Guillermo Blanco – Voice of Shadows

By starrymag | December 23, 2024

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

Q) How was Gabriel in Voice of Shadows originally described to you?

A) As an actor, Gabriel was described to me as a deeply conflicted character, someone carrying a heavy emotional burden from his past. He is protective, almost to a fault, and has this underlying tension that builds as he senses the danger in the story. As a producer, we wanted to ensure Gabriel felt authentic—a grounded person who represents both strength and vulnerability.

Q) What was it about the character or the script that drew you to be a part of the film?

A) The emotional complexity of Gabriel really drew me in. He’s not a hero in the traditional sense, but he’s trying his best to protect the people he loves. The script itself was gripping. It balances psychological horror with very human emotions, which is rare. As a producer, I was captivated by the script’s unique perspective on trauma and its atmospheric tone.

Q) Voice of Shadows opens with a beautifully emotional monologue from you. How do you think this sets up the audience’s perception of Gabriel?

A) That monologue is crucial because it immediately introduces Gabriel’s inner turmoil. It’s an emotional entry point for the audience to understand the weight he carries—his guilt, his fear and his love for his sister. It sets up his cautious nature throughout the film and hints at why he senses things others don’t.

Q) Having been in a few telenovelas, did you find any similarities in your approach to acting as Gabriel?

A) The emotional depth required for telenovelas definitely helped me approach Gabriel’s character. In both cases, you’re playing with heightened emotions, whether it’s love, fear or conflict. However, Gabriel is a much more subdued, internal role, requiring more restraint compared to the expressiveness often seen in telenovelas.

Q) What are the differences in your preparation for a telenovela and horror?

A) For telenovelas, the preparation focuses on building chemistry with other actors and delivering emotional beats that are often very external. In horror, particularly for Voice of Shadows, the preparation was more psychological. I had to immerse myself in Gabriel’s trauma and fear while maintaining a steady build of tension. It’s less about dialogue and more about how silence and subtle expressions convey dread.

Q) There are many moments in this film where the suspense continuously builds. As an actor, how do you pace that gradual suspense?

A) Pacing suspense comes down to trusting the story and the director. It’s about restraint—not overreacting too early but letting the unease simmer. Gabriel’s gradual unraveling mirrors the audience’s experience, so I focused on his increasing paranoia and fear without giving everything away too soon.

Q) Gabriel immediately senses something is wrong, while Emma shrugs it off. Is his caution rooted in his traumatic past or does he sense the sinister energy around?

A) I think it’s both. Gabriel’s traumatic past makes him hyper-aware and cautious, but there’s also something primal about his intuition. He senses the energy of the house in a way that others don’t and his past experiences amplify his reaction.

Q) Why do you think initially Gabriel was meant to be forbidden from staying with Emma?

A) The tension between Gabriel and Emma’s (Corrinne Mica) family adds a layer of conflict. It suggests there’s unresolved history or mistrust, which builds into the larger narrative of isolation and unease. Gabriel’s presence itself becomes symbolic of a past that refuses to stay buried.

Q) In the first few days at the house before strange things occur… Emma holds a level of anger for Gabriel. Were they having issues prior or is this solely the negative energy of the house changing her?

A) Their relationship is already strained before arriving at the house. There’s love, but also resentment, possibly from Gabriel’s overprotectiveness and unresolved guilt. The house’s dark energy amplifies these cracks, bringing out anger and frustration that might have otherwise stayed buried.

Q) Gabriel is adamant about wanting to protect his sister and Emma because he couldn’t protect his mother. Do you think he is acting out of a place of fear or guilt?

A) It’s a combination of both. Gabriel’s fear drives his caution, but guilt fuels his need to act. He’s trying to redeem himself, to right a past wrong. This mix of emotions gives his character a compelling depth.

Q) This film has so many incredible yet terrifying scenes. Do you have a personal favorite watching the film back?

A) There’s a scene where Gabriel is alone in a dark hallway and the tension is unbearable. It’s a quiet moment, but it’s terrifying in its simplicity. Watching it back, I think it perfectly captures the essence of the film—fear creeping in when you least expect it.

Q) With those darker moments, were there any you had a harder time shaking off at the end of the day of filming?

A) There were definitely scenes that stayed with me, particularly those tied to Gabriel’s trauma. Acting in such dark emotional spaces takes a toll, so I made sure to decompress after each shoot—whether it was through music, exercise or just stepping away for a bit.

Q) There is such a wild ending. Where do you think Emma and Gabriel go from here in their relationship?

A) The ending leaves things open to interpretation, but I believe Gabriel and Emma’s bond is forever altered. They’ve shared a terrifying experience that has forced them to confront their demons. Whether they heal or grow apart is up to the viewer’s imagination.

Q) What do you think it is about Voice of Shadows that will make it such a startling film for viewers?

A) The film doesn’t rely on cheap scares; it builds an atmosphere of dread that lingers. Its exploration of trauma and the unknown gives it emotional weight, making the horror feel real and unsettling. The visuals, the score and the performances all combine to create something that sticks with you.

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I’m currently working on a few exciting projects, including Ayda, a film that blends horror and Colombian culture. I’m also producing new content through TheGSeven, focusing on bold and diverse stories that resonate globally.

Q) What would you like to say to people who are fans of your work?

A) To everyone who has supported my work—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your passion for storytelling inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and bringing new stories to life. Stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come!