Victoria G Interviews Alexander Pineiro

Victoria G: What inspired you to become an actor?

Alexander Pineiro: Honestly, the encouragement from others inspired me to give acting a shot. Never in all my days as a child, a teenager, and a young adult would I have imagined this path for myself. I was a wandering soul throughout my childhood and teenage years, and like most, I didn't know who I was or what I wanted to be. I wasn't "good" at anything traditional, though I've had many jobs ranging from teaching to the food industry to finance. Part of my personality naturally involves channeling random characters at times; it's part of my humor. Having friends and family constantly suffer through this over the years resulted in suggestions for me to try acting. I was never a good student, but in college, I signed up for an acting class as an elective. The class mostly involved studying material, like every other class, until we finally got to work on a scene with partners. The moment I stepped up in front of the class, I felt an excitement that I hadn't experienced with any other sport, training program, or extracurricular activity. However, it took another 4 years before I actually invested in acting as a hobby and then built a career from it.

VG: What is your favorite project you have ever done?

AP: One of my favorites that I enjoyed filming was an indie horror called Parched 2. It was a low-budget, no-frills project that we filmed in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. We all slept in a cabin on the lake, and we were all stuck with each other for 4 days of filming. Being under one roof allowed us to get to know each person at random times. We would often gather by the lake and have a beer at the end of a shooting day. I had a lot of fun filming that, but I must admit it wasn't one of my best performances.

VG: What are some qualities you look for in a project?

AP: First, I need to make sure that the story is good. I read the script thoroughly to check if the writing makes sense and flows. Second, I look for what my part is in this story. Is it just a small cog with a few lines that anyone can play, or is it a role that I believe only I can portray? Third, I want to know who else is involved and what they have worked on thus far. I consider how professional the set is and how serious the other players involved are.

VG: Which character that you have played so far has been the most similar to you?

AP: I wrote and played a character named Señor Hielo in my latest self-directed short film, Rebellious 8. He is a big brother-like character who possesses the superpower of Ice. He loves to tease others (out of love) and is skeptical of ideas that involve taking big risks. He is stubborn to the core, but at the same time, he has a good heart. That's me in a nutshell.

VG: What can you share about the Apple TV series, City on Fire and your character, Sol?

AP: Set in 2003 New York City, City on Fire follows a NYU student who gets shot in Central Park on the 4th of July. This murder mystery pulls together several individuals from different backgrounds who are unknowingly connected to her, as they try to solve the crime. Sol is a large and intimidating dude, a tough nut to crack, and a hard guy to rattle. He's very much an "ends justify the means" kind of person. Without giving too much away, I can say that my character, Sol, experiences a lot of action in this first season. From fights and violence to heartbreak and explosives, there's never a dull moment when Sol is on your screen.

VG: What can you share about your new film, Rebellious 8?

AP: Years ago, I created a Latino superhero of Puerto Rican descent and an arch-nemesis of Egyptian descent. I wrote their origin story and the first episode of a screenplay. When I began writing Rebellious 8, it initially started as a story for me to portray solo. However, as I continued generating ideas and writing, the concept of R8 emerged. It combines elements from Teen Titans and The Loud House, but with a Latino representation. Rebellious 8 is the story of a rag-tag group of individuals who function as a family, utilizing their superpowers to run a business. However, due to COVID, their business has been declining. In a last-ditch effort to save it, they embark on a final act of desperation. My aim was to create a unique perspective on the experience of being of Hispanic heritage, presenting a narrative that portrays us as fully human, devoid of clichés or stereotypes. We have the opportunity to delve into the realm of the supernatural, and I am captivated by the rich world being constructed. The story encompasses drama, moments of laughter, and, of course, the fascinating dynamics of superpowers.

VG: What do you hope viewers take away after watching Rebellious 8?

AP: The themes of Rebellious 8 are breaking stereotypes, transformation, shining light on inequality, growth, family, and rebellion. The hidden messages in the film are inequality in authentic representation, division in world politics, personal experience as a minority, and societies taking on balancing the scales.

VG: What are your thoughts on there being more LatinX representation in the entertainment industry?

AP: There are moments when I look up an actor I saw on TV and discover that they are Latino. It's mind-boggling how it seems as though a switch has been turned on, making us relevant. It's funny how it works. I hope that the culmination of people speaking up about the lack of representation and the rise of talented artists like Lin Manuel, Oscar Isaac, Pedro Pascal, Bad Bunny, and others were all acts in progress. As their stars were finally raised, the revolution had already begun.

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

AP: Lover, Fighter, Dork

VG: What are your social media handles?

AP: You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @APSuave or just Alexander Pineiro.

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

AP: In ten years, I see myself blissfully successful, thriving, and loving life. I've never limited myself to just one role, so I imagine I'll be wearing multiple hats. I envision myself writing and producing films, directing, and acting. Additionally, I want to be involved in humanitarian or environmental work, traveling the world, and networking. Playing an instrument and owning a boat are also on my list of aspirations. I see myself operating a studio that develops original content spanning from videos to music to films. Furthermore, managing an academy that supports aspiring actors, filmmakers, and Latino artists is a goal of mine. Lastly, I look forward to raising beautiful children.

VG: What are three qualities every actor should have?

AP: An open mind. Empathy and respect for everyone on the call sheet. Patience. Lots of patience.

VG: Do you have any advice for an aspiring actor?

AP: No one is looking for you or looking out for you. Don't wait for an opportunity to fall into your lap because it will never come. Do everything you can right now to improve. Even as simple as adding a new credit to your website, planning your next social media post, or watching your favorite actors do a round table on YouTube. Life is not about instant gratification. Do the work and grow for yourself. The universe will bend to your will.

VG: What's next for you?

AP: I'm currently in the process of writing multiple new projects. Now that there is a lull in the industry, it's the perfect time to lock in and create the next thing.

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Who is a director you would love to work with?

AP: Jordan Peele

VG: What is something you can't live without?

AP: Any apparatus used for writing. Whether it be my laptop or a journal. Writing has been part of my therapeutic process for years and it helps me understand myself better.

VG: What is your biggest pet peeve?

AP: People who constantly complain and do nothing about it.

VG: Do you have any hidden talents?

AP: I can play drums and also have a good eye for photography.

VG: Do you play any instruments?

AP: Yes, drums. I wish I could fit a whole set in my apartment.

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

AP: Playing video games that have interesting concepts and character-driven narratives. The 3 favorites I've played in 2023 are Returnal, Resident Evil: Village, and Tunic.

VG: Do you have any pets?

AP: I have a black lab named Jet but he lives with my parents in Puerto Rico. I decided it would be best for him to live in paradise with folks who are retired rather than in a city with a guy who's always on the move but I love him to death.

VG: What is your biggest fear?

AP: Disappointing my future children.

VG: What is your favorite film genre?

AP: Fantasy and/or Sci-Fi + Comedy