Fabrizio Guido – Mr. Iglesias

By starrymag | June 17, 2020

By: Ashlee Dell’Arciprete

 

 

Q) Huge congrats on Season 2 of “Mr. Iglesias!” Season 2 is expected to premiere on Wednesday, June 17th. What is at the backdrop of the new season and how have things changed between Season 1 and Season 2? 

 

A) We maintain the same flare Season 1 had. Being that Season 1 was hilarious and also the foundation, we really get a chance to build off of that and expand our settings, characters and situations. Expect a lot more memorable moments from Part 2! We follow up where we left off with Vice Principal Hernandez (Oscar Nunez) taking hold of his new theatre program, which all of the students from Mr. Iglesias’s class are enrolled in. We take on the task of putting up Romeo and Juliet as the school play. We also dive into Mr. Iglesias’s romantic life, which gives us a look at his life outside the classroom and also the struggles of balancing his new romance and his career. Along with moving from U.S history to World History and Gabe being the caring teacher he’s always been. You can expect it to be heartfelt, hilarious and memorable.

 

Q) You Play Mikey Gutierrez. Where do we find Mikey at the start of season 2 and what is his journey this season?

 

A) Part 2 gets very personal with Mikey, from the start. If you’re familiar with Mikey you know school isn’t necessarily a strength of his; neither is romance, both things become his journey this season. Mr. Iglesias helps Mikey believe in himself in both areas, as does Marisol. Mr. Iglesias shows Mikey and all the students that he’s always there for them and could never give up on them.

 

Q) Something many fans alike have loved about this series is the diverse casting. What role does that play in the series and what impact does it have in front of and behind the camera? 

 

A) YES! I’m a fan of our cast as well! I think diversity, especially in a positive way, gives empowerment, to celebrate the differences is a beautiful thing. That’s what life is, diverse, and our show honors that. Feeling like someone on TV represents you in a positive way is something special it motivates and inspires. At least that’s what Gabe was for me growing up. Because of representation I was reminded that my culture is of value, that I was of value and could accomplish so much. I now get the opportunity to literally see myself on the screen and it’s the ultimate accomplishment. It’s a reminder and a thank you to the world I represent, that got me here in the first place. I’m so happy I’m a part of a show that I would’ve been a fan of as a kid and as an adult, of course. Our show is diverse both in cast and crew. I walk onto that set proud. The diversity on, in and around our show makes for a quality so unique and so relatable.

 

Q) At the heart of “Mr. Iglesias” are children that can excel and succeed despite where they may come from, but who may not always want to. What is it that you love most about the series?

 

A) You said it best. It really is that empowerment. It’s closely tied with changing the narrative of what minorities have represented on TV. Presenting the idea that one can achieve more in different areas of life whether it be academically, personally, spiritually or all of the above, etc. That’s something of great value. Our show emphasizes the importance of a good role model/mentor. No one wants to fail, but if failing is all you see and hear it becomes the normal. You turn the news on and minorities are displayed as the center piece of crime. That takes its toll on a community and its psyche. You have to know you can succeed. Getting inspired by media, books, mentors and seeing yourself win can make a world of difference. That’s what I love about our show – the positive representation. It’s also not so much about defying the odds. It’s about getting to a place where we can change those odds. We shouldn’t be okay with just overcoming odds and leaving them there for the next generation to overcome. It’s removing those odds so everyone has a shot at success.

 

Q) Does playing a high school student ever make you miss high school? 

 

A) I was actually homeschooled, so I can’t really miss school. I know that I definitely miss being around my on-set classroom/cast when I don’t see them.

 

Q) What is one characteristic of Mikey that you love about playing him the most? 

 

A) Mikey has the opportunity to discover almost everything for the first time, so it’s always enthusiastic. We joke around on set and call Mikey the puppy of the group. When I’m in Mikey’s shoes I feel like everything is a gift in a sense. I don’t think he goes about his day like most people. I feel as though his walk from home to school is a new exciting journey every day. He’s very present.

 

Q) The blooper reel for season one was hilarious and seems like there’s room for fun on and off-screen. Who from the show do you enjoy filming scenes with the most?

 

A) Part 2 of the series gave us a scene where everybody from the cast got to interact together and it was the first time that we had all been in a scene together. That was so fun! You could only imagine what it must be like to be around these extremely talented artists that chemistry makes for a laughter that’s unmatched. Everyone on the show brings something so different and we all complement each other so well. The ideas and jokes just flow with so much ease. I consider them masters at what they do. We just egg each other on to the point where we’re no longer at work but just playing enjoying our company.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) I love every scene. I get the opportunity to learn something either for myself or about someone else at every scene. One of the most fulfilling from Part 2 was a scene where Mikey thanks Mr. Iglesias for helping him believe in himself and always being there for him. That was a scene I cherish a lot because of the honesty of being able to thank Gabe for his influence on my life. I felt very fortunate to be able to thank Gabe.

 

Q) Is there an upcoming episode in season 2 that you’re looking forward to fans seeing?

 

A) Definitely everything with the theatre program, Romeo and Juliet. I constantly get asked where we’re heading with Marisol (Cree Cicchino) and Mikey and I think this really delivers and has the answers that fans are looking for.

 

Q) Congrats on also having written, produced and directed your first short film, Dog Days. What can you tell us about the film and what was the process of getting it through the festival circuits?

 

A) Dog Days was a lot of fun to shoot. I got the chance to work with great actors who are close friends of mine and it was a learning experience for all of us. It’s a project I took on with them independently. As you can imagine, it was much different from the big productions I’ve been a part of. That being said, everyone on set was passionate about the project and being experienced artist and crew there was always that professionalism. At this time, most of the film festivals have been placed on hold for now. But I’m excited to continue with the film festival circuit once we start getting new dates. I am looking forward to creating more films. I’m excited to apply all I learned from Dog Days onto the next project. 

 

Q) Do you have any other projects in the works that you’re able to share with us?

 

A) Very soon I’ll be able to share my upcoming projects. All I can say is I’m very excited about it and it’s a real treat to be working with another amazing cast and crew. Can’t wait to share all the stories attached with this one.

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans of “Mr. Iglesias?”

 

A) Thank you! Your support for our show means so much. I feel very fortunate to be able to give thanks to you, the people whom we look forward to entertain, bring together, and make laugh. To our viewers and fans who come to our live audience, you guys make this journey so special and you’re a part of what makes this possible. You’re doing your part to allow us to keep doing what we love to do, so from the bottom of my heart thank you!