Froy Gutierrez – Bella and The Bulldogs

By starrymag | February 5, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

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

 

A) I have a few acting projects on the dashboard that I can’t talk about just yet. But I can tell you that I made some tunes with Jordyn Yarker (Asha on “Bella and the Bulldogs”)! I’ve also been writing quite a few songs so there may be an EP on the horizon.

 

Q) Please tell us how your character Charlie on “Bella and The Bulldogs” was described to you for your audition.

 

A) I can’t remember exactly, but it went something along the lines of “a little more city than country, a perfect gentleman and super cute.” You can image my surprise when I got the role.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) There was a tangible clumsiness that came out of me on set; the experience was so foreign to me. After asking Bella (Brec Bassinger) to homecoming, I was directed to give her a mum. In one of the takes, I completely forgot to give it to her and walked out the door with the mum in my hand. I then walked back in and awkwardly gave it to her. And they used that in the final edit!!

 

Q) As Bella’s love interest, what was it like working with Brec Bassinger?

 

A) There are some crazy things you can hear about stars so I feared the possibility of “Godzilla actors.” To my surprise, the cast was incredibly gracious. Brec was a special kind of good that’s very rare. Her personality is just as astounding as her talent and that’s pretty neat!

 

Q) What are some of your most memorable moments from filming the show?

 

A) I would say exchanging stories in the school room, getting to know the team behind “Bella,” discovering the history behind the set and observing how those huge cameras work. There were so many moments I can’t list them all!

 

Q) What did you take away from your experiences working on “Bella and the Bulldogs?”

 

A) Before “Bella,” when I thought of Hollywood I thought of those depictions of glamour and grandiose shown in the media. But being there in the flesh showed me that the mythology of Hollywood is so far removed from reality. The experience reminded me that everyone is on the same level of human, which is obvious to say, but still important to know.

 

Q) We also recently saw you on “The Goldbergs” in an episode about “Double Dare.” Did you do any research to prepare for the stunts?

 

A) I actually didn’t know I’d be doing stunts until a couple of days before shooting! At that point, there is only so much research you can do. I just watched some clips of “Double Dare” on YouTube, but nothing can prepare you for a pool of green mashed potatoes.

 

Q) How did it feel to recreate an iconic moment from the 80’s?

 

A) It felt so cool, like I was doing something that transcended time. There’s something really neat about art that diminishes generational gaps and that’s something “The Goldbergs” does really well. I get to learn about my parents’ generation through storylines that relate to my generation, which is pretty neat.

 

Q) Was there someone on “The Goldbergs” you didn’t have any scenes with that you were hoping to work with?

 

A) Oh my gosh, so many! “The Goldbergs” has such a huge cast of talented people, where do I start? Wendy McLendon-Covey, Jeff Garlin, Troy Gentile and obviously George Segal! Everyone on the show is just so good that being on the same set as them was quite the honor.

 

Q) What show would you most like to make an appearance on and why?

A) “The Leftovers” on HBO. The visuals and technique of the series is a slow burning blue that I find super captivating. The show is a perfect combination of moody cinematography, honest acting and haunting music that viewers are simply taken to another place when watching it. I can only imagine what the dynamic must be like on set.

 

Q) What would you like you to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you. When I’m feeling low, reading your direct messages and responding to your kind words makes my day much brighter. What I do is so important and scary to me. It’s like an expedition in some ways – climbing up this steep, uncharted mountain on a super demanding, high achieving path with a super cool view on my screen. To have you by my side is quite the honor. Thank you for coming with me.