Marc Donato – Hot Shot

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A.  Right now I am working on “Degrassi: The Next Generation” as the character Derek.  Derek is the new basketball jock of the school, which is an awesome opportunity for me because I usually play more dramatic and serious characters.  Derek is more of an everyday high-school guy.  I also guest starred on “Avatar,” an amazing cartoon for Nickelodeon.

Q.  You’ve been appearing on the show “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”  What is it about the show that continually has you coming back to it?

A.  “Degrassi” is an awesome show and I am so happy to be a part of it.  It’s really good to go to work with a cast and crew that get along so well because I think that it’s key to the success of any show.  The production has great energy. 

Q.  Do you have a most memorable moment from working on the show?

A.  One of my most memorable moments from “Degrassi” has to be training with a NBA star from the Toronto Raptors, Matt Bonner.  He taught me some professional skills to make Derek look like a pro on the court.  Not to mention that I got to show off my new moves on the court with my friends.

Q.  Why do you think so many viewers have been hooked on the show for so long?

A.   I think that the viewers really like the show because they are able to relate to the characters and the issues that they face in “Degrassi.”  There is always something new and interesting happening on the show.  It is really quick paced and easy to get into.  It’s not just a show about the dramas of going through high-school. The characters are fun and quirky and the viewers have a good time watching it because its hard to say what is going to happen next.  It’s really unpredictable and I think that that is what makes it a great show.

Q.  “Degrassi” deals with a lot of serious issues.  Do you think the show handles these issues in a way that is true to them and people who actually go through them?

A.  A lot teenagers find it hard to go through high school because they think that they are the only ones that are going through certain problems.  “Degrassi” shows them that a lot of their problems, from bullies and bad grades to drug abuse and pregnancy, are things that teenagers are going through everyday.  “Degrassi” is really realistic in dealing with teenage issues because it deals with characters that can and can’t overcome certain things.  Not everyone is perfect, but no one is alone.

Q.  When taking on a role, how do you transform yourself into that character?

A.  I try to place myself in the characters  as much as I can and really understand what I would do and how I would act if I was the person.

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A.  I love to paintball.  It is by far, my ultimate pastime because it is such a high energy sport.  Being Italian, I of course play soccer.  Can’t wait for the FIFA World Cup this summer.

Q.  Do you have a latest obsession?  Are you into any particular book, music group, sport or activity?

A.  Besides paintball, my last obsession would have to be making short films and documentaries.  Its fun to pick up a camera and make a film about something that you love or something that your interested in.  I think that it is important as an actor to get to know different roles in filmmaking.

Q.  Now that it is 2006, what are you most looking forward to this year?

A.   I am looking forward to starting the next season of “Degrassi.”  Last season what a blast and I can’t wait to see what the writers have in store for us this year.

Q.  What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A.  Thank you.