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Photo: Courtesy of melissabolona.com
I had the opportunity to do some Q&A with Melissa Boloña when she was promoting “IN STEREO” (showing at New York’s Cinema Village starting on July 3rd), as written and directed by Mel Rodriguez III. “IN STEREO” calls itself an “unromantic comedy” and also includes Beau Garrett, Micah Hauptman, Aimee Mullins and Mario Cantone in its cast.
While researching Melissa, I was blown away to not only learn that she has currently five films in post-production, but was recently named one of “New York City’s Twenty Most Significant Young Philanthropists” by the New York Observer. Not bad for a model-turned-actress who recently completed studies at Pace University.
How would you describe In Stereo to someone who hasn’t seen it before?
Melissa Boloña: I would describe In Stereo as an amusing, but realistic portrayal of 20/30 year olds’ human relationships. As the tagline says: “A story about love and those who fall for it!”
How similar are you personally to the person you portray in In Stereo?
M: We are different people in two different stages in our lives with some similarities. I think my character Jennifer is very young and immature and will go to extremes for attention. In my life, I have definitely gone through phases of immaturity, but I would never go to those lengths to fill my needs. I also feel that Jennifer is insecure and confused about what she wants in life, which also comes from age. I definitely have my moments of insecurity and vulnerability, but every year that goes by I become more secure in knowing what I want.
A still from the movie, “In Stereo.”
A lot of actresses have attempted to transition from model to actress, yet you’ve done it with great success. What do modeling and acting have in common for you?
M: Modeling and acting both involve being secure in front of the camera. In both careers, you have to be comfortable with yourself, and get used to a bunch of cameras being around, and learn how to relax in front of them. It all comes from repetition and experience, and modeling has definitely helped prepare me for acting. The more relaxed you are in front of the camera, the better the acting you do is.
According to IMDB, you currently have five films in post-production. Is there a project you’re most excited about?
M: I am very excited about Shark Lake and I Am Wrath. Shark Lake was a lot of fun to be a part of because I grew up watching movies like Jaws. I Am Wrath was a bit surreal being on such a big set and gave me even more appreciation for just how much work and effort goes into these big films.
Did you only start acting after earning your degree in International Marketing from Pace?
M: I started acting when I was about six years old and then picked it back up in my early teens. My mom would take me to auditions and classes and I’ve have always loved it. It became hard to juggle with school, and school was always a top priority, but in my third year of college I started taking acting classes again. When I graduated Pace University, I thought there was no better time to pursue my dreams!
Shoot from Forbes, Photo courtesy of melissabolona.com
Given your studies in marketing, do you have professional aspirations beyond acting and modeling?
M: I most definitely do! I totally admire the careers of multi-talented women such as Jessica Alba, Giselle Bundchen, Rosie-Huntington Whitely, the list goes on! I respect how they have their creative career and a business career. That is my goal. There are a few things I am passionate about and when I find the right fit alongside my acting career, that’s when I will slowly implement my own business plans. For now, I am actively working on my acting craft and focusing on my dream career.
Beyond entertainment, you were titled one of “New York City’s Twenty Most Significant Young Philanthropists” by the New York Observer this year. How did you first get involved in non-profit work?
M: I started when I was very young! My sister and I would raise money for the American Heart Association and help wrap Christmas gifts at toy drives for underprivileged kids. I stepped up my charity work when I connected with Josh Reed from the menswear line Gents that I modeled for. We both have a passion for helping children and from there collaborated on his charity, Gents Gives, for children fighting cancer.
You split your time between New York and California at the moment. When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite spots in New York?
M: I LOVE Lure Fishbar in Soho. Their food and service are consistently amazing. I love how their menu has a big variety and is not just for fish lovers. I also love Sushi of Gari in TriBeCa, they take sushi to the next level and create some of the most interesting sushi dishes ever!
Finally, Melissa, any last words for the kids?
M: Stay in school! (laughs) Well, really: pursue your dreams and know there is a lot of rejection out there and to take that as a motivator to drive you even more to your dreams!
-by Darren Paltrowitz