take off and go to Los Angeles or go to a cabin and then get back to work. I love to keep busy. It’s one of my favorite things. I just like to keep moving, keep busy and keep working.

Q) We’ll be seeing you soon in the film Blackway. What made you want to be a part of it?

A) With the names that are attached to this alone, any part in the film would have been a blessing. I knew Rick Dugdale, one of the producers, from other projects and Dan Petrie, Jr. when I was a boxing coordinator on a film. It was cool to reunite in that way and obviously work on a phenomenal project produced by Anthony Hopkins. One of the coolest things about the film is that it is such an interesting thriller and I just really was happy to be a part of a project like this. But then you have this idea of Sir Anthony Hopkins and all you want to do is not screw up. Then, I met him and he was absolutely lovely and down to Earth. We struck up a conversation about boxing because he asked me if I did any sports. He told me he used to box and we started talking about old time fighters because I’m a huge history buff with boxing and he knew everything that I was saying and vice versa. I had this surreal moment of sitting in our cast chairs talking about boxing. Our Assistant Director would come up to me and say, “It’s time to work now.” Then, getting to work with him…It took me on a different level because he just wanted to play and create the scene and the character. As I was doing it with one of the greatest actors of our generation, I realized that how I learned to act in class and experiment and improv with my peers. I’m doing the exact same thing with the greatest. It really put a switch into my outlook on my craft that we’re all peers. Sometimes you get lost when you see someone like that and put them on a pedestal. It was an amazing reminder that you can really do a disservice by putting someone on a pedestal and thinking you’ll never get to that level. He was a beautiful reminder and such a generous partner in our scene to move the pedestal away and keep going.

Q) Was there instant cast chemistry when everyone began working together?

A) I think what is great is that Alexander Ludwig who is from British Colombia and happens to be having amazing international success is one of the coolest guys you’ll meet. He’s just super generous and super kind. We became fast friends. And then Julia Stiles and I also became fast friends. She was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. I think that was the one key thing that I took away from this, off camera and on camera. Ray Liotta came in a little later when we’d already started shooting and he fit right in. He’s just hilarious and fun. So, for me being a massive Good Fellas fan, getting to work with him was a treat. It was just a joy, the whole film.

Q) Did you add anything to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I think that’s where it comes in with Anthony really kind of being open to improv with the script and director Daniel [Alfredson] being open to developing the character. We built who Skell was with a lot of improv and the idea of what that person would do. I think what was on the page and what we started shooting, the page was the skeleton and then we put the meat and muscle on the character with the help of those guys allowing me that. It was a great opportunity to think on my feet. I was proud that we were all in synergy in this scene and it took me by pleasant surprise that they allowed me that.

Q) What was it like working with director Daniel Alfredson?

A) I think the greatest thing about Daniel (and I was a fan of his before) is his acceptance and allowing you to play. He gives you that room to find that scene, find the character and to give notes. Even if it is something that doesn’t directly involve you and you have an idea where the scene might go, he was very open with it and allowed for this consistent flow of creativity, which sometimes you don’t get with directors. They have one impression they are stuck with and I think that it may work for them, but the way he handled things and the way he worked with everyone involved in the scene to make the film better was a huge breath of fresh air. As opposed to being an actor in the film, I got to experience so much with the cast and the creativity I got to explore with Daniel was a blessing.

Q) Is there anyone you would have liked to have had scenes with or wished you had gotten to work with more?

A) Julia. We became fast friends and I’m a huge fan of her work. Wish I could have shared some screen time with her.

Q) What was your most memorable moment from filming?

A) Obviously, being a part of the film was fantastic. But my most memorable moment is sitting with Anthony Hopkins talking about boxing. It was just great! That to me was second to none. Talking to a man that I have idolized all these years and talking about a sport I’m so passionate about…We were just sitting in chairs across from each other and shooting the shit.

Q) What do you hope people take away from seeing Blackway?

A) I think people are going to be taking away a sense of what would I do in this position? Would I be a person of integrity? Would I be a person of word? I think they will take away asking themselves that question.

Q) You mentioned your upcoming film A Very Sordid Wedding. This is quite a departure for you as you often do dramatic roles. What draws you to these certain characters?

A) It’s interesting because I grew up on being really attached to drama and thrillers, stuff that could really touch my heart in  way of being scared or vulnerable. So, when I had the chance to do roles like that in dramas where I could evoke some sort of emotion I think that’s where I really gravitated towards. I’m also a big goof and have a lot of fun. I love to see the funny sides of things. So, when I get to do a comedy with people I really respect…I love comedy and I would love to do more because I have such a good time with it. That was one of the reasons why I wanted to jump in. Caroline Rhea, who basically got me on the film, was just wonderful and I was just thrilled to be asked to do that.

Q) We have seen you in three different episodes of “Supernatual,” where you have played three different characters. What do you think it is about the series that has made such a powerful fandom?

A) I think it starts from the head down and I think it is Jared [Padalecki] and Jensen [Ackles]. When I first worked with them years ago they knew my name and shook my hand. It’s like they look at the call sheet and “Supernatural” is their house. They are the hosts and they are welcoming people in. They really take it upon themselves to have people who come on the show have a fantastic experience. So, in essence what the guest stars come away with is wanting to talk about it, wanting to do the best job that they can and wanting to connect with it. The fans feel that energy going back and forth with them. All the conventions that they do, they are nothing but approachable, genuine and amazing. There is a reason why the show has gone on eleven years. It wouldn’t have worked if they weren’t like that. So, I think with this last opportunity to be a part of the show I was just thrilled and they were so there for me, which was great. This last appearance was by far one of my most favorite roles I’ve ever gotten to play on TV. I was ecstatic and thrilled. Everyone apart of the show and especially that episode really made my time really special. And the fans are second to none!

Q) So, I assume if they asked you again you’d be interested?

A) Absolutely! I love going over to that house! [laughs]

Q) What are some “must see” TV shows for you?

A) I’m a big fan of “Veep” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. I’ve been a big fan of “Silicon Valley.” Samantha Cruz is on that show and she’s from British Columbia. So, it’s always nice to see friends succeed on shows that I really love. I love “Game Of Thrones.” There is some really great TV out there.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Because it was different for me growing up, there was no social media. And any time I got a glimpse of anybody from a show that I would watch I got really excited. Then, when I actually met the people I admired the impression lasted. It was palpable. I still remember them! They may forget it because they meet so many people, but for me I really want to leave a great impression on the people I communicate with or meet and that just get excited because I tweet back. We’re in a day and age where fan response is pretty immediate and I seriously take it to heart because I know what it felt like to me. I love to express that feeling back and let people know I’m there.

Q) You are an actor and producer. Is there anything else you would like to try your hand at?

A) Directing! I’m really hoping to direct in the next year or two. I feel it would be a great experience. I have so many great mentors around me like Simon Barry from “Continuum.” He’s one of the most genuinely knowledgeable and brilliant people. He just welcomes people who want to do what he does so I’ve been learning so much from him. So, I’m looking forward to my next venture, which I hope is directing.