FILM / TV

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 3: At World's End

FILM

My management booked me an audition for Pirates. I just went as I would go to any other audition, having no expectations or hopes. The part I auditioned for was a World Pirate and all I had to do was scream....YES scream!! I really don’t know why I got it or how...but I’m very glad I did. Being on the set of Pirates III was pretty much always a dream of mine because after watching the first two films, I fell in love with the characters portrayed in the film. The filming took place at the Disney Studios in Burbank and took two days to shoot all of our scenes. They dressed us all in different clothing several times so that they would have more people than they actually did. It was a huge warehouse of nothing but blue. I got to meet a lot of strange pirates. Everyone was goofing off with their props (swords, knives, guns) between takes. It was like throwing a bunch of kids with toys at a playground. When I play a role, I prefer to wear outfits and have props because it puts me at a specific era that enables me to think and act as those characters would. I learned a few tricks of make-up, for example what techniques they used to make us look grimy. I always try to pick up techniques in everything I do because I never know when I’ll need them. I believe that the more you know, the more versatile your acting characters become. I also got to meet all the crew including several other actors. I met Marco Khan (10000 BC), who I did not know was Armenian at the time, and are now good friends with. I’ve heard some actors complain about the filming process, saying that boredom is intolerable between takes. But being in the entertainment business all my life I had a better, more educational experience on the set. I don’t know the meaning of boredom. I think it is what you decide to make of your time and where your interests lie. Knowing how it is behind the scenes and the process it takes to film something, I know how to handle the waiting process. When we weren’t filming, I would either goof off, try to pick up on techniques, or just have a blast (as you can see in the pictures).

WELCOME PAPA

FILM

Michael Pogosian, a talented and popular actor within the Armenian community, decided to fly to the United States to do his very first film here. The director, who is a close friend of mine and who I have worked with before on numerous projects, trusted my talents and handed me the leading role without having me audition for it. A lot of the roles I get within the Armenian community I usually never audition for because I already have an extensive reputation as a versatile actor, so people know and trust my capabilities. Filming this movie was fun because the days when I wasn’t filming, I would be on the set and give my own input, sharing my ideas or suggestions with the director and the crew. It’s exciting that not only did I contribute my acting talents but my musical skills as well. I was asked to compose a rock song for a rock scene. It was originally shot in a rehearsal studio with a live band with me singing, but later it had to be redone. Of course I could not get the band to come in on such short notice so I had to play every instrument and sing at my own studio from scratch. It sounds just like the original! I felt at home during filming because I knew everyone and felt very comfortable. It was a pleasure working with the DP, Gevork Danielian (graduate of AFI), who is a talented up and coming young personality. I learned a few tricks from him just by watching him work. I was blown away by Michael’s acting abilities as well. I had the greatest privilege to see him work and study him as he would be filming his scenes. I was constantly in awe! I kept thinking how talented he is and how realistic he plays his roles, with so much ease and agility. After filming, we had a get together where Michael had a special toast for me. I was extremely flattered by having such a talented actor tell me that he learned a lot from me as an actor and as an individual. This caught me off guard because I was not expecting this at all; for someone who I look up to and learn from is at the same time learning from me. This was the second Armenian film in which I had a lead role in. All I can say is this was one of my biggest learning experiences of my career. I took bits and pieces just by studying not only Michael but also other talented people who were all contributors to the picture. I’m waiting for the premiere, coming late 2008. I will also soon be flying to Armenia to do the sequel as well.

THE SPIDERWEB

FILM

This was the first feature film I did for the Armenian industry.

KARAOKE SUPERSTAR

WHACKED OUT SPORTS

UPN 13/TV