Latest / Besties Do Verticals / Episode 23 - Interview with Markin Carvalho

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Episode 23 - Interview with Markin Carvalho · Besties Do Verticals

• Aleta: Hello and welcome to Besties Do Verticals with your besties, Alita and Lucy. Hi, I'm Alita. Lucy: And I'm Lucy. Markin: Hi, I'm Markin. Aleta: As you know, the aim of our podcast is to promote and support queer verticals, actors, and all the other creatives who go into producing the projects we love. We are so thrilled to have our seventh interview guest with us today. Lucy: Yay! We Markin: Ha ha. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: are so excited to have Markin Cravallo on the podcast with us today. Markin is a vertical actor and content creator who we came Markin: Yes. Lucy: to know from the BL vertical in his cold eyes on My Drama. We Markin: So cool. Lucy: learned that he has been Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: in seven other verticals. So some notable titles The Nurse's Secret Marriage. Kind of one of my new favorites. And kidnapped by the mafia. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Would you introduce yourself, Markin? Markin: Yeah, so my name is Martin Carvalho and I'm originally from Brazil, so I grew up there pretty much my entire life. And I came to the States in 2018, which is seven eight years ago, right? I'm not good at math. But it's a eight years ago, let's say. And I always wanted to be an actor. That's the only thing I always wanted to do. And I'm finally living my dream. Aleta: Love it. Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: I love that so much. Ooh, and that that helps us. Markin: Thank you. Lucy: We were unsure of some questions and now we're like, we can ask these. So this is great. I love it. Okay. Markin: You can ask anything, ask away. Aleta: Ha ha Lucy: can we do a little icebreaker with you by chance? Would you be up for a game? Okay. Markin: Sure. Yes. Lucy: We have just a few would you rather questions just to Okay. Okay, good. Markin: I love that. Okay, let's do it. Let's do it. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: To loosen us up. Okay, and then Alita and I will play as well. Markin: Okay. Lucy: So, Markin, would you rather run as fast as the Flash or be as strong as Superman? Markin: Just as strong or can I fly as well? Lucy: Let's say everything Superman can do. Okay. Okay. What about you, Alita? Markin: Superman, for sure. Yes. Aleta: Superman, obviously. So many more options. Markin: Exactly. Lucy: You're right. Okay, we'll say Superman. Markin: Ha ha ha. Lucy: I I I made the question a little extra, but that's okay. Markin: Ha ha ha. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: Okay. Would you rather spend a week in the forest? my gosh, I s in the forest or a night in a real haunted house? Markin: I think that's hard. Lucy: You know? Markin: Because I think both I'm gonna die. So which one which way do I prefer to die? I I do love horror movies though, but Aleta: huh. Markin: I don't know if I wanna be in an actual situation. So maybe a forest. I don't know. I think it would be the best one. Aleta: Yeah, I don't know. Either one is terrifying, but Markin: I know. Aleta: yeah, I guess I guess in the forest you might get lucky and not encounter any bears. Markin: I know, we can just make like some tent or something, sleep under a rock, I don't know, find a cave. I think we can survive. Aleta: We have bears and cougars Lucy: Then I would be afraid of what's in the cape. Aleta: and stuff here, so I don't know. Markin: So you die, Elira will die. Lucy: Yeah. Yeah. They have here too. I guess for me too it would be the forest only because I very much believe in all the ghosts and paranormal and the Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: craziness and I would just pee my pants. I'll just yeah, we'll just go to the forest. Markin: Yes. Exactly. Yeah. That that was a tough question. Aleta: No. Lucy: Okay, last one. would you rather give up your cell phone for a month or bathing for a month? Markin: Give up my cell phone. 100%. Because Lucy: Good. Okay. Markin: I'm not I I was I used to be very attached to my phone, but now I'm not that much. And as a Brazilian, we do shower a lot. Multiple times a day sometimes, especially in the summer. So now is the summer here. And you guys use Fahrenheit or Celsius? She used So Celsius Lucy: We Aleta: U Celsius, but Markin: will be like fifty-four where I live. It gets gets up to Aleta: Yeah, it's crazy. Yeah. Markin: fifty-four. Which in Fahrenheit is 120. So it is hot on the summer. Aleta: Yeah. Yeah. Lucy: A hundred and twenty. Markin: Yeah, it's not every day, but can get up to that. So yeah, Lucy: I'm gonna cry. Markin: and and I have this thing that if I do any kind of movement, I'm already sweating. So I have Aleta: Yeah. Markin: to shower. Lucy: Yep. I don't blame you. Markin: Yeah. Lucy: Wow. Markin: It's awful. Lucy: I feel bad complaining that we get up to like a hundred. I feel like a big baby. Markin: No, yeah. One t one is a lot. So right now it's one three, which is good for summer. Lucy: Right. my gosh. Well I would have said that was horrible, but I take it back. Markin: Yeah. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: Okay, do we feel good and loose, everybody? Ready for questions? Aleta: Yeah, let's go. Lucy: Okay, we're gonna do it. I know. All right. Markin: Where did you go? Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: Alrighty. So Markin, I know you told us in your intro that this is all you've ever wanted to do is act. Can you go into a little more detail? Like what what about acting just excited you? Like what what made you really want to go into it? How old were you? Like how what's the lore? Markin: Yeah, so I don't really know something very specific like what happened but what I think happened is because me and my mom were s very close and in Brazil the so papera which is kind of like a micro drama you know the vibe it is huge there so everyone watch it on TV so and she always watched it to to to this day so grow growing up with her I think I was watching with her a lot and that made me wanted to be an actor. I think that's the reason. And I just think it's so fascinating seeing you on TV like doing this cool stuff that you're not able to do in real life and just be able to portray someone that's not you I I just think is such a fascinating art. Lucy: It really is. I think that's awesome because Markin: Yeah. Lucy: your I one of the questi I don't know if we really asked it, but well I don't know if we have a question in here on it, my apologies. But were verticals like the first real acting work you've done or were you doing things before that? Markin: That was my first one, yeah. Mm-hmm. Which was a funny story. Do you want me to Lucy: I tell us. Markin: a answer that or do Aleta: Yeah. Markin: you have a question for that? Because I can't. So Lucy: No, answer it now. Let's do it. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: was I I always wanted to do an being an actor, right? And I came to America because of that. I wanted to be an actor here. But took me so long because I need to learn English and I didn't have any connection. And then I got here by myself. So I had to work. Was this whole thing. But anyway, in t twenty twenty four I got an invite from Real Short, you know guys know, right? The app to Lucy: Yeah. Markin: because they were doing this event. I didn't know what it was vertical or anything. I just I was I almost didn't go to the event. And then I went, it was fun, I met some nice people, and then I got cast there. Aleta: Wow. Markin: So so it was kind of like a destiny, right? Because if I didn't go to that event, I wouldn't be here today. So that gave me the push to do because I was always very like, I'm not ready. I'm gonna wait a few more years because I'm very perfectionist, so I always wait for the best opportunity which is not good. And thank God that happened because it kind of pushed me away to do it. Lucy: Isn't it crazy how life works? Like you just just one moment, just one Markin: Yeah. Yes. One little moment. If I just decided not to go, would be totally different in my life now. Lucy: Well, and I was going to say that, you know, you grew up on these almost soap opera shows and that was your fur that's what you got into, basically. That's what these are. And Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: Mm-hmm. Yes. Lucy: we we like them a lot too. Like people people joke about them, but I have a soft spot for them. The drama. Yep. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Markin: They just joke because it's a new thing. In a few years I think a lot of people will like it. For example, in Brazil it's huge. Everyone watch it. Like Aleta: Yeah. Markin: woman, man, teenager. It's ver I mean it's more serious than just all than the majority of the verticals, but it's still the same genera. It's more like dramatic, you know? So I it's just a different type of media. Lucy: That's so true. Aleta: Yeah, like like telenovelas in Spanish speaking countries, very over the top and yeah. Markin: Yes, exact that's what it is. Tell yes. And people like it. It's just it's not supposed to be taken serious, just to have fun and watch or something different. Lucy: Yes, that's how I feel. They make me happy. I love to watch them. I love to enjoy them. Markin: Yeah. So why not? Lucy: Exactly. Well, and and not all of them are like that, right? And we'll talk about it later. But in his cold eyes, it wasn't really like that. It was Markin: Yes. Lucy: really they they tried to make things more serious and and and and deep. And I love it that a lot of Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: the apps are breaking out into that. I think those stories, Markin: Yes, they are evolving a lot. Lucy: yes, those stories need to be told as well. So Markin: Yes, yes. Yes, Lucy: Hehehehe Markin: I really agree. They're evolving so much and the quality is much better. The script it's way better. The editing the s is way more cinematic. So I I just think it's gonna get better and better. Lucy: Was in his cold eyes your first lead? Okay, Markin: Yes. Lucy: and what I am excited about for you is what a vertical like what a wonderful vertical to be your first lead. Markin: my gosh, I even posted today, I think it reposted that last year in 2025, I posted something. I'm manifesting to get a hidden rivalry type of thing 2026, and that happened. I was like, Aleta: Ha. Markin: I even forgot about it. Somebody just commented on the video. It was insane. And I was s when I got that, because I did audition for it, and then she was like, They want you. And I didn't believe it because I've got close before and they kind of Aleta: Mm. Markin: like go to a different direction. So I was like, I'm gonna wait. I'm not gonna be happy before because sometimes they just changed their mind. But I was so like crazy about it because I got to go to Poland. It was my first time traveling. So traveling for work is the best thing ever. And that was my first I was like, come on, it's just so Aleta: Mm. Markin: awesome. Lucy: I'm so happy for you that you got that because Markin: Yeah. Lucy: I can think of some BL actors. There's one in particular I won't name the name, but he's a fantastic actor and he's about to do his third BL. And the first two, they just they were I they just gave him not good scripts and I like love him as an actor. And I was like Markin: Yeah, he couldn't perform as well. Lucy: Well he performed fantastically. It was just the this Markin: But the story was not as well. Lucy: this no so yeah, he didn't get the views because the story was weak. Markin: Yeah. And they kinda and we kinda get blamed for that, but we don't have the control over the the writing, right? Lucy: No, absolutely not. Well, and he is so talented that it shines through, like you can tell. And so, I there's so many of the queer creatives in this world that I just I adore all of you. You guys are so amazing and work so hard. So I was just so happy that to hear that your first lead was was it was quality, you know, like you got like Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: Yes, I was I was so excited. I was so excited for that. And I worked so hard for it. I have a di I aud audition a lot. And then I've got closed so many times as well. Which it is a good sign. But also like it sucks because you get close but then you don't get it. But Lucy: Yeah. Markin: it's so rewarding when you work so hard and you get something like that gr that good. Lucy: Well, we benefited from it. We loved it. It was just Markin: Ha ha ha. Lucy: you guys killed it. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: I feel bad 'cause we're deviating, but that's okay. We do with that a lot on the podcast, so Markin: It's amazing. Like let's just chat. Aleta: We do. Lucy: we'll just do our thing, yes. It's more chatting and chilling, but that's okay. Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Alright, well I'll I'll hop back a little more to your history. so I know I spoke to you earlier that I had dug a little deep. I have seen that you've been a content creator on TikTok Markin: Scary. Lucy: since 2015. Like, how did you get into that? Markin: Yes, I started on in on the internet, but before it wasn't tick wasn't TikTok. Us used to call it musically, yes. Aleta: Musically. Yeah. Markin: Yes. But then I started on social media in twenty thirteen. I started on YouTube. I was a YouTuber. Aleta: Yeah. Markin: But yes, it's a w longer time ago, right? It's crazy. Lucy: That is a really long time ago. And I got your age mixed up because when I was looking at 2015, you look so young. I was like, I think he's 25 now. He must have been fifteen when he started this. I I mean, I know you're not I I learned your age, but I was like Well Markin: I wish I was twenty five. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: you look twenty five. I very much believed twenty-five. Markin: thank you. Thank you. Lucy: but you're an OG. Like you did TikTok at the beginning. Markin: Yes. Yeah. I was an influencer when when there was not influencer. Well like Lucy: Yes. Markin: that that was that was the thing. So people talk shit about verticals now, but before they're talking shit about influencers. And now everyone wants to be a creator, right? It's Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: the same thing. People talk shit about vertical because it's a new thing, but then a Lucy: Yep. Markin: few years everyone is gonna start doing verticals. Is it's just a new thing people can like understand. But Lucy: Mm-hmm. Markin: it is what it is. Aleta: So were you on Vine too? Markin: No, I was Aleta: No. Markin: I I mean I remember that time, but I didn't have a Aleta: Yeah. Markin: phone back then. Aleta: okay. Markin: Yeah, but I remember that was huge as well. Aleta: Yeah. Just it kinda went vine and then musically and then TikTok. Yeah. Markin: Yes, yes. Lucy: I think that's amazing. I and when you got into content creation, was it something that you really enjoyed doing and it like kind of dug into that side of you that wanted to be an actor? Markin: Yeah, I did like that, but I started because I wanted to get a more exposure to being an actor. It wasn't my passion to be like a YouTuber. But I enjoy at the time. But it was just to get a more exposure exposure at the time. Yeah. Lucy: Okay. Ooh, I love that. Okay. Alita, it's it's on you now. Aleta: So, you were talking about coming from Brazil, you're from Minas Gerais, is that how you say it? Markin: Yes. That you say pretty good. Is a Spanish accent? Aleta: how yeah, it's the Spanish. how was it making that move to the US? Are are you from a big city or was LA a big adjustment? Markin: The city that that I'm from is like three hundred thousand, so it's not a small city, but my state is very like a lot of mountains, it's more like a country side, Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: a lot of farms. So just I think anywhere from Brazil it it w will be a huge difference compared to America, right? Aleta: Yeah. Yeah. Markin: So it was like for me I always wanted to live here was my dream. So just the lifestyle is better. It's safer, anything like it it's better in my opinion. There's good things about Brazil as well, so don't get me wrong. But just the lifestyle I prefer here for me. And I came first to San Francisco, so I lived there for five months and then I went to LA. So it it was a big adjustment. Because I also I didn't sp I I I didn't know any English when I came, it was zero zero zero. So was a little Lucy: my gosh, I Aleta: Wow. Markin: bit hard to adjust and Aleta: Mm. Markin: work and all of that, but it was worth it. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: You're incredible. And I I have to say that just seeing like you saying you were saying, I came here not even speaking English, like from the nurses, the first one you did, the I'm already forgetting the name because I had it written down, but yeah, the nurses' secret Markin: The no secret marriage. Lucy: marriage could like the transition. It you f it flows so magically and like yeah at Markin: thank you. Yeah. I'm work on it. I have a coach that's helping me with my accent. So it's getting there. It's hard because especially my accent for my state is very country. So imagine the South in America, the accent's strong, you know. It's kinda like that. So I have to learn this whole new movement with my thong. It my tongue it's it's hard, but I'm getting there. Lucy: I think your accent is beautiful, just so you know. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: Like that was I I think you're in such a good place already. Like if I don't know how like what you know, I I feel like you're good in my opinion. Cause when I was watching In Markin: Ha ha. Lucy: His Cold Eyes, I was like, he sounds so good. Like this is Markin: Thank you. Lucy: incredible. Like you you and Andrew were just great together. And Markin: Yeah, that was such a fun shoot. Lucy: Definitely, definitely. Sorry, Alita, I hijacked. Aleta: I think having a having an accent sets you apart too, right? From Lucy: It does. Aleta: all the other actors. Markin: Yes, it can be good but I think I need to learn how to be neutral so it doesn't limitate Aleta: Mm. Markin: me for like immigrant, you know? So Aleta: Yeah. Markin: it's a good thing Lucy: okay. Markin: but can limitate you a little bit. I can never play like a British guy, for example, you know? So Lucy: okay. Markin: there is cons, but you know, getting there. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: See, we're learning the background. We're learning like like the secrets of like what you know, what you guys have to go through. Cause I Markin: Yes. Lucy: don't know any of that. And that's that is amazing to kind of learn. Like, okay, then have to work with a coach. Cause, I remember Markin: Yeah. Lucy: Declan. Do you know Declan Clifford? Markin: The vertical actor? Yeah, I think we follow each other. Lucy: Vertical actor? Yeah. Yeah. He he came from Australia and then he said Markin: He is the Australian, yes. Lucy: yeah, he said he had to work with a coach too to just try to lock down an American accent and Markin: Yeah. Lucy: just hearing his experiences as well. But that is awesome. Markin: Yeah, it's a whole process. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: Seriously, my gosh. Aleta: But w what has been the most physically or mentally challenging scene that you've had to shoot so far? Markin: So I think that was in his cold eyes because Aleta: Hm. Markin: it was in Poland and it was very cold there. And do you guys remember the scene where Grayson have the fantasy? And we are in the Aleta: Mm. Lucy: Yes. Markin: ice ring. So that was cold. I don't know Aleta: Mm. Markin: exactly how cold it was, but in Fahrenheit it was maybe like twenty twenty-five. That was three AM. Aleta: Mm. Markin: So in Celsius it would be like, Lucy: my gosh. Markin: I don't know, maybe like two. I don't know, something like that. But it was so cold and you can see in the footage the the breath coming like you know, the smoke. Lucy: Yep. Aleta: Yeah. Markin: It was so cold and poor Andrew. He has to hold on the metal thing and put his back on the metal. It was freezing. That was the hottest part ever. But it was worth it because it was beautiful. I loved that scene. That was one of my favorite. The lighting, the blue lighting, and I've watched that scene like probably like a thousand times. Aleta: Ha ha ha Markin: I just love it. It's so good. Lucy: I love hearing like how proud you are of the work too. I think that's amazing because it did translate well. It was beautiful. It was a gorgeous scene and like you guys put your all into it. And I I know I said it like on the recap episode, but Andrew impressed me so much, like being vulnerable, like during that scene while he's, you know, daydream you know, daydreaming. But yeah, you guys did great. Markin: Yes, yes. Yeah, we talked about like Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: how is it gonna be when you do Dustin? 'Cause kind of like you know, there's a lot of people in the room, but he nail it. Lucy: He did. He really did. And I I think there was a lot of care. Like who like I guess who directed it? they took a lot of care with the shots. And I think that added to the sensuality of it. so it I just I don't know, I felt like there was some good depth to it. Markin: Yes, it was so good. And we Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: we had Kate, she was creator directive no executive director. Something like that. Creative executive, something like that. And she was like she has I think she helped write the story as well. So she had all this idea and she helped with the shots. So that Aleta: Mm. Markin: part in the fountain, you know, where he leaks the fountain thing. So she came with that idea. Aleta: Mm. Markin: So she was she is great. Yeah, both Lucy: You go girl. she Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: Both of them, they the director and her, they nail it. Aleta: Ha ha Lucy: I love that. It's one of my favorite scenes, obviously. It was good creative choices. Markin: Ha ha ha. Aleta: How do you handle the demands of when you're on set busy's schedule, because verticals are very intense, with taking care of your physical and mental health? Markin: Well, the physical it's hard, I'm gonna tell you that, because you do minimum of twelve hours a day. So when I go to set and if they don't have like a gym or something around, it's hard for me to work out and get something like that. So my last one I just run around the the the place we we stayed. But it's hard and they have a lot of food, so it's hard to keep on your diet there. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: But I try. Is it a little little a little complicated, but It is it is what it is. And my mental health I think it's fine. I just handle stuff really well. I don't take personal like anything personal, you know. If they have any complaint, I just see myself as just delivering my my work. So if they don't like something, I I'm not gonna be offended. I'm really easy to work with, I would say. So I think it's pretty easy for me. Lucy: Very cool. Could you walk us through your typical self tape routine? So do you have like a s a setup that you swear by? Markin: Yes, and it is right here. You are seeing it. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: So I cannot just change the camera because it's far, but I have a lighting Lucy: Mm-hmm. Markin: right here that kind of mimics the sun, I would say. And then we have another lighting right here that lights up the back. Then I have another lighting right here. It's not on now, but I do have another one. And this too that lights me up. So I changed the pain of the scene. So this is more like a day scene. when I do something for like the day. If I want to do a night scene, I just put like my more like a bluish color. So it looks more like night and I turn off the back. So I like to do that. It is a lot of work. I like to do that. And sometimes I have my smoke machine. I don't know if you see that. Lucy: I gotta see this. Yes, I wanna see. Markin: So so if we have like some action scene, I don't know if you saw my pilot one that I did. Lucy: I did. Markin: I like to put a smoke because why not? Right? I have it here. So it looks cooler. Looks more cinematic. So create a so Lucy: Yes, look at it. Aleta: wow. Markin: it creates more cre see? Look how Aleta: yeah. Markin: cool it looks. So it's just amazing. Lucy: That looks amazing. my gosh. Actors take note. Markin has got it going on with this. Yes. Markin: Noes. I'm gonna open a class. Aleta: You r you really put a lot of work into your costume and everything for that too. That was Markin: Yes, I I do that just because I like because I know that that is not gonna they don't they don't gonna cast me just because of that. I know that. I just do because I enjoy it and I would and I I told you guys I'm very perfectionist, so I try to do my best, which is sometimes annoying. But I just Aleta: Ha. Markin: I just enjoy. I like filmmaking, I like directing, so if I'm not making a movie, might as well make my own little movie with my auditions, right? So it is cool, it is fun. Lucy: is so cool. Would you I mean, I'm gonna deviate a little bit here too, but so you would seem to enjoy that. Would you ever want to like write or make your own film? Markin: I do have a script already, like a horror film. Not horror f it's just short, short film. I do have that. I have just to do it 'cause it's a Lucy: Mm-hmm. Markin: lot to do it, but I do want to do that as well. I do prefer being in front of the camera, to be honest with you. But I like directing in the filmmaking part of it. It's all cool. Yeah. Lucy: I hope we get to see that made someday. I would love to We will support the heck out of it. I Markin: You will. Yes, I will definitely do that. If you like your horse stuff. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: I okay, I don't, but I will watch it for you and I Markin: Ha. Lucy: will I will push through. Yes. Markin: that's right. Thank you. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: Okay. Yep, still you, Alita. Aleta: Yeah. Do you have any special rituals that you practice before you get in front of the camera? Markin: Mm. You mean to focus for the audition? Aleta: They're to focus or like some people sort of have a have a routine that they do on the day to get them into the zone. Markin: I would say not nothing specifically, but if if it is a scene that I need to yell or something like that, I kind of like train my vocal cord or drink some water just to have it better so I don't get like damage or anything. Because Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: a lot of the scenes we have to go crazy and scream. So that would be the only thing other than pray to Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: get the part. Yeah, but would be it. Aleta: Okay. Do you some of the actors that we've talked to have sort of specific things that they do for character development, but even before they start filming, sort of trying to get into the role. Greg Duffy was talking about scent, Tristan was talking about having a playlist. Is there anything specific like that that you do? Markin: What I do, I like to read the script as much as I can and I try to focus on his lines and the description, for example. I try to think like why This person is seeing that. What is going through through his mind? What what is the motive? And then that Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: helps me to get the feeling and embrace the character a little a little more. So that's what I do. And I try to invisize before. So I get all the description, everything that I have, and I try to create the character in my head, how he walks, how he talks, how he acts. So that's the preparation that I do for my my characters. Lucy: Very cool. How do you stay grounded and maintain a sense of self in an industry that can be very like image focused? Markin: Tell me about it. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Ha ha ha ha. Markin: It is. It is very looks-wise. Looks matters a lot. And I know that. But we can control what people would they like. So I kinda have to follow it. And honestly, it makes me better too. It's not like a complaining. I kind of like to look my best if I can. But what I try to be grounded, it's I think my family helps me a lot to bring me back like to sanity, not to go crazy. So I think that's what it is. The family, my dog, they all help me to go through through it. Lucy: Very cool. I know with a lot of the pressure of probably LA and the business that you're in now, that there can be negative criticism too. Like how have you had to deal with that in the past? Like how do you kinda handle people who are not supportive, basically? Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: Yes, there is a lot. Any kind of if you e put yourself out there on the internet you're gonna get some haters. So it is what it is. People gonna hate no matter what. You cannot do it right. People are going to hate if you do it right. If you do it wrong, they're going to hate. I take personally really well. I just think that people have different perspective on things and they have their own right to like it or not. If they don't like it's fine. Just they move on. So I'm really chill about it, I don't think that personal in like personally, because I know what I am, I know what I do. If I got the job is for a reason. But I just bel at all I also believe that everyone have their own right to to think what they want, right? Lucy: You are so chill. You are like so easygoing. I love this. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: I think it is because I'm on so on social media for so long and I have a very good family around me so it helps a lot. Lucy: That's beautiful. Markin: Because Lucy: That is beautiful. Markin: also I think if you give the power to someone to like if they say something and then you get mad, you're giving them the power. You are the only Lucy: Yeah. Markin: one that can control that. You cannot control what people are gonna say, but you can control what you feel. So that's what I do. I control what I feel like if somebody don't like what I did on this vertical or whatever. It's fine. They have the right to like it or not, you know? Lucy: You are so wise. I love that. This is really good advice. Aleta: Mm. Markin: It's because I'm getting old. Lucy: It's okay. We feel that too. But you don't Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: look you look young, very young. Markin: A lot of sunscreen. Lucy: I need to get better about that. Markin: Mm-hmm. Aleta: Mm-hmm. our how's our time going? okay. Y this one how okay. Sorry. You're working Markin: Ha ha. Aleta: you this is a very competitive industry that you're in, right? And there's such long hours and the deadlines are crazy and do you have s any specific coping strategies for stress other than that you just seem to be super chill. Markin: Well that's a problem which I my husband tells me all the time, I should find a different like a hobby because Aleta: Mm. Markin: when I get focused above something, it's just that. I'm focused on acting, so I'm gonna do acting twenty four seven. So my life is wake up, eat, acting, to the gym. I always do the same thing. So I should find something else, b especially now because of the auditions are so slow because they're doing a lot of Aleta: Mm. Markin: AIs. Lucy: Mm-hmm. Markin: There's not a lot of work for everyone, so it is very slow. And my my mind's kind of like getting crazy. So I need to find something else. But yeah, I I I need to find a hobby to help me with that. But Aleta: Mm. Markin: for now is going to the gym helps me and watching movies with my family helps as well. But it is very important to have a different outlet than just your work. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: I've heard that actually. I think Declan talked about that too. It's so important to be doing something else, but so I think people hyper focus, right? And it's because you know that you're good at it and you know it's something you love and it's your whole passion. So course Markin: And my thing is why I'm gonna do something else, I can put that time towards my acting, my dream. But that's not Lucy: Yeah. Markin: also it's it's not healthy to do that all the time. I know that, but I just Lucy: Yeah. Markin: can't put that on my mind yet. But I'm gonna Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: get better. The next interview I'm gonna have a hobby. That's my goal. Aleta: Ha ha there you Lucy: Like Aleta: go. Lucy: do some puzzles, you know, like Aleta: Something Markin: yes. I have to do something, painting, I don't know. Something. Aleta: relaxing. Yeah. Lucy: There you go. Aleta: Art is always very relaxing to me. Markin: Yes. Lucy: Mm. Aleta: If you if you don't feel that you're artistic, a lot of people just get coloring, you know, grown up coloring books and color in. It's very relaxing. Markin: That's fun. But my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law they are they paint a lot. So they have obvious Aleta: Mm. Markin: equipment and stuff. So I might do that with them. And they're really good at it. Aleta: Yeah, that would be great. Lucy: Yeah. And then show it off, you know, share with us. Yeah. Aleta: Mm. Yeah. Markin: Show it off my my other side. Who knows I'm a good at painting? You never know. The next Picasso. Lucy: Very cool. You Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: never know. Aleta: okay. Have it has it been difficult releasing new content sort of consistently for for so long as we talked about? especially with all your new acting gigs and you're still keeping up with the other content creation to a certain extent, are you? Markin: So it is difficult because acting takes especially verticals a lot of hours, twelve minimum. And my social media is kind of to decide a little bit because I'm as I said, I like to focus on one thing. Because I don't like to divide my attention for a hundred different things. I I don't think it's gonna be a good product at the end of the day. So I prefer focusing on what I like the most, which is acting. But Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: I try to post a little bit. I'm not posting as much as I used to and as as I should, but I try to balance a little bit, giving my followers like lifestyle, still or BTS, stuff like that. But it is hard to do everything Aleta: Mm. Markin: by yourself. If you have a team it'll be better, but if you're doing by yourself it is hard. Lucy: That sounds like a lot of work, hands down. Yeah. I still feel like Aleta: Mm. Markin: Yes. And editing and creating and filming, it's a lot. Lucy: I still feel like you keep up though because at least if you're not doing kind of the TikTok stuff you were doing, you are still keeping up on your content that you're sharing through your Instagram and making sure Yeah. Markin: Yeah, I try to post something. It's not the content Aleta: Yeah. Markin: that I wanted to to do. Like the quality Lucy: Mm-hmm. Markin: or like I used to like posting a lot of fitness, lifestyle, fashion. That takes a lot of time and effort, but I try Aleta: Mm. Lucy: Yeah. Markin: to post something so people were still that likes me can see something, right? Lucy: Yeah. A lot of when I was going through your TikTok, you were I I loved all the dancing that you did. Like that was that's how we knew you Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: Trying to dance. You should say trying to dance. Lucy: were good. And you know what? You actually tricked me. It took me a while to get through your TikTok, but there was a TikTok I think your friend was singing, and I thought it was you. And I had typed in like a question and I was like, he's an amazing singer. And then Markin: That's a thing that I wish I could I could do. I'm such a bad singer, and that's my dream. I wish I was a good singer. Such a beautiful thing. Lucy: Singing is gorgeous. And well and and and I think I had gone on later and yeah, it was one of your friends who was sitting next to you and you were just lip singing to lip singing Yeah. Markin: Pretending Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: But that's really cool to kinda know that you know, but you're great but your dancing is lovely. And I bet if you did like lessons you probably could sing. Markin: thank you. Yeah, I never done any classes but I wanted to. So my my that might be my my hobby, dance classes. We just find out. You guys help me. Lucy: There you go. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: Yes. Well, I think you're very good at it. So it would just be good exercise, Markin: thank you. Lucy: something different. So back to verticals a little bit. just confirming again. The nurse's secret marriage that was on real short, that was your first vertical. Markin: My first one with Haley. She is such a sweet. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: She's so nice. my gosh, I was dying to do Lucy: Can you talk about your experience? Like I know you talked about Yeah. Markin: that. I was my first one, my first time on set. And I didn't expect it to be that professional, honestly. Because I thought like what is vertical? And I saw some stuff Lucy: Yeah. Markin: and was like, okay, they're probably gonna have like a camera guy, nothing big. But when I got to set there was like twenty, thirty people. Like holy crap, it's it's Aleta: Ha. Markin: legit. Lucy: Yeah. Markin: And then it's so funny because I used to do a lot of like pretty much my entire work was reporting and antagonist stuff like that. And I used to have like, I don't know, three scenes and I have to memorize five lines and I was dying, I was so hard, I was so stressed out, my hands were sweating, was this huge thing. And then when I got to do a lead, which it is pretty mu it is the whole script. And it's so easy now, I can just memorize so fast. It's just so amazing to see the progression and how you learn. And in the beginning you're so stressed out to say a line. But it is a it that's how you learn right. Like if you that's what Lucy: Yeah. Markin: that's what I was saying. If you ever wait for the perfect moment, that moment might never get. So you just have to do it. Even if it's not perfect, just do it. Lucy: We can relate to that pretty heavily. Aleta: Mm. Markin: Ha ha. Lucy: I was going to say to to the viewers, if you have not seen The Nurses' Secret Marriage on Real Short, Markin is so lovely in it. He you I I know, Markin: Don't judge me. This kidding. Lucy: you were so good. So I I say this all the time on the recaps and such. I I don't watch a whole lot of the straight verticals. There's just so many like problematic parts to them. There's just a lot of Markin: You have to watch my next one, or it's gonna be really good. It is. Aleta: Okay. Lucy: I will watch it for you. We do make exceptions for our favorite actors. So but I did watch that one for you. And in the story, what's so funny is they actually adapted that story for a queer one that was done in the UK. Markin: Really? Lucy: and yeah, and I Luke Alexander Lucas Wilson was in it. I I can't remember the other actor and I'm terrible. I should have written down the name, but that storyline's been used a lot. So I kind of fast forwarded through a lot of it and just watched you, but I was like, he is great. It is, but they Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: Yeah, the story is kind of nice, yeah. That was a nice story. Lucy: they recycle a lot of the stories. So that's Markin: Yeah, for sure. Lucy: you know, that's why I get so excited with the queer verticals, because they branch out a little more. Markin: Mm-hmm. Yes. It's an idea. Lucy: So it is kinda nice. Markin: I hope the they do for like a queer and LGBT story, they they try to do something different than just the hideo rivalry stuff. Just so we can Lucy: Yes. Markin: have a different perspective, right? 'Cause it's Aleta: Yes. Markin: always the same thing, the same sport, love. There is a lot they can do. I think Aleta: Mm. Markin: it would be amazing. People Lucy: So much. Markin: will love love it. Lucy: they will. And I I hope they they start really pushing to that point soon. we are ready for it for sure. Markin: Ha ha. Aleta: Well, we've talked about and a lot of the actors that we've spoken to have have talked about wanting to get beyond every every vertical being a coming out story, right? Like have a have a love story where the people are not, you know, having to go through all this angst and yeah, to where they're just living their lives and being happy and joyful. Markin: Yeah, it would be so fun if they have like a a summer love triangle love, something like that. Imagine. It'll be Aleta: Mm. Markin: so cool. Like they go these young people Lucy: Would be Markin: they go to a camping and they have this I don't know. It would be cool. Lucy: It would be really cool. And I I hope we get more of that as well. So Aleta: Definitely. Was in Cold Eyes, was that your first queer project? Yeah. Markin: yes. Aleta: And you enjoyed filming in Poland? Markin: And actually the nurse secret marriage, I my character was gay. Aleta: okay. Markin: But I I didn't have any love interest or anything, but that Aleta: Yeah. Markin: was my first, I think, if Aleta: Mm-hmm. Markin: you wanna say that. But the In Hiscoid eyes was official the first one, I would say. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: And I'm jumping down a little real quick, but as a person who is happily married, who does identify as queer, how how did that feel to get to like do something that like represents the queer community? Like to to b because a lot of times when people watch these, they get to feel seen. You know, it's powerful Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: for a lot of people in the queer community to feel like we have that representation. So how Markin: For sure. Lucy: did that feel to kind of get to be a part of that and and be that for somebody? Markin: It is really nice because I also can put my point of view of stuff because when I was younger there was not a lot of projects. So I like to put my point of view if I can on the character, the way that I'm gonna portray the way that I'm gonna act. And I'm sure somebody out there gonna see and identify and like it. So it is really nice to be able to deliver that for those people. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Absolutely. It's beautiful. Markin: Yeah. Lucy: Okay, we're gonna get a little risque here, but you told me I could potentially ask this. Spicy. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: Okay. They spicy? Okay. Ask Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: The big question. So during the balcony scene in his cold eyes, was Markin: Mm. Lucy: that really like You just running out and doing your thing all brave or did they allow you guys to have modesty? Like I don't know how that went. Markin: You mean this one? Aleta: Yeah. Markin: So funny story that was not in the script, that was my idea. I suggested that. I was like, what if I just go naked? Because I think would be better because in the night before they have their moment, right? So it wouldn't make Lucy: Yeah. Markin: sense if I have clothes in the morning. I think it would be weird. So why not? Lucy: Yeah. Markin: So and then they they were like, I don't know if the platform wo would allow that, but let's try. And then we did. And I was fully naked. There was no socks or anything. Aleta: no Lucy: I was like I was Aleta: my gosh. Markin: I was just hiding the front with my pants. Like I have my sweatpants. I just put Aleta: Yeah. Markin: that in the front. But that was it. Lucy: Markin, you went for realism because that's how it would go. That's how Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: it would be. Markin: That's what I'm saying, like that's what I was telling you. I waited so long to get my lead that I wanted to I'm gonna do it the best I can at any point. So if I'm doing something, I'm gonna do my best. I wouldn't be naked for no reason. That makes sense for that scene. So Aleta: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Lucy: Yeah. Markin: anything I can for for example, the last show that I did, I asked her to slap my face for real. Because it looked better on camera, so why not? So I always try to do my best safely, but my best Aleta: Mm. Markin: to get the best outcome, even if it is a vertical or a Netflix movie. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Yeah. You commit to the bit, that is for sure. Aleta: Mm. Markin: Yes, I always w if I'm if I am in something, I don't want it to be lame. I want it to be the best possible. Lucy: Absolutely. Well and I did see like the scene where she really slapped you and I was like, Damn and it did look like she had done it accidentally. So to hear that it was you were like, Yes, do it. Markin: Yeah, I asked her. They didn't want it to do it, like, do it. I can take it. Lucy: This is awesome. Well, now, you know, every time you do you know, a film or anything or vertical, I'm just gonna be watching like what do I think that he really committed to? Because it we're like I l That is the best. Markin: If you see something like crazy, it was me asking for it. another thing that I wanted Aleta: Ha ha Markin: to do, but they didn't let me do it. So do you know the scene on the bridge that I was drinking? Aleta: Hm. Lucy: Yes. Markin: I wanted to be outside of the bridge, like a holding like that, which will look way cooler, right? But they Lucy: It would have. Aleta: Yeah. Markin: like now the cops gonna show up and then we cannot do that. Like, damn it. Lucy: Ha ha ha ha. Markin: But anyway, I tried. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: I I would have been scared for you because we know in Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: the verticals there's not really stunt doubles, so we know it's Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: you all doing it. I would have been like my goodness. Markin: I like yeah, no, I like to do all my stuff. I want to be my goals is to be in the future when I'm more established, like a Tom Cruise vibe that he does everything. That's what Lucy: Yeah. Markin: I wanna do it. I just think it's it's better. Lucy: Okay, guys, this is the one to watch. I'm not I'm not even playing. Markin: Ha ha ha. Lucy: I'm not playing. We gotta watch Mark in here. I I think you're gonna do the craziest, coolest stuff as time goes on. This is gonna be great. Markin: hopefully. Lucy: You will, you will. well, s keeping with in his cold eyes. How did you enjoy, you know, working with Andrew? The two of you seem to have really good chemistry, and was he Markin: Uh-huh. Lucy: a really good first co-lead for you? Markin: Yes, it was really funny because we didn't met before, it was our first time meeting and we met at the airport when we got there. That was our first time. And we clicked right away. We went to explore the city, it was so fun and he's such a nice person. He's so chatty, which helps because sometimes I'm very like introvert and he's very outgoing, so it helped a lot. And we clicked really really fast. It was which was so nice. Because the our first scene was a already kissy scene. So yeah. Which that happened a lot, Aleta: Mm. Lucy: my goodness. Markin: but Aleta: Yeah. Markin: it was so so cool. Like we enjoyed all the time because and also we we stayed together for three weeks there. It was so fun. Yeah. Such a fun experience. Lucy: It's it'll be definitely well it'll be interesting if we ever talk to him because the roles cause I've seen him in two and both of them were such stoic characters. So I to hear you say that you Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: are an introvert and he is an extrovert, my fan brain I c I can't my Markin: he's so bubbly. He's so outgoing. You love him. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: gosh. I'm so excited that if we do get to talk to him at some point because Markin: Yes. You should, yeah, he'll I I'm sure he'll do it. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Alright, well, we did we did ask, so we shall see. We shall see if he does it. Markin: Mm. I'm gonna I'm gonna doubt him to accept. Lucy: Tell him, tell him. but yeah, no, it's really cool learning that about the two of you because I think you've probably noticed that you guys have gotten a lot of edits. to me as a fan, and probably to the fan group that really watches these pretty heavy. That's actually a sign. Of how successful it is. If it's being edited, then at least for the people that it's meant for, they love it, right? Exactly. Markin: Yes. The people there are watching, uhhuh. Lucy: And I haven't enjoyed editing a vertical, a BL vertical that I mean I like editing them all, but that one in particular, since like tutoring my rival boy, the you guys just gave so much. There was so much passion. There was so much you both were so vulnerable with each other. And I just was as somebody who's watched so many of these at this point, like it was special. It was different. It did stand out. And it stood out Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: like even though there was so much heated rivalry to it, you two made it stand out. Like you Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: and and and and for you like thinking of your first vertical where you were so nervous to this one where you're passionate and you're crying and you're angry and you're pissed and you're fearful, Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: all of that came through and it touched me. Like I love editing you. Like I love it. Seriously. Markin: Uhhuh. thank ya. Gonna make me cry. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Ha ha ha. Lucy: But it's so true and you should know, like, hearing your history and like how bad you want this, you're doing incredible. Like you're touching people. Like you are so good, Markin. You really I'm making myself cry, but yeah. I know. Like Markin: Aw you're gonna cry out together. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: you're just so good at your job, thank you. okay, but we c Markin: thank you so much. Appreciate it. It's really nice to hear that because we do not get any feedback like that. So it's really nice. Lucy: Really? Markin: Especially from you guys that is the ones meant for. So Lucy: Yeah. Markin: it's it is really nice. Lucy: We will keep trying to always tell you guys. I think that what you're doing and and what you care about is really special. And I'm just I feel even I mean, we've all been so dazzled by you and Andrew, but I feel more dazzled now because just Aleta: Mm. Lucy: hearing how hard you worked for this, how much you risked for this, like how important this is for you, and then to watch your very first vertical And then this the first one and then I got to see in his cold eyes. Markin: The contrast. Lucy: Yeah, the contrast Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: and like you're really good at your job. You just you just are. So we'll leave it there. I'll I'll try to stop gushing, but Markin: thank you. Thank you. Ha ha. Aleta: What are your long term goals for your career? Okay. What would that look like five years from now in your head? Markin: Well, what I want it should be in a superhero movie, but that's Aleta: Hm. Markin: not very realistic, right? We need to go back on earth to think like what is gonna be I do I'm gonna manifest, but also I'm gonna be realistic. It is really hard Aleta: You have to manifest it. Markin: to get that, but we never know. Something happened. But I hope I can keep doing what I'm doing and my goal is to be more established as an actor. that I can support myself and my family. I don't care about fame. I just wanted to do movies that I enjoy and be able to support my family. That's what what matters to me. Lucy: That's fair. Markin: So we'll see. Aleta: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share anything about? Markin: Yes, unfortunately it's not a boy loves love story, which Aleta: Mm. Lucy: That's okay. That's okay. Aleta: Yeah. Markin: it's good, but it's gonna be fun. Aleta: Yeah. Markin: So it is on my drama as well. So maybe two months, I would say Aleta: Hmm. Markin: thinks about two months to be out because Aleta: Yeah. Markin: I just finished like a week and a half ago. And it is really fun. It's the title probably would be the same. If it is the same, it's called The Cartel's Bride. No, the Quartel Prince. Captive Bride, something like that. Aleta: Mm. Markin: So I am a quartel guy and it is really fun because I'm a badass on that show. And I really enjoy that. It is different from young. So Aleta: Mm. Markin: I think you guys going to enjoy me and Amber, which is my co-star, she's awesome. We got we got along really fast. Like in the first night, we're like very friends, and it was such a nice experience. It was really cool. Aleta: So are you the lead in that one as well? wonderful. Markin: Yes. Yes. Lucy: Did you get to do any like action scenes because your cartel? Markin: my gosh, yeah, I have a gun and then I have to shoot this guy. Aleta: Ha ha. Markin: Ugh so good. I love Lucy: Wow. Aleta: Ha ha ha ha. Markin: action movies, so that was kind of like one action thing for me. And I got to punch this guy and then walk in slow motion, it is gonna be amazing. Aleta: Love it. Lucy: gonna be so good. Markin: So good. Aleta: Ha ha. Lucy: Alrighty. we are gonna get into some more light questions, but actually d ask him the BTS question first, Alita. Aleta: Mm. Yeah. Do you have any fun behind the scenes stories from any of your projects that you can share? Markin: I'm gonna see a fun one. Aleta: Something that nobody else knows about. Lucy: Ha ha ha. Markin: Well, do you know the scene in the sauna? Aleta: Mm. Lucy: Yes. Markin: So that scene that sauna was supposed to be off. But they forgot to turn it off. But when it got to the set, it was still like on and was taking Lucy: gosh. Markin: forever to cool off. So it was so hot in there. So on the ice Lucy: My goodness. Markin: ring it was so cold and the sauna was so hot. Aleta: God wow. Markin: That was yeah, so we were kinda like sweating a little bit was a lot of the sweat was real. But it didn't like to spring it out. They did a little bit, but the sweat was real too. But Aleta: So they didn't have to spray you down. Markin: it worked. It made it we made it work. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: Ha ha ha. Markin: Yes. Lucy: Okay, so we're gonna kinda go to one less deep one, then some lighter. If you could give ten year old Marken any advice or encouragement about his future, knowing what you know now, what would it be? Markin: I would tell him that everything will be fine and to trust the process. Even like we think things never gonna get better, it will. Just trust the process. I I saw somebody say that y not that long ago, but we just need to remember to be grateful because everything that I have on my life now, I wanted five years ago. So everything that I wanted now, I might have five years ago, in the future. So let's just be patient and things will happen if it is supposed to be. Lucy: That's so true. Are there any questions you wish you were asked that you're not usually asked? Markin: I think you guys touched in every aspect, honestly. Aleta: Ha ha. Markin: We talked like yeah, you guys did it amazing. Such a good questions. Lucy: thank you. Aleta: Okay. Lucy: Well hey, I'm feeling good here. Puffing out Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: the chest. Markin: Yeah, I wouldn't be able to think of that many questions. You guys rocked it. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: nice. Well, and as time goes on, the more like you s like get bigger and like work in different projects and interview, it'll be really interesting to see like how much you get the same question or like, you know, you're like, man, I wish people would ask this, but they never do. So that that could come. Markin: Yes. Yes, yes. Yes, probably, yeah. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: If your life had a theme song, what would it be? Markin: I think let me see if I can find one. Cause I Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Okay. Markin: don't remember the name exactly. But let me see. Cause I do have one. I just forgot the name. I post that all the time on my social media. I think it's called Accident Lucy: I should know it then. Markin: Love. It's from a movie. I love that Lucy: Yes, yes. Aleta: Hm. Markin: that music. It's so happy. So I just think like if I was in a movie of my life, I think that would be playing. Such a happy song. Such Such a like a good energy. Lucy: It is good energy. I love it. And I it seems like your life where it's at now, like you said, this is what you wanted to manifest five years ago. And it seems like Markin: Yes. Lucy: you're just in such a happy place, like with your family and your dog, and just Aleta: Mm. Lucy: that is exciting. I am so happy. Markin: Yes, yes. thank you. Yeah, we we just need everyone is should be grateful because we kind of get used to it to the stuff we have and you forgot that we want it so bad. So it is really important to remember that you wanted the that we you want it what you have it today. Lucy: That's right. I love it. Aleta: What tiny everyday thing makes your day instantly like ten percent better? Like is there some little thing that Makes your day. Markin: So I would say it's the love of my dog. It's just the cutest Aleta: Awww Markin: thing because sometimes he has such a big personality. Sometimes he doesn't want Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: to look at my face and that hurts me. So imagine when I have kids. So Aleta: Ha ha ha Markin: it is so painful when he's like, I don't want to talk today. I just want to be sleeping in in the yard. But when Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: it is like because he always follows me all the time. So it is just the best getting the love from Aleta: Mm. Markin: my baby. Lucy: How old's your dog? Markin: Four. I have a photo. Lucy: is he four? Yeah, let's see. I see him. I wait, got clear. Yep, he's clear. my gosh, he's so cute. Look at him. Markin: Can you see him? Right here. He's just the cutest. Aleta: cutie Markin: He's a rescue. He's just the cutest thing ever. Lucy: He is so precious. Yeah, Markin: Yeah, it's Lucy: I ha I have a Pomeranian and a golden retriever, and they are just fluffy. Fluffy babies. Markin: Mm hmm. I know. Yeah, Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: just so cute. Yes. I just can't leave without him. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: dogs make things just amazing, so fair. Yep, Markin: Better. Yeah, exactly. Lucy: they do. Aleta: I'm allergic, I can't have any. well. Markin: no. I'm sorry. Lucy: I'm sorry. Aleta: I like breathing too much. Markin: Yeah. Lucy: Breathing's important, you know. That's right. Aleta: You know. Markin: Pick and choose. Aleta: So last one. What does a perfect day look like to you? Markin: For me it's a day with family, people that you like around you, a chill day and also a working day. I love to be at work. When I'm not working it's kind of sad as well. So I just need the balance of family and working. I I like both. Yeah. Lucy: That sounds lovely. I I actually have to add on one more question though. We didn't add it in Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: and we should have. Aleta: No. Lucy: Because Markin: Bonus question. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: yes, bonus question. So you've probably noticed this big explosion of support once once in his cold eyes came out. Markin: Mm. Lucy: there's just such a very devoted group. We we call it the BL fandom, the queer fandom, you know what I mean? But there's a especially on Instagram and Discord, there's a very devoted group to the Western BLs, which is basically what it lo. Markin: So you guys have a private chat? Lucy: it's open. It's called the Rainbow Brigade on Discord. Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: And then there are like actor chats and like group chats and stuff, but people engage in a lot of the queer vertical content Markin: Uh-huh. Lucy: through the social media. Mainly really on like Instagram Aleta: Mm-hmm. Lucy: and Discord. So it's like really large. And so I feel like as time goes on that's just gonna grow for you and it has for a lot of the other actors that Markin: Yeah, I was not expecting to be like getting all the support. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: It's it's just gonna get bigger, especially if you do more and, you know, you did such a good job, people are gonna wanna see you in more. And Markin: Hopefully they bring me more to BL shows because I really enjoy it. Lucy: you are such a good fit for them, I think. And I think that what you bring is powerful. So I hope I'm manifesting. And Aleta: No. Lucy: and and kind of the question is, because of that, like what does this new fan support mean to you? You know, is it is it something that's a really, really overwhelming or is it something that you know bring it makes you feel like you're doing good work? Markin: Yeah, it is really like satisfying to see that people are actually liking my work, you know, because as I thought as I told you, we don't have a lot of feedback. So we don't know if it is good enough or what what it is, but when you see people doing the edits where they take their time to edit all this stuff, so you it's so important to get that love from you guys because gives you more feel to keep going and doing your your best. It is just amazing. You can I cannot even say how great this is, like having all these people that like you from from a show. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: It is it Lucy: Yeah. Markin: is so nice. It is so great like I cannot even say it's it's great. Aleta: Ha ha. Lucy: Well, people will love to hear that. So thank you. Thank you for kind of sharing like what it's like to it and Markin: Yes. Yeah, it's so important. Lucy: and I I feel like it's been like a two-way street. Like verticals are obviously really new for us, for the states, but I think what I've been so happy about with the verticals, and I hope it stays this way. is we've been getting so much representation, right? And and we were starting to break into more representation, you know, much needed representation. And we talk a lot about that on the podcast that, you know, it's important to keep going, like more POC characters, more diverse GL characters, like a lot of times when they run those, it's just like fem femme. And we're like, come on, really embody the community. And I feel like some apps are trying that and we hope that they continue and and kinda get us to where we need to be. Markin: Mm. I think the art it's getting better and better. Lucy: Yeah. Yeah, so we're hoping. Markin: Yes. So hopefully it just get better. Lucy: Crossing fingers here. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: Ha ha ha. Lucy: All right. So that's pretty much it, besties. Markin, Aleta: Ha ha ha Lucy: it's been a genuine pleasure. We have loved having you with us today. we look forward to following your career for many years to come. Both in the vertical, yes, and beyond when you're doing Tom Cruise. Yes. Markin: Course. Hopefully, yes. Everywhere. huh. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: We are So excited to see where things go for you. I know Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: you're gonna go far. Markin: thank you so much. And I have a question. I was listening to Aleta: Mm. Markin: your podcast and you said about puppy eyes. What do you what do you mean by that? I have some puppy eyes. Lucy: Yeah. Yes. Aleta: Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Lucy: So there's three scenes. I'll do an edit for you. Okay. We'll I'll release it tonight. Markin: Poppy eye edit. Lucy: But there's yes, the puppy dog guy. So I even showed it to Declan 'cause he's got a subscriber chat where he will interact with fans sometimes. And I told him I was like, You gotta watch out for Mark and Cavallo and he was like he's like, Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: Well I know of him and cause Declan's got the most Markin: We wanna work together, it would be so nice. He's such a sweetheart. Aleta: Yeah, he's lovely. Lucy: You guys need to work together. He puts he's he's so similar to you. He he puts everything into his roles and his job and like Markin: my gosh, the one he did ab the fighter one. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: Yes with Tristan So good. Markin: Holy shit. When I saw that I was like, is this a Netflix or what? It was insane. I was like, holy shit. That's so iconic. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: Yes. So that so that it is iconic. And that was done by Cosmic Verticals. They produced it. And Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: then Amanda Fallon Smith is the director of it. And so much of that apparently was collaborative. Like she's just so good. And so she it was. And I really hope. Markin: It was incredible. And I was so happy because when I saw that Lucy: Yeah. Markin: was a vertical like wow that's where we're going. Aleta: Mm. Lucy: Yes, yes. Markin: Getting more and more like that. It was amazing. Lucy: Well, and in his cold eyes, it really was close to that for me. You know what I mean? They took Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: it seriously. They it there was some grittiness to it. There was some Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: intensity. And and don't get me wrong, Alita and I love the fun BLs where there's sound effects and someone's falling and flailing and they catch you and they kiss you. Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: Yes, water drops or the eyebrow waggle sounds, you know what I mean? Like Aleta: Yeah. Markin: huh. Lucy: I love those, but I also like a little bit of dark romance. I like to see like I don't want to see you guys in pain. Markin: Mar serious. Lucy: Yeah, more serious. I like it too. And Markin: Uh-huh. Lucy: you just did that so well. But you're so talented. I could see you doing the comedy as well. So I hope I get to see you do both. Aleta: Mm. Markin: Uhhuh. Hopefully I do it all. Anything, just just call me, I'm doing it. Lucy: I love it. Well, and and the puppy dog eyes, I'll at least give you an idea. So there was a scene where right after Ian, so Andrew, went in and tried to get you to tell his dad that he he took the necklace, he rips you out, you guys leave, and he pins you against the Markin: Mm-hmm. And a wall. Lucy: wall, and then there's a scene, because you're a little shorter than him, you look up. He is tall. Did you? Markin: I'm a lot shorter than him. He's huge. We use a lot of Apple Box. my gosh. We use a lot of Apple box. He's I think he's Lucy: my gosh, wow. Markin: like 6'4 and I'm 5'10. So it's a huge difference. And there's a lot of scenes that you Lucy: That's crazy. I didn't well, we didn't even notice the box. Markin: are eye to eye. It's so weird because some scenes you're eye to eye and some scenes is like here and I'm down. Aleta: Ha Markin: What's so funny? And in the cover, Lucy: Can you say? Markin: if you see the poster, I'm taller than him in the poster because I'm looking down. Aleta: Ha ha ha ha. Markin: Just such a difference. Lucy: Okay, I've gotta go I need to look at all these things. This is great. But but yeah, it I now now I'm gonna be like where he where was he standing on a box? Because y they did have you not too far off from each other most of the vertical. So you Aleta: Mm. Markin: Mm-hmm. Lucy: must have been standing on the box a lot. Markin: Yes. That scene I wasn't because I I had to walk. Usually it is Lucy: Okay. Markin: when I was not walking because if I have to walk I cannot just go up and down, Aleta: Yeah. Markin: you know? So Lucy: Yeah. Markin: it has to be a scene that I was already there. Lucy: Wow. Well that that was definitely one of The others I don't think I should say on the podcast, but I'll I'll do a clip. It was the leg massage. The the leg massage Markin: It might be this one, let's okay. Aleta: Some spicy ones, yeah. Lucy: scene was one. Markin: that one. Not this one. Lucy: That is one. Yep, that is one. That's the other Aleta: Ha Markin: Well Lucy: one. And wasn't that with the leg massage scene though, right? Markin: No that was the cottage the the house. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Please do it. I'll love it to see. I'm gonna repost it. Lucy: Okay, those are the three. Yep, those are the three. Okay, we're good. So I might still edit it. But you know, at least Aleta: Mm. Ha ha ha. Ha ha ha. Lucy: But but it's so funny because you actually we're getting so like wow, but you are you have this talent, I think, that you can use your eyes and and they should come with a warning and not everyone can pull off puppy dog eyes, but you can. And if you do get to work with Declan, tell say, teach me your ways so you could be Aleta: Ha ha ha ha. Markin: I I didn't know I w that Lucy: just as crazy as him. Markin: was able to. I didn't know I could do that. So now it's good Aleta: Ha ha ha. Markin: to know. You guys are pointing out. Lucy: yeah, if you get to work with Declan, tell him, be like, Lucy said to do lessons. Yeah. Well you were Markin: Gonna ask him, what is your secret? Tell me your secret. Aleta: Ha ha ha. Lucy: you were doing it naturally, but like he does it on purpose. Aleta: Yeah. Lucy: So Markin: He can't control. That's that's a that's a technique. I need to learn that. Lucy: yes. Aleta: Ha ha. Lucy: Yes. Cause I think you could just get better and better with it and then, you Markin: Yes. Lucy: know, we'll just be competing for who has the biggest puppy dog eyes. That's right. Aleta: Ha ha Markin: Both of us. Lucy: I love it. Okay. Markin: that was so fun. Lucy: Hehehe Aleta: Right, I guess we've come to the end of our conversation today. thank Markin: Uh-huh. Aleta: you for being with us for this very special episode. We've enjoyed it so much, Markin: Thank you guys. Aleta: Markin. And we hope that everyone will join us again for the next one. Bye besties. Lucy: Five vesties cried. Markin: Bye Besties. Aleta: There. Lucy: Yay!