Zak Santiago – At Arms Length

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

A.  I am currently working on the second season of the hit Canadian comedy “Robson Arms.”  Right before filming began on the series, I was working on Just a Girl for Lifetime.

Q.  What can you tell us about the premise for “Young Blades” and about your character?

A.  “Young Blades” was a great show for the whole family.  It was based on the life and exploits of D’Artagnan Junior, son of the legendary French Musketeer.  He and his friends did their best to live up to the reputation of the famed Parisian Musketeer guard, while keeping their city safe.  I played Ramon Montalvo Fransisco de la Cruz, a exile of Spanish nobility who could not stand the hypocrisy he saw in the Spanish court.  He came to join the Musketeers, seeking adventure and to use his impressive skills for just cause.

Q.  What made you want to be a part of this project?

A.  I’ve always enjoyed adventure stories, especially period tales.  My heart is in Madrid, so to play a character from there was a blessing.  I’m a trained fighter and dancer, and the swordplay on “Blades” was a perfect combination of the two.  I love horseback riding and enjoyed being able to ride a horse at work all day.

Q.  Do you have a most memorable moment from working on the film Just A Girl?

A.  There was one scene at a family barbecue.  There were a bunch of children (actors and background) involved.  We did several takes where I had to improvise to entertain the kids.  Their energy was so refreshing.  This is where you see pure performance, from children who are natural and full of honesty.  This industry can cause you to become careful, self conscious and analytical over the years.  Working with kids is true organic acting.  Lots of fun!

Q.  The cast for Just A Girl includes famed actress Mercedes Ruehel.  How was getting to work with this acclaimed actress?

A.  I was so excited to work with this Academy Award winning artist.  She is a beautiful, charismatic and generous person.  I learned a lot just from watching her work.  Being in scenes with her was a great experience for me as an actor.

Q.  What is it about your character Hal in “Robson Arms” that makes him so quirky?

A.  Hal is definitely searching for something.  He has a unique perspective on life.  Often his brain will figure out what his heart or body have tried to tell  him half and hour earlier.  Not the quickest guy on the block, but a good soul nonetheless.

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

A.  I don’t really have a lot of spare time, but if I do, I like to talk to a beautiful woman and try my best to make her smile.

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

A.  I’m still obsessed with the same list things!!  But some new likes?  Um, lately I’m into smoking Montecristo cigars.  I’ve been a Cohiba guy for a long time.

Q. You’ve done radio, DJing, dancing, acting, etc.  Is there anything else that you haven’t done that you’d like to try your hand at? 

A.  I want to be a dad!  Being a good parent is the most challenging thing in life, seems it’s getting harder and harder in this world.  I want to take time off; I don’t even remember what Spain looks like.

Q.  You won a Leo Award in 2004 and are up for another one in 2006.  How does this make you feel?

A.  It makes me feel proud to be honored by my peers and included in such a talented group of actors.  Producers are very lucky to work in BC, there are so many incredibly talented performers here.  I’m glad my voice is recognized, all I can hope is to continue to be given the opportunity to work on good projects.  It takes great writing, direction and collaboration to produce a great performance.  Any award or accolade I receive is not solely deserved by me, but also by my colleagues.