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Name: John Sierros
Home Town: Oaklawn
Character: Jack
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry and what was your first job or big break in the business?
Well, I was being groomed for this elite and expensive college education, right? My family felt it would behoove me to fill my junior high and high school resumes with all sorts of extra curricular activities. So, in eighth grade I tried out for and managed to get in two plays as well as secure some talent agents here in Chicago. In a year and a half I did a handful of print jobs, commercials and films.
My first job was a spot for Quaker Chewy Granola Bars. I played a young farm hand selling the joys and pleasures of the Quaker's oats. I got a stomachache; first time director, you know. Actually, Bob Erel went on to become a top-notch commercial director here in Chicago.
Anyway, I blew my paycheck on school supplies, candy and video games, quit the industry and didn't return to it until I was twenty-six. I wonder how long it'll last on this go around.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry and how did you overcome it?
Not sure that I've faced my biggest challenge yet. I wonder if it's waiting for me somewhere out on the west coast.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Don't be or appear to be desperate, but if you can't help it, try to, at least be charming about it. Oh yes, make friends with the works "no" and "sorry," 'cause they'll always be there with you.
Please describe your character in "Stolen Summer" and why you were attracted to the role.
Jack's a hardworking stiff who likes a good card game and enjoys ribbing his superiors. Pete let me have fun with the few lines I had. Having fun is very attractive.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work better as an actor?
Let's see, what do I have in my little actor's bag… ah ha, presto! Not a damn thing, except preparation, focus and relaxation, all of which you'll have to figure out how to do on your own. If you want tricks, read the "Odyssey" and pay attention to Ulysses. He's a crafty son-of-a-gun, and those are the wiles you'll really have to learn to utilize. Anyway, most young/new actors who try to employ tricks will fall flat on their faces, especially when they come across some brutal, soul-stripping director. Worry about tricks later. The biggest trick of all is being honest, particularly with you.
Are you also a writer and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
Writer? Now? No. Later? Maybe.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
"Shad uppa you mouth!" In other words, watch, listen and keep your opinions to yourself, or, at least out of earshot of the big boys and girls.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that can help actors better understand or relate to their character?
Oh Christ, that's a serious question isn't it? Well, I'm not sure the writer can do anything to help an actor relate to a character. You do or you don't. I mean, if the writer is being honest, has listened to the way people communicate and paid attention to how people behave, it's pretty much up to the actor to check her or his own emotional and experimental reservoirs. I will say that giving characters too much to say too directly is a bore for everyone, from the actor to the viewer.
What advice would you give a director on how to make your job as an actor easier on set?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha! You got time for this one? I'll tell you what, I'll take it easy on the directors today and just say, "Know what you want, but don't hold on too firmly." Oh, here's a trick of the kind you were looking for earlier. Directors, unlike actors, even new ones always need a trick or two. When you come to the set each day, don't forget your salt, vinegar and honey.
List your top five favorite films.
- Practically any Billy Wilder picture
- Detour (the original)
- Husbands
- All About Eve
- Last Tango in Paris
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