Latest / Yeah Buddy! Podcast / From the Bay Area to the Big Screen: Sedrick Cabrera on Freaky Tales, Sundance, and Giving Back

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From the Bay Area to the Big Screen: Sedrick Cabrera on Freaky Tales, Sundance, and Giving Back · Yeah Buddy! Podcast

0:00
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0:42
yea, buddy, yea, welcome to the show
0:47
yes, yes, yes, what's goin' on world? It's your man, Buddy Rammick
0:49
and we are back at it, y'all, with another episode of the Yea, Buddy podcast
0:54
and you know how we do, like, every episode
0:56
I try to bring some of my friends into the entertainment business
0:59
whether they're a filmmaker, actor, comedian
1:01
we sit down, chop it up, see what we got goin' on
1:04
in the entertainment business, talk about our stories
1:06
how we got involved into the business
1:08
so if this is your first time tuning in, man
1:10
thank you for tuning in, and if you're a returning friend
1:13
aye, y'all are ready for an action-packed episode
1:15
I'm very excited for this episode
1:17
we got a good friend of mine, I've been tryin' to get him on the podcast
1:19
for a little while here and now
1:20
because he's makin' a lot of moves out of the Bay Area
1:23
he's one of the top rising actors coming up out of the Bay Area right now
1:27
he's been in movies like Freaky Tales
1:29
he's got a movie called Dreams comin' up
1:31
he was just at Sundance for a movie called Josephine
1:34
and a whole bunch of other things he's got goin' on
1:36
so right now, y'all, I want y'all to make it live
1:38
and make it loud for my good friend, Mr. Cedric Cabrera in the building, man
1:42
how you doin', Cedric?
1:44
Hey, Buddy, what's goin' on?
1:46
How's everybody doin'?
1:47
Chillin', man, chillin', man, good, man
1:49
glad to finally have you on the podcast, man
1:51
glad to finally have you on the podcast
1:54
Me too, me too
1:55
I know that we've been tryin' to, like, make this happen for a good little second
1:59
and I'm glad that our schedule's finally, like, lined up
2:02
and that you were like, yo
2:04
we gotta actually, like, put this down, like, on paper
2:06
before we leave tonight's event
2:08
Yeah, yeah, because now that the Actors Awards
2:11
how'd you feel about the Actors Awards?
2:14
The party and all that stuff
2:16
Yeah, yeah, no, I mean, you know, we had a really wonderful event
2:20
like up here with, like, the NorCal, like, local
2:22
and, you know, everybody was dressed to the nines
2:25
which was, like, really, really nice
2:27
and it was cool to see everybody dressed up
2:30
The new venue that we had was, like, actually, like, really incredible
2:35
Yeah
2:35
My one gripe, and I already told folks, was, like
2:38
I was just, like, we needed a little water container
2:40
for people that didn't wanna, like, have any, like, alcohol, like, on that particular
2:44
Yeah, that was
2:44
I was, like, I was, like, I didn't wanna be standing in line
2:47
to go get, like, a glass of water, you know?
2:50
Yeah, yeah
2:50
But other than that, no, it was awesome
2:51
The food was great
2:53
The people were incredible
2:54
It was good to, like, chop it up with everybody
2:56
and honestly, like, one of the nice things about this year's was
2:59
obviously, it was, like, open to the public a little bit more
3:02
which was
3:03
kind of nice to have people that were interested in joining the union
3:07
that we just kind of embraced them and welcomed them with, like, open arms
3:10
that had questions
3:12
which is great
3:13
because, you know, sometimes it feels like one of those, like, clubs
3:16
that you can't quite get into
3:17
or you don't even know, like, where to go or where to begin
3:19
and it was nice to just kind of chop it up with, like, a lot of, like, younger folks
3:23
that were interested in becoming a union member
3:26
Yeah, that was definitely one of my favorite things
3:28
was just the fact that we kind of, like, we demystified
3:32
the whole mystery of, like, SAG
3:34
and the whole exclusivity and stuff like that
3:36
It's like, no, bro, come and party with us
3:37
and hopefully that's the vibe
3:38
and I thought that was kind of cool
3:40
because it kind of tied in with the change of the name
3:44
of the SAG After Awards to the Actors Awards
3:47
so that kind of just gave us the opportunity to
3:49
play off of that
3:51
and just open it up to everybody, all filmmakers
3:54
Absolutely
3:54
But, nah, man, let's get it to you, bro
3:57
because you've been having a very busy year, man
4:00
past year, year coming up
4:02
super busy, man, super busy
4:03
Let's tell people about how you actually got started into acting
4:08
because you first started, you went to San Jose State University
4:11
to get your degree
4:12
I did, I did, I did, correct
4:15
Yeah, no, I mean, it's been a long journey
4:17
I've been doing this for, like, 15 years now
4:22
and it basically, yeah, it all started at
4:26
started before San Jose State
4:28
but San Jose State is really where, like, my career
4:30
like, actually kind of, like, launched
4:33
and the reason so is just, like, when I first went to San Jose State
4:36
I came in as a communications major
4:40
so that's what I first, like, went in to do
4:42
I didn't know what I wanted to do
4:44
but I just knew that I could talk
4:45
and I could talk to people
4:47
and that was, like, enough for me to be, like,
4:49
communications makes sense
4:51
and then eventually I ended up taking a theater class
4:53
and from there I just kind of discovered this thing
4:58
that I had a really, like, unnatural, like, knack for
5:02
but aside from that, like, I had a big passion for
5:04
that I had kind of harbored away since I was a child
5:08
because I just never thought that that was an avenue
5:10
or a possibility for someone that looked like me
5:12
and once I actually got a chance to really express that
5:15
and kind of, like, go for it
5:17
I just, like, never looked back
5:19
so I started in theater
5:21
I did theater at San Jose State
5:24
eventually switching over my major, like, my sophomore year
5:28
and just kind of did a whole bunch of plays
5:31
I did, you know, we did a play called, like, The Swimmer
5:34
that was, like, my first lead
5:35
I did To Kill a Mockingbird, Emma by Jane Austen
5:41
I did Macbeth, the Scottish play
5:44
and eventually crowning it all off with doing Zutsu
5:48
like my senior year by Luis Valdez
5:50
which is a Chicano theater piece
5:52
and it all just kind of came full circle
5:54
because when I first started in the department
5:56
the very first monologue that I chose to do an audition with
5:59
was from Zutsu
6:01
so to close it out with that show
6:04
and having the lead was just, like, you know
6:07
it was, like, the cherry on top of, like, an incredible, like, collegiate career
6:10
that just kind of really was, like, the springboard
6:12
into, like, what I'm living now
6:16
That's what they want to ask
6:18
is what were some of the things that you could take away
6:22
looking back now
6:24
having the college degree
6:26
and then having the stage work, you know
6:31
how that has now impacted your
6:34
you being able to have a career
6:36
Yeah, I mean, you know, I think that they all go, you know
6:40
they all go hand in hand, you know what I mean?
6:43
We're craftsmen
6:44
like, we are craftsmen, craftsmen women, crafts people
6:48
but what we do is a craft
6:50
and I think that a lot of times, like, when people see just, like, the lights in the show
6:55
like, everybody thinks it's, like, oh, like, you just show up
6:57
and kind of, like, have a blast
6:58
and especially, like, with, like, the rise of, like, things just kind of going viral
7:04
like, you can just kind of, sort of, like, hop on your phone
7:07
and, like, for a quick second do a 30-second video
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and, you know, that might connect with, like, millions of people across the globe
7:12
and that's awesome
7:13
but in order to do, like, the full, like, spec of it
7:17
you know what I mean?
7:18
Like, you know, creating, like, films and acting in them
7:22
and being able to take, like, you know, acting in them
7:25
in the sense that we kind of, like, take a character
7:28
and go from beat to beat
7:29
and, like, follow this, like, person's journey
7:31
that is, like, a different medium, you know
7:34
versus, like, living in a life for 30 to, like, 90 seconds
7:38
you know, to live a full-fledged, like, human being
7:41
it's different
7:43
but they really, like, they set me up for success
7:46
because, you know, at San Jose State
7:48
I just really learned, like, the discipline of, like, being an actor
7:52
like, the discipline of table work
7:55
like, doing text work
7:57
and, like, really being able to dive into that
7:59
doing character study
8:01
building characters
8:02
like, how to craft a character
8:04
utilizing your body to its full potential
8:06
through movement of viewpoints
8:08
and understanding soft focus
8:10
and all these different things that, you know
8:14
when you're doing them
8:14
and you're doing it so repetitive
8:17
and so, like, consistently
8:19
that it almost feels like you're, like
8:20
why are we still doing this?
8:21
Like, why are we doing this, like, warm-up
8:22
that we've been doing, like, all semester long?
8:25
But it's just really, like, building in your subconscious
8:27
to, like, now I'm at a point
8:29
that I don't even think about certain things
8:32
that I did during those, like, first years, you know
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because they're so, like, ingrained with me
8:37
but I still utilize them all the time
8:39
like, one of the ones that I always talk about with, you know
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my students, when I teach theater
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I love to do, like, soft focus
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and so, soft focus is obviously, like, you know
8:48
when you've got something that's, like, kind of, like, next to you
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and you're, like, sort of feeling it out
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and you're moving with it
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and they'll be like, why are you doing, like
8:55
why are we doing this?
8:55
Like, what does that even matter?
8:58
And I can't tell you how many times, like, on sets, like
9:01
I'll get complimented by DPs
9:03
that are, you know, kind of following along
9:05
with, like, their gear
9:06
and I'm walking, like, it's a tracking shot
9:08
and I can feel them, like, where they're at
9:10
so I'm never, like, walking completely out of frame
9:12
where I'm walking at their pace
9:14
and they'll come to me and be like
9:15
like, in between takes, they'll be like
9:16
yo, dude, like, you're, like, freaking awesome
9:19
and, like, really, like, like, you know
9:20
staying with us
9:21
and I'm like, oh, yeah
9:22
and I didn't think about it
9:22
but I was like, oh, that's soft focus
9:24
that's, like, what I was doing when we're on stage
9:26
and you're in an ensemble
9:27
and you don't have those, like, parts
9:29
that it's, like, lines
9:30
but you're just a part of, like, this, like
9:31
this group, this, like, little, you know
9:33
like a trio or, like, a quintet of, like, people
9:36
that are moving around
9:39
so just all those, like, little things are
9:42
like I said, like, utilizing that table work
9:45
and all of that stuff
9:46
that just, kind of, really comes in handy
9:48
like, as time goes on
9:51
and then one thing you had mentioned
9:52
of not only you're a student
9:54
but you're also a teacher as well
9:57
looking at your ID, VPage
9:59
it looks like you do do a lot
10:00
for the community
10:01
especially the Chicano community
10:04
just speak a little bit about
10:06
because we're going to get into, like
10:07
like, we're just hyping the people up right now
10:08
we're going to get into, like
10:09
all the big things you've done
10:10
like the actors and people
10:11
that you've worked with right now
10:12
but just, like, for right now
10:15
what does it mean to you
10:17
to have all this success
10:19
but then also be in a position
10:20
to where you could pay it forward
10:22
and teach these next generation of actors
10:25
or even just, like you say
10:26
like people from your culture
10:28
and your community
10:30
you know, like, for me
10:31
it's just, kind of, like
10:33
I think I just, I just
10:34
when I was coming up
10:36
I was blessed with, like
10:37
really incredible, you know
10:40
really incredible mentors
10:41
that just instilled, like
10:42
these pillars in me
10:45
that I just, kind of, always refer to
10:47
and, like, those pillars
10:49
just, kind of, have always been
10:50
about, like, connection
10:52
like through community
10:55
and serving, like, the grand scheme
10:57
of, like, people that look like me
10:59
and sound like me
11:01
to be represented in a positive way
11:04
or in a way that sparks
11:06
a more human dialogue
11:08
around complicated subjects
11:11
which, you know
11:13
if we look at, like, our work
11:14
or, like, my work
11:15
you know, that we will in a little bit
11:17
we can talk a little bit more about it
11:20
but I think that
11:21
yeah, I just, I
11:22
it's always been important to me
11:23
to send the elevator back down
11:25
as people like to say
11:27
I like to make sure that
11:29
that if I can
11:31
and I'm in a position
11:32
that I can help people
11:34
get stronger and better
11:35
and they're willing to listen and do it
11:38
then who am I to stop them?
11:40
And the reason that
11:41
that's such a huge thing for me
11:42
was because, you know
11:44
when I was coming up
11:44
I know what it's like to feel shunned
11:47
I know exactly what it is like
11:49
to be the eager person
11:51
that's, like, asking questions
11:52
and people are like
11:53
oh, like, why is, like
11:54
the young person, like
11:55
asking questions right now?
11:56
This is not the moment
11:57
to, like, ask questions
12:00
and, of course, you learn to, like
12:01
read the room a little bit better
12:02
like there are places that you're like
12:04
maybe right now is not the time
12:05
you know, like, this person's prepping
12:07
but at the same time, like
12:10
you know, especially, like
12:11
when we're there, like, at, like
12:12
mixers, like, where we always
12:14
kind of run into each other
12:15
or galas and things like that
12:17
like, I love connecting with people
12:19
and just kind of understanding
12:20
where they're at in their journey
12:21
and, like, what their heart looks like
12:22
and if there's an opportunity
12:24
to help them in that way
12:25
like, then absolutely, you know
12:28
so, yeah.
12:31
Nice, man. I appreciate that.
12:33
Now, let's get into some of these projects
12:36
and these big productions
12:37
that you've been working on
12:38
over the past couple years
12:39
because you've done a couple
12:40
of, like, national commercials
12:41
and things like that
12:43
but a couple years ago
12:45
when did Freaky Tales film?
12:46
Was it, like, 2022?
12:49
Yeah, we filmed Freaky Tales
12:51
at the tail end of 2022
12:54
so, I think if I remember correctly
12:56
when I was on set
12:57
I was on set in, like, late October
13:04
yeah, yeah, yeah
13:05
I was late October
13:07
and then, like, I had a month-long break
13:11
and then I came back in December
13:14
just before they had their holiday break
13:17
so, I did three days in October
13:20
and then I came back and finished out
13:22
one day in December
13:25
but, yeah, yeah, yeah
13:26
so, but it was
13:28
I shot all my stuff in 2022
13:29
and I know that they got some more shots
13:31
after the new year
13:31
they had a holiday break
13:33
for Christmas and New Year's
13:34
and then they came back
13:35
and I think had, like,
13:36
maybe, like, three more weeks
13:37
I don't know
13:38
but something like that, yeah
13:41
Yeah, so, yeah
13:41
Freaky Tales movie film back 2022
13:44
I think I did stand-in work
13:45
I was two shorts stand-in on that one
13:47
and another actor stand-in on that one
13:49
but you played a principal role in that film
13:55
and people who don't know Freaky Tales
13:56
it's developed, like, this whole cult following
14:00
ever since, like, it's come out, man
14:02
and stuff like that
14:03
it stars the hottest actor in Hollywood right now
14:07
Pedro Pascal
14:08
and you actually had opportunity to
14:11
you was the same partner with them
14:13
you was the same partner
14:13
so, let's break down how, like,
14:16
just the audition process, like
14:18
imagine your agent just sends you the email
14:20
saying, hey, we have audition for this film
14:23
character, Antonio
14:25
Man, no, you know what happened, dude?
14:28
What happened was that
14:30
so, you know, I always research, like, parts
14:34
when they come through the bay
14:35
so, like, as soon as I hear of a project, like,
14:38
I will go and I'll look into, like,
14:40
everything about that project
14:41
like from the production company
14:43
to the director, to the writer, to the producers
14:46
just to kind of understand, like, what the world is
14:49
and as soon as I did my homework on this one
14:51
I saw the name, I was like, huh, interesting name
14:53
and then I saw that it was macro
14:56
and Too Short was attached as a producer
14:59
I saw, you know, all the other folks
15:01
and then, of course, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
15:05
who had directed Captain Marvel
15:07
and Half Nelson and Mississippi Grind
15:09
and a whole bunch of other incredible projects
15:12
so, I knew I was like, oh, this has got, like, a lot of legs
15:15
this has got a lot of legs underneath it
15:18
so, I was proactive and I sent it to my people
15:21
I didn't wait for them to send it to me
15:23
I sent it to them and I was like, hey, guys
15:25
like, whatever you got to do, like, you know
15:28
get me in that room
15:29
and I can book this role
15:31
like, this role that's, like, up for grabs right now
15:33
like, I can book it
15:35
and so, bless them so much
15:37
like, I love my team at MDT Agency Inc
15:40
here in San Francisco, Rosie and Portia
15:43
and, you know, they did what they had to do
15:46
and eventually, they were like, hey, Cedric
15:48
they want to see you
15:48
they want you to read for the part
15:50
and I was like, all right, great
15:51
so, I got the self-tape
15:54
worked on it really hard
15:56
you know, I had, like, I think they had
15:57
it was, like, a four-day turnaround
15:58
I got it down in, like, a day and a half
16:00
and, you know, sent it off as quick as I could
16:04
and then, that was it
16:05
and I just, like, let it be
16:06
I was just like, all right
16:08
and didn't hear anything for a good minute, dude
16:11
like, a good minute
16:14
all right, I don't think I booked that
16:16
and then, you know, about, like, a week and a half later
16:20
they were like, hey, you know, you got a callback alert
16:23
like, they wanted a callback
16:25
and I was like, oh, snap
16:27
so, then my callback was, like, about a week after that
16:31
so, it was, like, from the time that I auditioned
16:32
to the callback, it was maybe, like, a month, you know
16:35
oh, wow
16:36
so, it was a long process
16:38
and of course, like, when those are, like, really long
16:40
it's like, okay, like, you also start to understand
16:42
the scale of a project, you know
16:43
yeah, yeah
16:44
around, it's like, you're like, okay, cool
16:46
like, they're ready to go
16:47
it's, you know
16:48
but this is, like, they're doing a lot of prep work
16:51
before we even set foot on, you know, on set
16:54
and so, anyways, I remember that, you know
16:58
it was on Zoom, the callback
17:00
and I was in, like, Zoom waiting room
17:02
and it's, like, me and Chachi Delgado
17:05
who ended up also booking his role
17:08
but Chachi was one of the punks that is in the
17:11
in the Gilman warehouse
17:12
when they're all just, like, talking about, like
17:14
what are we going to do?
17:14
Are we going to hire the cops?
17:15
Like, da, da, da
17:16
oh
17:17
he's the one that says, we're talking about Nazis, Larry
17:20
you know, like, that
17:21
yeah, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
17:22
yeah, yeah
17:23
and so, anyways, Chachi was in the room with me
17:28
and, you know, then it was, like, okay, cool
17:30
like, they're, they told me
17:31
they're, like, oh, they're ready to see you
17:33
and so, I was, like, okay, cool
17:35
like, you know
17:35
and of course, here we go
17:37
and we're running the scene that I had gotten before
17:41
which was, I think, actually
17:43
the scene that I auditioned with was
17:45
the initial, like, gun moment
17:47
outside of the video store with Pedro in the car
17:50
and so, that was the scene that we had auditioned with
17:54
and so, I did that
17:56
and for the callback
17:58
and they were just, like, great
17:59
like, that was awesome
18:00
and it was Ryan and Anna were on the call
18:04
with Nina Henninger as well
18:06
who was the casting director here locally
18:09
so, we were on this Zoom call
18:10
and Ryan and Anna were, like, that was awesome
18:12
can we give you an adjustment?
18:13
and I was, like, of course
18:14
so, they gave me a little adjustment
18:16
and from there, you know, they were just, like, dope
18:19
this is, this is awesome
18:21
and then they had a strange request
18:24
is what they called it
18:24
they were just, like, it's a little bit weird
18:26
but, you know, like, you know
18:28
if you can do it, like, if you can't, totally cool
18:31
we just, we just want to try it right now
18:32
that we have you on the, you know, on the call
18:34
and I was, like, no, of course, what is it?
18:36
they were, like, there's this, kind of, like
18:37
supernatural element in the film
18:39
it's not really a superhero thing
18:41
but it's just, like, it's weird
18:43
it's not, like, of this world
18:45
and when you use it, there's, like, kind of, like
18:48
this, like, epic force that comes out of you
18:51
and, you know, can you just, kind of
18:53
if you were to embody that moment
18:55
like, you're trying to vaporize someone in front of you
18:57
like, how would you do it?
18:58
and so, then I did my whole, like, you know
19:01
like, I ended up being in the movie
19:03
and then, like, he's, like, that's great
19:05
like, that's, that's it
19:07
like, he's, like, dude, do you want to do it?
19:10
I was, like, what?
19:11
he was, like, yeah, do you want to do the movie?
19:12
like, and I was just, like, yeah
19:14
like, I would love to
19:15
and he's, like, all right, cool
19:16
like, we'll, you know, we'll send over some stuff
19:18
like, really shortly
19:20
and so, that's how I ended up, like, booking it
19:24
but I didn't realize just how big it was
19:27
until, you know, like, I think my first day on set
19:31
it was, like, in a pre-production day
19:33
and they wanted to do costumes
19:34
so, they wanted to do a costume fitting and everything
19:37
and so, I went
19:37
they had rented out a vacant building in downtown Oakland
19:40
this is just after, like, COVID had kind of happened
19:43
so, everything was, like, you know
19:44
everything was vacant
19:45
yeah
19:45
and so, it was, like, down in that, like, that
19:47
little business financial center of, like, Oakland
19:49
near the 12th Street Bar
19:51
and so, I was, like, kind of, you know, went in
19:54
and it was, like, the production office was, like, massive
19:58
it was, like, three stories, like, three stories tall
20:02
and every single floor had, like, people doing everything
20:06
you know, it was, like
20:07
there was, like, a production team over here
20:09
there was a costumes team over here
20:10
there was, like, you know, like, all these, like, different folks
20:13
I must have met, like, 150 people, like, on that first day
20:16
like, it was, like, overwhelming
20:17
like, I was just, like
20:18
they're, like, oh, Cedric, like, come over here
20:20
oh, and this is da-da-da
20:21
this is, like, the head of this department
20:23
this is the head of that department
20:24
they're, like, hey, pleasure to meet you
20:25
like, we're so excited
20:26
I was just, like, oh, like, yeah, yeah, for sure
20:28
like, you guys too, like, you know
20:30
you're, like, I'm not gonna remember nobody's name
20:32
yeah, yeah, no, for real, you know
20:33
and so we went and I ended up, you know
20:37
trying on, like, the clothes
20:38
and, you know, they
20:39
we did, like, all the different looks that they wanted to try
20:42
they settled on the ones that they wanted
20:44
and then we were, like, sick
20:45
all right, cool
20:46
and as I'm walking out
20:49
there's a person on the costume team
20:51
that I had worked with previously on another project
20:53
and so then we just kind of, like
20:55
we're chopping it up
20:56
being, like, yo
20:56
and then she's, like, Cedric, I can't believe it
20:58
you're, like, working on this project
20:59
like, this is huge
21:00
like, the last time we were working together
21:02
it was, like, a Google commercial
21:03
and I was, like, yeah, like, I know
21:05
I'm, like, really excited
21:06
and I remember I, like, looked to my right
21:09
and they had, like, a wall, you know
21:11
like, how, I mean, I was used to
21:14
at that point, like, doing, like
21:15
even if I was doing indie films
21:16
it was, like, an indie short or something
21:18
so sometimes they have, like
21:19
for the costume, like, look books
21:21
they've got, like, you know
21:23
a face or whatever
21:24
even for commercials
21:25
they've got a face of, like, a famous person
21:27
and it's, like, in the vibe of this guy
21:30
you know what I mean?
21:31
in the vibe of, I don't know
21:33
like, this character needs to feel
21:35
like a Timothee Chalamet
21:36
this character needs to feel
21:38
like a Michael B. Jordan
21:39
this feel, like, whatever that vibe is
21:41
that they bring
21:42
that's usually what they're for
21:43
and so I saw it
21:45
and I was just, like, I was, like, oh, cool
21:47
like, so you guys are, kind of, going for, like
21:48
a Pedro Pascal type, huh?
21:50
and then they were, like, oh, no, no, no
21:51
like, he's in it
21:53
and I was, like, oh
21:54
and then, like, I looked
21:56
and it was, like, Pedro Pascal
21:57
like, Jay Ellis
21:59
Normani
22:00
Dominique Thorne
22:01
Angus Cloud
22:02
like, all
22:03
and I was, like, are they all in it?
22:05
and they were just, like, oh, yeah
22:06
like, they're all gonna be in the movie
22:07
and I was just, like, what the heck, dude?
22:10
this is crazy
22:13
so that was, like, my first, like, welcome
22:15
to Freaky Tales
22:16
like, you know, that's when I was, like
22:18
oh, this is a big, big deal
22:22
and so that was, kind of, like, you know
22:24
that was the beginning of it
22:27
and then, of course, you know
22:28
when I was actually on set
22:30
was maybe, like, about
22:32
like, about a week later
22:34
because it was
22:35
the pre-production was, like, a week before
22:37
and then I came back, like, a week later
22:41
for, like, my first day of filming
22:43
and I didn't
22:44
I just knew Pedro was in it
22:45
but I didn't know who he was going to be in it
22:47
you know what I mean?
22:48
yeah, when did you find out that he was
22:51
yeah
22:52
when did you find out that he was going to be
22:53
a seed partner?
22:54
y'all was going to be the same together
22:55
it was literally, like, in that pre-production
22:59
like, that one, you know
23:00
when I was there for the costumes, like
23:03
because I just knew that it was, like
23:04
the person I'm opposite is Clint
23:06
because I remember I had the sides from the audition
23:08
so I know whoever I'm with is named Clint
23:10
and so when I saw Pedro's face
23:12
and then, of course, I saw his, like, character
23:14
named Clint
23:15
I was, like, oh man
23:17
okay, cool
23:18
and this is, like, you know
23:19
for everybody listening at home, like
23:21
this is, keep in mind, like
23:22
before it was, like, Pedro, like, you know
23:25
this is right before
23:26
you know, yeah
23:27
yeah
23:27
just before it became, like, Pedro mania
23:29
on the internet and stuff
23:30
like, I had loved his work previously
23:33
from, like, especially, like
23:35
I really loved him as, like, Agent Pena
23:36
and, like, Narcos
23:37
like, I thought he was, like, phenomenal in that
23:39
and, you know
23:41
especially because, like, doing series work is, like
23:43
it's hard to, like, maintain a character for so long
23:45
and, like, still deliver a really, like, solid performance
23:48
versus a movie
23:49
I'm like, I can buy in for, like, two hours
23:50
but this was, like, season after season
23:52
of just very consistent work
23:54
so that was the impact that his work had on me
23:58
like, just kind of watching him
23:59
I always just really admired how
24:01
he had a very grounded, like, stoic energy
24:04
that was, like, really, like, powerful
24:06
even though he might not have been saying all that much
24:09
you know
24:11
and so, so anyways
24:13
I found out that that was
24:14
that's how I found out that it was Pedro
24:16
so when we got to, like, you know
24:17
the first day of, you know
24:20
principal photography
24:21
basically, I was there for the very first day
24:24
and, and I just remember that I, you know
24:27
ended up, they
24:31
hold on a second, sorry
24:32
I'm, like, got this, like, all good
24:36
but I, I ended up, like
24:37
I remember that I, I got this, you know
24:40
the notification that, you know
24:42
we were going to be doing, like
24:43
the principal photography
24:44
and, and so I was just like, all right, cool
24:46
like, this is it
24:47
and, and I, my call was, like, at 5 30 in the morning
24:51
or something like that
24:51
like, a really, you know, one of those
24:53
no, not even 5 30, it was, like, 4 30
24:55
like, one of those really, really early ones
24:57
and so I got there
25:00
and then we had, like, you know
25:02
hair and makeup
25:02
and so they were just, like, oh Cedric
25:04
like, whenever you're ready, like
25:05
hair and makeup is, is ready for you
25:07
and so it's, like, all right, cool
25:08
and I remember I went up to the little trailer
25:10
and then as soon as I turned the corner
25:12
like, going into, in, in the door
25:14
like, it was, like, Pedro Pascal was, like
25:16
sitting at the final chair
25:18
and then they were, like, oh, like
25:19
you want to come sit over here
25:20
and it was, like, the chair right next to him
25:22
and I was just, like, oh, yeah
25:23
I sat down, it's, like, freaking 5 in the morning, dude
25:26
I'm, like, what is my life right now?
25:28
and, and he was just, like, hey, like, good morning
25:30
like, how's it going?
25:31
like, I'm Pedro
25:32
and I was, like, what's up, big dog?
25:34
I was, like, I know who you are, like
25:35
I was, like, what's up, dude?
25:37
like, I was, like, and he was, like
25:38
oh, I heard we're going to be working together
25:39
and I was, like, you know, something like that
25:41
like, I think so, I think so
25:43
um, so he was really cool and, and very, um, you know
25:47
very welcoming
25:47
obviously it's, like, 5 in the morning
25:49
so we're both, like, kind of tired
25:50
and we're, like, drinking our coffees
25:51
and, you know, getting our faces ready
25:53
and, uh, but then, yeah, no
25:56
I mean, once we got going, like
25:58
I was there for the, the very first shot
26:00
of, like, principal photography
26:02
and, um, you know
26:03
it was, like, in the video store
26:04
I remember
26:05
and it was, like, kind of, like, a sequence
26:06
where Pedro just kind of, sort of
26:08
is, like, right there at the, at the front desk
26:11
and, uh, you know
26:12
they joked around after they got that first shot
26:14
they're, like, all right, everyone
26:15
that's a wrap
26:15
that's a wrap on Freaky Tales
26:17
we're, we're, we're all good here
26:19
um, but it was, it was just, like, a lot of fun
26:22
because I was, I was there for three days with them
26:24
um, and it was me, uh, and Pedro Pascal
26:28
and, uh, Natalia, Natalia Dominguez
26:32
who played, uh, his wife in the, in the film
26:36
um, so, like, the three of us
26:37
just got to, like, really hang out
26:39
and Natalia became, like, my
26:40
one of my closest, like, little artistic friends
26:43
uh, from that, from that experience
26:45
because we had kind of, like, run in the same circles
26:47
of, like, doing commercials
26:48
um, but we had never worked together directly
26:51
and so after that we were just, like, super locked in
26:54
um, but yeah
26:55
Was she from the Bay Area too?
26:57
She is, she's also, she's also from the Bay Area
26:59
um, she's originally from
27:02
don't, don't quote me on it
27:04
but I believe that Natalia is originally from EPA
27:07
from East Palo Alto
27:08
and then, uh, but she's, but she's based here
27:11
in San Francisco
27:12
um, and so, so anywho
27:14
yeah, like, we, we shot together
27:16
and, uh, just had a really, really good time
27:18
and, and Pedro was really, like, sweet
27:20
and, like, welcoming
27:21
and, uh, was just awesome
27:24
like, you know, the craziest part about doing movies
27:26
like this is, like, you spend so many, like, little
27:29
just moments, like, waiting together
27:31
you know, and so we had moments
27:33
where it was, like, oh, like
27:34
and it's not like you're waiting together
27:35
in, like, glamorous areas
27:37
like, sometimes it's, like
27:38
oh, we have a makeshift, like, green room for you
27:40
in the, in the janitor's closet of this, like, store
27:43
or whatever, you know
27:44
so we were just kind of kicking it there
27:46
and talking about life
27:48
and, you know, what, what he was, you know, working on
27:51
and asking about us
27:52
and, you know, he was, like, so what do y'all have next
27:55
and at that time, it was, like
27:56
I still hadn't booked any of the other stuff that I had
27:58
that I eventually booked
27:59
but I was, like, I mean, this is kind of it for me, dog
28:02
like, I don't really have another thing right now
28:04
and he was, like, oh, he's, like, okay
28:06
I was, like, what about you?
28:07
and he was, like, well, I'm gonna go to, you know
28:08
Comic-Con Brazil, like, after this
28:10
and then I come back and I shoot
28:12
and I was, like, no, yeah
28:13
I mean, that would, you know, that's, like
28:15
yeah, yeah
28:16
so, but he was, he was really sweet
28:18
like, super, super sweet
28:20
very, very cool
28:22
and then, of course, like, the, the culminating moment
28:25
like, for me, like, was just
28:27
just, like, the, the honest exchange that we had
28:29
as, like, artists, you know
28:31
which, which is always just such a blessing
28:33
like, it doesn't matter what the level is
28:35
like, that's what makes this craft, like, you know
28:39
live rent-free in my heart
28:40
it's, it's this, like, this egoless transaction
28:44
between, like, two human beings
28:45
who, who, like, see each other, like, full-heartedly
28:48
for, like, these, these given seconds in, like, the cosmos
28:53
you know what I mean?
28:54
and for that split second
28:55
you're just, like, really, like, locked in with somebody
28:58
and I think that with, you know, with Pedro
29:01
like, we really had that
29:02
because during, like, of course
29:04
our really intense, you know, gun sequence and whatnot
29:07
like, I'm really kind of going for it
29:09
in this, like, way that I chose
29:11
and then, you know, of course
29:13
like, you know, you get your, your key coverage
29:15
and then they switch over to, like, you know
29:17
his key coverage
29:18
and so when it was on him, he was like
29:20
hey, like, can you give me, like
29:22
one of the ones that you were giving earlier
29:23
can you, like, just really give it to me
29:25
like, the way you were
29:26
and I was like, dude
29:27
I was like, hell yeah, for sure
29:30
so that was, that was tight
29:31
and that was a very great compliment to receive
29:34
from, like, an actor that, of his caliber
29:36
and of his experience
29:38
like, having been doing this for such a long time
29:41
which was just awesome
29:43
and then, of course, we closed it out by
29:45
taking pictures together
29:46
he was just like, yeah, let's take a picture together
29:48
and we were like, okay
29:49
so we all, you know, took our photos together
29:52
in front of, like, the
29:54
in front of the Fox Theater, Oakland sign right there
29:58
like, on Telegraph
29:59
and it was an incredible experience, man
30:02
like, that, those first three days
30:05
were, like, just incredible
30:07
and then I just came back
30:09
after the month-long break
30:10
to come and film the sequences
30:12
where I'm in the police precinct
30:14
so during, like, the line
30:16
so we came and ended that
30:17
and that was, like, an overnight shoot
30:19
so that one I came in at, like
30:21
I think it was, like, 7 p.m. or something like that
30:23
was, like, my call time
30:24
and ended up leaving just before, like, you know
30:27
5 a.m. or something
30:30
but yeah, yeah
30:32
Ricky Tells is one of those cool
30:35
productions that when they do come to the Bay Area
30:37
because, like I said, I didn't know the other actress
30:40
I didn't know she was from the Bay Area
30:41
but there was a lot of
30:44
Bay Area actors and actresses
30:46
that got some sort of, like, supporting role
30:48
or, you know, something on that date
30:52
to where now they can say, like, I was in a movie
30:54
with, like, Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis
30:55
and all this type of stuff
30:57
and you'll see
30:59
and, like, so we could talk about, like, say later
31:01
like with Josephine and with Outerlands and Dreams
31:05
just how much, like, those opportunities
31:09
when they do come around, man
31:10
just how much they can really catapult your career
31:12
because, like I said, you did about
31:14
was it about three feature films since?
31:16
Three or four feature films since then, huh?
31:18
Yeah, yeah, yeah
31:19
I think I'm at seven now
31:20
and seven now in total
31:21
Holy shit
31:22
Yeah, yeah
31:24
and all with, like, you know, I guess
31:27
yeah, just, like, with principal roles, I guess
31:31
is, you know, with, like, lines and everything
31:34
but I just, yeah, the one that started it all
31:37
for me in that regard was Gone in the Night
31:40
the one that I filmed after I went on a writer
31:44
so I shot that movie in 2021
31:48
like fall of 2021
31:49
and then it came out in theaters in 2022
31:53
so that one was, like, a short process
31:55
like from beginning to end
31:56
it was, like, nine months
31:58
like from when we shot it
31:59
then it was at South by Southwest
32:00
like the very next, you know, award season
32:03
or, I'm sorry, festival circuit
32:05
and then it was, like, in theaters
32:07
like that's that next summer
32:10
but yeah, no, it just, it
32:11
I mean, to go back to your question, though
32:13
about these opportunities
32:15
and how important they are
32:16
and how special they are
32:18
and what they mean
32:19
it's, like, like, yeah
32:21
because, you know, contrary to popular belief
32:23
it's, like, even though we might have productions
32:25
that come and all of that
32:27
it's, like, the roles that are up for grabs
32:29
for people that are actually, you know
32:31
speaking parts are very slim to none
32:35
and if there are, like, a lot of times
32:38
like, especially for, like, the supporting roles
32:41
they're, you know, cast out of New York or LA
32:46
or, you know, a quote-unquote, like, bigger market
32:50
because, you know, that's just the way that
32:53
I guess in producers' minds
32:55
that's the way that they think
32:57
if they're investing this money
32:59
then they are, like, oh
33:00
I need to make sure that my money is safe, you know
33:03
and my money being safe means
33:05
I'm gonna go with someone that lives at the mecca
33:07
of, like, what it is that I'm trying to do, you know
33:10
even though there might be very qualified folks
33:12
that are here in the Bay
33:13
that's just the mindset that they have
33:15
and so that's also why I don't take it very lightly
33:18
when I book these roles
33:19
because I understand what my impact does on the locale
33:23
you know, so if I do
33:24
if I go out there and I do a half-assed job
33:29
or, like, a terrible job
33:31
then they're, like, see
33:32
this is why we don't hire local
33:33
because that's what we get, you know
33:37
but on the contrary, like, what's happened with me
33:39
is that then people are, like, oh snap
33:41
like, this is, like, what is out here in the Bay
33:43
and it's, like, yeah, dude
33:44
there's, like, other people, too
33:46
yeah
33:46
and so, yeah
33:48
so that's kind of, like, you know, what it is
33:52
and I guess, like, what it means to, like
33:55
to us here locally in the Bay area
34:01
and then with Freaky Tales
34:03
you went to, that went to Sundance
34:05
you went to Sundance with them, right?
34:06
Yeah, yeah, yeah
34:07
Sundance, we went to
34:10
for Freaky Tales, we went to Sundance in 2024
34:13
so we were at Sundance 2024 in Park City
34:17
and that was my very first time at Sundance
34:19
and, you know, it was insane
34:22
because we were the kickoff movie of the festival
34:25
so we played the Eggles Theater Center
34:27
on, like, Thursday night
34:28
and it's, like, a super, super anticipated film
34:32
by this point, like, Pedro Mania's, like
34:34
literally, like, just, like, about to hit its, like, peak
34:38
it's coming up like the roller coaster
34:40
and it was insane
34:42
so we had a really, really great time, like
34:45
out there with the project
34:47
it was there, like, on opening night
34:48
Thursday, like I said
34:49
and once we, you know, they get, like, the team
34:54
the production team was kind enough to, like
34:56
give us all, like, one ticket, like, for the film
35:01
and, yeah, because it was super sold out
35:03
like at the Eggles
35:04
which is, like, the biggest venue that Park City had
35:06
which is, like, a 1,200 seat venue
35:09
and it was, like, it was packed
35:11
like absolutely packed to the brim
35:14
and so we went and we, you know
35:16
I watched it and it was, like, me and Natalia
35:18
we were kind of together
35:19
since we were, like, a little
35:21
that was our little group
35:23
and then, of course, you know
35:24
Pedro came through, like, where
35:25
they bring all the celebrities through, like, the side doors
35:28
and then, you know, she was, like
35:29
oh, like, Pedro, like, what's up, like, da-da-da
35:31
and, you know, I was excited too
35:33
and so, you know, we all just kind of said hi
35:36
and then Pedro was, like, hold on, like
35:39
I'm gonna come over there
35:40
I'm gonna, like, he was just kind of motioning
35:41
since it's a big, super big space
35:43
so he was, like, I'll be over there in a little bit
35:45
and we're, like, all right, cool
35:47
and so he came over, said hello, gave us a hug
35:49
was, like, how are you all?
35:50
Like, what are you working on?
35:51
Like, how's everything going?
35:52
We were, like, oh, dude, like, you know
35:55
and then he was, like, where are y'all sitting?
35:56
And we're, like, oh, we're just sitting here
35:57
because this is where they told us or whatever
36:00
and we're, like, what about you?
36:01
And he was, like, oh, they have me at the front
36:03
but, like, I don't want to be at the front
36:05
and we're, like, okay
36:07
and then he was, like, do you
36:08
he was, like, can I, like, sit with you guys?
36:11
And then we were, like
36:12
That's fucking hilarious
36:13
Yeah, yeah, we were, like, you can sit if you want
36:16
like, and we were, like, but, like, that says
36:19
it's, like, the producers of, like, Lionsgate or whatever
36:22
and then he was just, like, oh
36:25
they can find somewhere else to sit
36:27
and then we were, like, all right, cool
36:29
so then he brought his team over
36:31
and they took over those seats
36:32
and then, you know, so they sat down next to us
36:34
so when I watched Freaky Tales
36:36
I, like, literally had Natalia to my right
36:39
and then Pedro was sitting at my left
36:41
and that's, like, how I
36:42
that was my first watch of Freaky Tales
36:43
and it was nuts
36:45
That's how it should have been
36:47
Yeah, it was nuts, dude
36:48
It was so incredible and such a fun, like
36:51
it was just, it is a fun film
36:53
It's just such a fun film to watch
36:54
and so seeing it with the audience was, like
36:56
it was the best
36:57
and we had a really, really good time with it
37:00
and, yeah, like, afterwards we had, like, a
37:03
you know, an after party, of course
37:05
and that was, like, again, like, it was, like
37:07
Pedro, like, you know, we had worked together
37:09
at least enough that, you know
37:11
and I don't really, like, it kind of
37:13
I don't super get starstruck, like, with people
37:15
but still, like, it's, like
37:17
you can recognize and appreciate, like
37:20
the presence of, like, the artistry
37:21
that you're in front of, you know what I mean?
37:23
Yeah
37:23
And so because, and the reason I say this
37:25
because I always want to be, like
37:26
oh, I want to be able to work with this colleague
37:28
instead of being, like
37:29
I'm, like, here the whole time, you know what I mean?
37:31
And so Pedro was, like, super cool
37:34
but then we go to this after party
37:37
and then that was where it was just, like
37:40
everybody, because that was my first Sundance
37:42
so it was, like, every celebrity, like
37:44
that was at Sundance that year
37:46
was, like, at that after party
37:48
and it was just, like, you look one way
37:50
you're, like, is that so-and-so?
37:51
Is that so-and-so?
37:52
And, like, it was, it was just nuts, you know
37:55
and then, and we're, like, at this after party
37:56
and then all of a sudden, like
37:58
five feet away from me is, like, you know
38:01
too short
38:01
and he turns around and he sees me
38:04
and I see him
38:05
and then I was just, like
38:08
I just kind of point
38:09
and then he goes
38:11
hey, mustache
38:12
you did your thing, mustache
38:17
and I was just, like, I was, like
38:19
thank you, Mr. Short
38:21
like, I really appreciate it, sir
38:22
like, he was, he's, like, yeah
38:25
and then it was just kind of, like
38:26
he was, like, this is where the conversation ends
38:28
you know, like
38:30
and I was just, like
38:31
no, no, no, for sure
38:31
I was just, I don't know
38:33
I thought we were just gonna kick it
38:34
and it was hella funny
38:35
because he was, yeah
38:36
he was in there, like, smoking a blunt
38:37
and they were, like, oh
38:38
you can't smoke in here
38:39
and they were, like, dude
38:40
it's too short, like, what?
38:41
like, he's gonna stay in here
38:43
like, so
38:44
that was just really, really funny
38:46
and then, of course, you know
38:47
we got to hang out with, like, the directors
38:50
and the producers
38:51
and, you know, I got to thank, you know
38:53
all the, all the production team
38:54
and, and all of them
38:55
and, and then afterwards, like
38:58
as, as we're about to, like, leave
39:00
like, then, Jay Ellis hadn't
39:02
I hadn't met Jay Ellis yet
39:04
and he was leaving
39:06
so there was, like, this, like
39:06
really popular song
39:07
I can't even remember
39:08
but it was, like, really, like
39:10
it was everywhere during that time
39:11
and so he was, kind of, dancing out like this
39:14
like, as he's, like, walking out of the venue
39:16
and then he saw me, like, from across the room
39:18
he was, like
39:19
and we're, like, talking, like, 30 feet away
39:20
and he was just, like, yo!
39:23
and then he was, like, game over
39:24
and then I was, like, hey, like, Jay!
39:28
he was, like, dude
39:29
that's one of the
39:30
he's, like, I just want to come over
39:30
and just, like, man
39:32
I just want to say what's up
39:33
like, also, like
39:34
you were, like, phenomenal
39:36
uh, where have you been?
39:37
like, we've been waiting for a dude like you
39:39
and I was just, like, hey, Jay
39:42
like, I mean, I'm, I'm, I'm right here, dude
39:44
he was, like, I'm here
39:45
yeah, and he was, like
39:46
I'm here
39:47
he was, like, that was
39:48
he's, like, I
39:48
he's, like, I was, like, man
39:49
I need to
39:50
I need to give that guy his flowers
39:52
you know, because you, you
39:52
you really did that
39:53
and I was, like, oh, thank you, man
39:55
and so
39:56
so that was, like
39:57
that was basically it
39:58
and then the rest of
39:59
Sundance was just
40:00
it was just incredible
40:01
like, it's just, like, event after event
40:03
and the coolest part is that
40:05
um, you know, there's
40:07
it's just, like, the mecca of, like, people that
40:09
that are doing this at the highest level
40:11
so, like, everybody there is, like, looking to collaborate
40:13
everyone there is, like, super welcoming and friendly
40:16
and, um, you know
40:17
it was just dope
40:18
and you get to, like, meet a bunch of people
40:20
like, some of the
40:21
the best, like, creative relationships that I have currently, like
40:25
I met at Sundance at that very first one, you know
40:28
and so
40:29
so it's just, like, it was
40:30
it was an incredible experience
40:31
and something that I highly encourage a lot of people
40:34
when they're, like, thinking about going to Sundance
40:35
I'm, like, go
40:36
like, for me, music is not, like, my big thing
40:39
like, you know how people, like, save up for, like, music festivals
40:42
like, where they're just, like, oh, yeah
40:44
like, I'm gonna go to, uh, you know
40:46
Coachella or Outside Lands
40:48
or I'm gonna go to, uh, EDC, whatever
40:52
like, I just never
40:53
I was, like, wow, you're gonna pay, like, $1,200 to go, like, you know
40:56
stand in a crowd for three days
40:58
and then
40:59
but doing, like, Sundance
41:01
I was, like, oh, this is my
41:03
this is, this is my thing
41:04
this is something
41:05
even if I didn't have a project, like, I would still be down to go
41:08
and just hang out
41:09
because it's so much fun, you know
41:12
and, yeah, like that
41:13
like I said, that first one was, like
41:15
it was nuts
41:15
it was, it was just an incredible experience
41:17
and, uh, you know, like
41:19
by the third day, like, I
41:22
you know, because of Freaky Tales, like
41:24
when I was walking down Main Street
41:25
I would get stopped, like, all the time
41:27
and, like, every, every other block I would get stopped, like, before
41:31
they were just, like, oh, like, hey, like, I just
41:33
just wanted to come over and say hi
41:34
because, you know, we just, we just saw Freaky Tales
41:37
and you were incredible
41:38
and, like, I was, like, oh, dude, thank you
41:40
and, you know, I had my first group of, like, people that were, like
41:43
they gave me their flowers
41:44
it was, like, a group of, like, teenage kids
41:46
they were, like
41:47
they're, like, these little white kids that were, like
41:50
probably, like, in between, like, 16 and 17, you know
41:54
and they were just, like
41:55
they saw me at a coffee shop
41:57
and then they came back and they were, like
41:58
dude, you were, like, so awesome
42:00
and we, like, love Freaky Tales
42:01
and, you know, and I was, like, oh, dude, like, that's awesome
42:04
and then they, like, left
42:05
and then they came back and they were, like
42:06
can we get a picture with you?
42:08
and I was, like, yeah, like, of course
42:10
yeah, yeah, for sure
42:11
yeah, yeah
42:12
so it was, it was just cool, man
42:13
like, people really, really resonated with it
42:16
and it was, it was an incredible, like, first experience of, like, Sundance
42:21
yeah, Freaky Tales is a
42:23
everybody who I know who's seen that movie
42:26
was all, like, well, this is my movie of the year
42:28
at least it was always that person's, like, top five
42:31
whoever, whoever's seen Freaky Tales, they're, like
42:32
okay, this movie's my top five movie for this year
42:36
yeah, oh, yeah
42:38
and then speaking of Sundance
42:40
you had just went back to Sundance this year, right?
42:43
but for a different movie
42:44
yes, yes
42:45
for Josephine
42:46
we can get into this
42:47
I don't know how much time we got
42:48
how much time I have left with you
42:50
but we can get into Josephine
42:53
because you just went to Sundance for the second time
42:56
for, this is the second feature film that you're in
43:00
yes
43:00
Josephine, movie starring
43:02
well, I'll let you get into it
43:03
but it stars Chetty Tatum, a couple other people
43:07
yeah, yeah
43:08
but same thing, like, what was, what was your character Mr. Diaz?
43:12
well, can you talk about who this, this character is or, or anything like that?
43:18
I can talk a little bit about it
43:19
I can't give too much but, but essentially, like, Mr. Diaz and Josephine
43:24
I play, I play the PE teacher for young Josephine at her school
43:32
so I have, I have a little bit more like, compared to like Freaky Tales
43:36
like, this is more like a cameo
43:38
so it's like, it's like a scene
43:40
but it's still like, you know, like going to, to go see Josephine at Sundance
43:44
like we got the notification from the production team that they were like
43:46
hey, we got into Sundance
43:48
and of course, you know, set up my logistics to make it happen
43:52
and, and off we went
43:53
and I got to, you know, go and, and, and experience it
43:58
and of course, you know, this one was like, this one felt more like a, like, you know
44:02
like where it was, it was a very modestly budgeted, like, like indie film, you know
44:08
and even though like Gemma Chan and Channing Tatum were like involved
44:12
and they're also like executive producers on the project
44:17
I didn't know what to expect
44:18
I didn't know, I didn't know what, what it was going to be like
44:20
especially because I only had my one brief cameo
44:22
so I just, all I knew was like, I have this scene, you know
44:25
like this, this sequence
44:27
but I didn't know the, I guess like the overall arc just yet
44:32
but yeah, it centers around an eight-year-old, an eight-year-old girl
44:37
who witnesses a very traumatic experience in a public park
44:42
and the parents having to deal with the aftermath of that
44:45
and so, so I think, I, I didn't know how, how it was going to be received
44:51
I think that a lot of us were like, we're not sure how it's going to be received
44:54
but it was just like, so beautifully done
44:59
that, that was, that was the greatest surprise of like, like, you know
45:04
me, especially like at Sundance was just like how, how, how human
45:09
like and beautifully done this like film was, you know
45:13
and, and Beth, like our director was just like super incredible
45:16
like when you, when y'all got a chance to check it out
45:18
like here in the Bay, like when it eventually comes out
45:21
it's, it's just so, it's, it's so raw
45:26
but like not in a, in a really like, I don't know
45:29
when, when, when it's an intense subject matter like that
45:32
it's very easy to be, to just go a little too far with something
45:37
and just kind of be like very like in your face
45:39
and this is just more like, just this like, we, we are living
45:43
like this life with these people for these like two hours, you know
45:48
and depending on like where your heart lands
45:50
like I think that the most interesting thing
45:51
is that there's like three very distinct perspectives
45:54
to like watch the film from, you know
45:58
and so, so yeah, I just, I really, really enjoyed
46:01
I enjoyed my time working on the project
46:04
but like, of course, like seeing it and, and being able to be there
46:07
and, and bear witness to like the opening
46:10
and, and see Beth get her flowers, you know
46:13
from the public and that massive standing ovation
46:16
that we had and to play the Eccles Theater Center
46:19
like once again with a film was like, it was incredible
46:24
and, and yeah, like, you know, it was just, it was just awesome
46:28
and going back to like the Chicano experience
46:31
you know, what, what we were talking about a little bit earlier
46:33
and, and your impact, it's like, you know
46:36
the, what I really loved about it was in this instant
46:39
it was like, even though I'm not playing something that I was like
46:42
I was like, oh, I say it's a cameo
46:43
but still it's like, I'm not this
46:46
Represented though
46:47
Yeah, but I'm, I'm representing this like positive force
46:50
like in this world, you know what I mean?
46:52
Like not, not like in, in the, in like another light or whatever
46:58
like I love playing both because both are like, you know
47:00
it's the duality of being like human
47:02
but, but it was just, it was really
47:05
it was really nice to, to be able to do something like that
47:08
you know, and so, yeah, but, but yeah
47:12
and then, and then of course, you know
47:14
especially with like the, with the times like where we were
47:18
especially like during, during that time
47:20
it was like, you know, with like all the ice protests
47:22
and everything like that
47:23
and I had just come back from going to Mexico
47:25
to go visit my family during like the, the winter break
47:30
I had gone out there for like a quinceanera
47:32
and one of my, my aunts had gifted me like a Gabon
47:36
which is like, everybody out here calls them like ponchos
47:39
you know, like
47:40
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
47:41
Really like it, they had a secret Santa thing
47:43
and, and they put me in it
47:45
and so one of my aunts gave, like one of my tias gave me one
47:48
and it was like this Gabon that was like leather
47:50
and it was like so beautiful
47:51
and it had this like, you know, beautiful imagery on it
47:54
and I was like, whoa
47:56
and then she was like, oh, like in Spanish
47:58
but she was like, oh, like you don't like it
48:00
and I was like, no, no, no, no, no
48:01
like it's not that I don't like it
48:02
it's just like, I like, like I wasn't expecting this, you know
48:06
and she was like, oh, we can change it for you if you want
48:09
like we can go get a different one
48:10
I was like, no, no, no, no, no
48:11
like I love it, I love it
48:14
and I told them, I was like, you know
48:16
I was like, the next time you see me like wearing this
48:18
like I'm going to be at the red carpet of Sundance
48:21
and they were just like, they were like, oh, like wait
48:24
like what's, what's that
48:25
and I was like, it's the whole thing
48:29
and so I kept my promise
48:30
so I wore my, I wore my Gabon
48:32
for like the premiere of Josephine
48:34
and I had begged the production team
48:37
I was like, listen guys
48:38
like I need to go walk that red carpet
48:40
because when we went with, with Freaky Tales
48:41
we were still super unknown
48:43
so when we tried to walk the red carpet
48:45
they were like, like that's for the
48:47
like the people in the movie
48:48
and we're all like, we are in the movie
48:50
and it's a big cast, like obviously
48:52
but they were like, yeah, but like, it's like, okay
48:54
like why don't you guys wait over here
48:55
and they made us like wait off to the side
48:57
and then we're like, we'll be right back
48:58
and then they did that thing where they never come back
49:01
so, you know, this time I was like
49:03
I'm not falling for that
49:04
but also like the production team was like, oh Cedric
49:06
we talked to the Sundance crew and like, you're good
49:09
like you're on the list
49:10
like, so you should be all set to go
49:13
and so I didn't have any trouble thanks to them
49:14
like I went up and of course, you know, gave them my name
49:17
and then they had my name and picture
49:18
and they were like, oh yeah
49:19
like come on through to the red carpet
49:21
so as soon as I hit the red carpet with my guy behind
49:23
like it was just like, especially because of the times
49:25
like I said, like it was just like
49:28
like everybody was like trying to take a picture
49:30
and they were like, Cedric over here, over here
49:32
Mr. Cedric, like over here
49:33
and so it was really, really cool to do that
49:38
and to be able to represent in that way
49:41
you know, because yeah
49:42
we even had like one of the interviewers
49:45
that was out there that spoke Spanish
49:47
she was like, oh, it's kind of a trip
49:48
because there's like almost like never any
49:50
like, you know, there's almost never any Chicanos
49:52
that are at these things
49:54
you know what I mean?
49:55
Like, especially like when they're like
49:56
in front of the camera
49:57
like not like a DP or a part of the crew
50:01
like she's like, that's crazy, you know
50:03
and so again, it's something that I don't take very lightly
50:07
as far as like my impact on being in these projects.
50:12
Awesome, man.
50:13
Where do you see yourself going?
50:15
I don't know how much time you
50:17
or how much time we have left and stuff like that
50:20
I know have you on here for a while.
50:25
Dreams, can we talk about
50:26
can you just plug dreams?
50:27
Cause I know dreams is coming out soon
50:29
well, it's coming up with this air
50:31
it'll be out this month
50:31
so if you want to
50:32
we can just do a little quick shameless plug
50:34
for the rest of the things you got going on
50:36
but yeah, we could kind of
50:38
No, no, it's all good.
50:39
Yeah, dreams actually just dropped in theaters last Friday.
50:43
So yeah, so it dropped in theaters last Friday
50:47
but this Friday as in tomorrow
50:49
well, when we air this, it's going to be like long past
50:52
but we are having a special screening
50:55
at the Roxy in San Francisco
50:59
with Michel Franco, the director
51:02
and there's going to be a Q&A afterwards
51:04
and we're really excited about it.
51:07
But I'm excited because I still haven't seen dreams
51:09
I still haven't had a chance to see the whole thing
51:13
but that one, same thing
51:14
like getting involved with it
51:15
was just kind of like, it was a trip, you know
51:18
to like do it because we had like
51:25
yeah, it was just a long process
51:28
like I remember when the audition came out
51:31
same thing, it was like a big deal
51:33
and I sent it to my people
51:34
I was like, hey, like give me an audition if you can
51:36
and then they did and I sent in a tape
51:39
and then it was like, you know, received
51:43
I sent it in like on a Tuesday
51:45
and then this was during the strikes
51:47
so I sent it in like on a Tuesday
51:50
and then like Thursday we announced
51:51
we were going on strike
51:53
and then like Friday, my team was like
51:57
hey, Michel, the director really wants to meet you for dinner
52:01
and I was like, ah
52:02
Oh, for dinner, that's what's up
52:04
yeah, but I was like, we can't
52:06
we can't, we're on a strike
52:08
and they were like, dude, he wants, like the director
52:12
and Michel's like, Michel Franco is like
52:14
in the world of like international cinema
52:18
like he is that dude
52:19
like he plays Venice, he plays Berlinal
52:22
he plays Cairns
52:24
he plays like every major like film festival
52:28
like he plays those
52:30
and so they were like, he wants to meet you for dinner
52:33
and I was like, I can't
52:34
we just announced a strike
52:35
like I can't do it
52:37
and they were like, Cedric, like this world renowned director
52:40
wants to meet you for dinner
52:42
like you're going to say no
52:44
and I was like, yeah, like I have to
52:47
because, you know, I've only been in the union
52:51
for like a year and a half at this point
52:53
and it just, yeah, it just
52:56
it doesn't feel right in my heart
52:58
even if it's a dinner
52:58
like that's just, it just feels like
53:00
it's not the right time for it
53:03
and I was like, well, we have to wait for like all the waivers
53:06
because I was at all the meetings
53:07
so I was like, we have like
53:08
but there is a ethical way to do it
53:10
but they have to go through the waivers
53:11
and agree to the new terms
53:13
and once they do that, then we're like good to go
53:15
and they were like, so what do you want me to tell him?
53:17
And I was like, we'll just tell him
53:19
that I'll meet him for dinner
53:20
like after they clear
53:22
and they were like, okay
53:26
and so that's what I did
53:28
and I was just like, and I was all nervous
53:31
because I was like, oh
53:32
but I told them, I was like, you know
53:34
I was like, if it's meant to be, like it will be
53:37
and if not, like I told my team
53:39
I was like, and if it's not like right now
53:42
at least like we are on his radar
53:45
like whatever I did that made him want to have dinner with me
53:49
it's enough that we are on his radar
53:51
like for a future project
53:52
and they were like, okay
53:54
and so they, you know, told him like
53:55
oh, he's not gonna meet you for dinner
53:57
until these things clear or whatever
53:59
and so I called the SAG office
54:00
and I was like, hey, has this like thing come through?
54:02
Like have they submitted?
54:03
And they were like, oh yeah, they did submit
54:06
but it's still processing
54:07
so we'll keep you updated
54:08
like when it's, you know, when it finally goes through
54:11
and so I monitored it for like, you know
54:14
like it was like a whole week
54:15
and then two weeks
54:17
and then like at two and a half weeks
54:18
finally, I get a call from like the SAG
54:20
after NorCal office
54:21
and they were like, Cedric, like you're all clear
54:24
like Dreams is like a, it's a greenlit production
54:26
like they've agreed to the terms
54:28
like they got approved through like all the paperwork
54:30
so you're good if you wanna meet with them
54:32
and so then I immediately texted my people
54:34
and I was like, hey, like if he still wants to meet
54:37
like, you know, like I can go now
54:39
and they were like, oh, he says he wants to do lunch
54:41
like tomorrow
54:42
and I was like, great
54:44
so we went and I got to meet Michelle and Isak
54:49
who is the co-lead in the project
54:52
Isak Hernandez is also like a world-renowned ballet dancer
54:57
and so I got to meet the both of them
54:59
and we sat down and we had a nice lunch
55:02
and the whole time Michelle was talking to me in Spanish
55:07
and so I was talking to him in Spanish
55:10
and then I realized very quickly
55:12
I was like, oh, this is a test, you know
55:14
because we kind of kept going
55:16
and then when we got to the end of the lunch
55:17
it was like, we were there for like 45 minutes
55:19
like an hour or so
55:22
and when we got to the end of the lunch
55:23
he just said, of course in Spanish
55:25
but he said, you know, Cedric, I'm really glad
55:28
that I met you because I've worked with a lot
55:31
of like Chicano actors
55:33
and a lot of them say that they know Spanish
55:37
but then the second that it's something
55:39
that's not on the page
55:40
they don't actually know Spanish
55:43
and if you have seen any of my work
55:45
and of course, again, doing my research
55:46
I had watched his movies
55:48
and I was like, oh yeah, I was like
55:49
and he was like, he's like, yeah
55:50
I like to do really like long tracking shots
55:53
so like, just like I like to like live in the moment
55:56
and I don't like to cut or manipulate where I'm like
55:59
oh now I'm on his face
56:00
now I'm on her face
56:01
now I'm telling the audience to look over here
56:03
I just go really wide and I let the moment breathe
56:06
in like what it is
56:07
like the truth of it
56:09
and in order to do that
56:10
I need someone that can handle doing it
56:12
and also not be thrown off
56:13
if something kind of comes up
56:15
like almost to be able to improvise basically in Spanish
56:18
and he was like
56:20
and after having this like dinner with you
56:22
like he's like, you can do it
56:25
you can totally do that
56:26
like you're gonna be fine
56:27
and I was like, oh, thank you
56:28
like Michelle, like I really appreciate it
56:30
and then he was like, you know
56:32
I originally had you read for like the bartender
56:35
but he's like, I'll be real with you
56:38
there's a very strong possibility
56:40
that that ends up on the cutting floor
56:42
cause it's not crucial to the story
56:45
he's like, there's another part
56:46
that I didn't even put out
56:47
cause I didn't think I was gonna find my person here
56:49
but it's got more lines
56:52
and it is crucial to like these two characters
56:55
that are in this relationship
56:57
so if you want that
56:59
then I'll give you that one
57:02
you know, like you can have that other part
57:04
and I was like, yeah, dude, like let's do it
57:07
like let's do the bigger one
57:08
I'll take more lines, yeah, yeah
57:10
yeah, yeah
57:10
and he was just like, all right, cool
57:12
he's like, yeah
57:12
so then, you know
57:13
our people will be in contact with you
57:15
and then we go into production in a couple of weeks
57:17
and you know, yada, yada, yeah
57:19
and he was like, oh, and just be ready
57:20
cause you know, the one that he's like
57:23
the actress you're gonna be in the scene with
57:24
she's really good
57:28
she's really good
57:29
which means she's like really on top of her stuff
57:31
so you're gonna have to bring your A game
57:32
and I was like, oh
57:34
and then he kind of looked at Isak like, right
57:36
and then he's like, oh yeah, no, she's phenomenal
57:38
and I was like, all right, cool
57:39
so again, I didn't know who I was gonna be working with
57:42
and then lo and behold, you know
57:44
we get to like the production day
57:46
and then the ADs kind of bringing over the extras
57:49
and I'm just kind of sort of hanging out
57:51
in the general area where they are
57:53
and then AD's like, hey, so in a moment
57:56
I'm gonna be bringing over our number one
57:57
just so y'all know and you don't freak out
58:00
our number one today is Jessica Chastain
58:02
and I was just like, what?
58:05
I was like, what?
58:07
Jessica Chastain's like our number one
58:09
I was like, dang, okay
58:11
and so then they were like, oh Cedric
58:14
like they wanna do a rehearsal with just you
58:16
Jessica and Isak of the scene
58:18
so just come on in when you're ready
58:20
and I was like, all right, cool
58:21
and so we ran through our sequence in the restaurant
58:24
and then yeah, then we filmed it
58:28
and that was a really, really fun experience
58:30
and again, like talking about the power of like impact
58:33
like when we got done, it's a real restaurant
58:36
so like they were getting ready to set up
58:38
for like their dinner or whatever
58:40
so there was like the staff that was like
58:42
kind of coming into the kitchen
58:44
and they were tripping out on me
58:45
cause they were like, and because they were all
58:47
they're looking at you like, oh shit
58:49
yeah, they were all Latinos
58:50
and they were like, hey bro
58:55
are you gonna be in the movie?
58:56
And then I was like, yeah
58:58
and they were just like, oh, they're like
59:00
so you're an actor
59:01
and I was just like, yeah
59:02
and they're like, oh
59:03
and they were like, dude, he's an actor
59:04
like, they're like, dude, that's so fricking sick
59:06
like in Spanish
59:07
but they were just like, oh, hi
59:08
they're like, dude, that's like this
59:09
that's so sick
59:10
and you're with her
59:11
like, that's crazy
59:13
like, did you do this?
59:16
you know, like how did you?
59:17
So it was really, really cool and super fun
59:21
and yeah, that one actually played
59:25
you know, afterwards it went off to
59:27
went on to premiere at the Berlinale in Berlin
59:30
so the Berlin International Film Festival
59:32
it played there back in 2025
59:35
so February of 2025 is when it had its premiere
59:38
it was well-received
59:39
and then, you know, it ended up like kind of
59:43
you know, premiering
59:45
then it released nationwide in Mexico
59:48
in September of last year
59:50
and then now it's
59:52
it just released here in the United States
59:54
so we're really excited about, you know
59:57
about the project
59:58
and of course that inspired me
1:00:00
to then go to the Berlinale this year
1:00:03
when I went for Josephine
1:00:04
because Josephine got in
1:00:05
and I didn't go with dreams
1:00:07
and I was like, should I go?
1:00:09
Should I not?
1:00:09
But I also didn't know
1:00:10
if I was going to make the cut or not
1:00:12
and I was like, am I going to fly
1:00:13
halfway across the world to like
1:00:15
just be like, oh damn, I didn't make it
1:00:17
you know, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
1:00:19
but no, I ended up making it
1:00:21
I know that for a fact
1:00:23
but you know, like it was
1:00:25
because of that
1:00:26
when Josephine was announced
1:00:28
I was like, I'm going
1:00:28
because I
1:00:29
and I remember because when Dreams was there
1:00:32
buddy, I was like
1:00:33
I was like, I don't know when I'm going to ever have a movie
1:00:35
that plays the Berlinale
1:00:37
like again in my life
1:00:38
like I was like
1:00:40
I don't know when I'm ever going to have a movie
1:00:41
that plays this caliber of a festival
1:00:44
and then literally like the next year
1:00:46
like they were like Josephine
1:00:47
and I was like, okay
1:00:48
I can't take
1:00:49
I can't miss that opportunity
1:00:50
yeah, yeah, yeah
1:00:51
so I went and it was just so phenomenal
1:00:55
it was so cool
1:00:56
and I had a blast at that festival
1:00:59
and they really took care of the artist
1:01:00
and it was just like incredible
1:01:03
it was like a grand like Met Gala type
1:01:06
like fashion beat
1:01:08
and we had just such a good time
1:01:11
and I got to meet like the rest of the cast
1:01:13
because that's the other thing about these films
1:01:15
is like sometimes people are like
1:01:16
oh, so you got to work with so-and-so
1:01:17
and I'm like, no, we're in the same movie
1:01:19
but like realistically
1:01:20
we never crossed paths
1:01:21
because we were on different days or whatever
1:01:23
and everything
1:01:23
you guys would be best friends
1:01:25
and so it was nice to like finally get to a chance
1:01:27
to actually meet like Channing and Gemma
1:01:31
and they were really sweet and very welcoming
1:01:33
and we had a really good time in Berlin
1:01:36
and then I got back
1:01:37
and then that's, you know
1:01:38
kind of brought us to where we were
1:01:39
when we saw each other
1:01:41
but yeah
1:01:43
Full circle, man
1:01:44
That's crazy, bro
1:01:46
I love hearing your journey, bro
1:01:47
I love seeing the continued success that you're having, man
1:01:51
Like I said, if there's anything else
1:01:53
that you want to plug that you have going on
1:01:54
I'm gonna wrap up this episode
1:01:55
but if there's anything else that you want to plug
1:01:57
let the people know that you got going on, man
1:01:59
I'll give you these last few minutes
1:02:00
to give them your spill
1:02:02
No, man
1:02:02
I mean, I'm just, I'm thankful for, you know
1:02:05
you like inviting me on to the podcast
1:02:07
I know that we've been trying to do it for a good minute
1:02:10
I'm thankful to like everybody that takes a moment
1:02:12
to like listen to this
1:02:13
and just kind of like chop it up with us virtually
1:02:16
and really be able to just continue to build
1:02:20
like this like incredible community
1:02:21
that we have in the Bay of like creatives and artists
1:02:24
and folks that are out there like going for it
1:02:28
and just kind of
1:02:29
I guess my plug in for everybody else
1:02:30
is just to remember that like
1:02:32
there's others just like you
1:02:34
just as hungry
1:02:34
just as excited and eager to be doing this
1:02:38
at the highest level
1:02:39
and I can't wait to work with like all of you
1:02:44
Yes, man
1:02:45
Yes, and don't forget to check out his movies, man
1:02:47
Freaky Tales is streaming right now
1:02:49
Dreams is in theaters right now
1:02:51
Josephine will be out sometime later this year
1:02:54
and I'm pretty sure you got a whole bunch of other projects
1:02:56
that'll be coming out this year too, man
1:02:57
So I do have one plug
1:03:00
I just remembered
1:03:01
Yeah, yeah, yeah
1:03:01
I remembered
1:03:02
because I just got the invite this week
1:03:06
and I forgot about it
1:03:07
but so we are going
1:03:09
it's going to be the one-year anniversary of the release
1:03:12
of Freaky Tales on April 4th
1:03:16
and we are going to be having a special screening
1:03:20
in honor of that
1:03:21
at the La Peña Cultural Arts Center in Berkeley
1:03:25
which is also referenced in the film
1:03:28
so keep an eye out for some flyers
1:03:30
like on my social media page
1:03:31
cedricavrera.mov
1:03:34
and we will definitely be there
1:03:36
I know that Ryan Fleck, one of the co-directors
1:03:40
is going to be in attendance
1:03:41
I will also be in attendance
1:03:44
and then I think a few other cast members are still pending
1:03:48
but we will be there
1:03:49
and I just love watching that movie
1:03:50
with people that love it
1:03:52
and so please come join us
1:03:54
and bring your friends if they haven't seen it
1:03:56
because the best way to watch it is with a crowd
1:03:59
Yeah, especially with somebody who's never seen it before
1:04:01
That's always the best thing
1:04:02
when you see Freaky Tales
1:04:04
you watch it with somebody who hasn't seen it
1:04:06
you just be sitting
1:04:07
sometimes you just sit back
1:04:08
and you watch their facial reactions
1:04:09
just the whole time
1:04:11
Yeah, right on buddy
1:04:13
For sure
1:04:14
No, yeah man, like I said
1:04:15
I appreciate you Cedric bro
1:04:16
Y'all can follow Cedric
1:04:17
he has his social media handle there
1:04:21
You can follow me
1:04:22
Yeah Buddy ENT
1:04:23
You can follow the Yeah Buddy podcast
1:04:24
at www.yeahbuddyent.com
1:04:28
or wherever you listen to your podcast
1:04:30
Like I said, hey y'all
1:04:31
if this is your first time tuning in man
1:04:33
this was a great episode
1:04:34
to get introduced to the Yeah Buddy podcast
1:04:36
If you're a returning friend, man
1:04:38
I know y'all had a blast listening to this episode
1:04:41
I'm gonna catch y'all the next episode y'all
1:04:42
My name is Big Buddy
1:04:44
Peace