It is a remarkable thing when you meet someone who devotes over 100% to his craft, and I think I have met that artist in Alessandro De-Marco.
Born in Vercelli, Italy, to Patrizia and Angelo De Marco, I was raised along with my older brother Massimo. My career began in Milan at the age of 19, where I appeared in photo shoots for some local magazines. Not happy with the results, I soon took the decision to move to England. Not knowing the language, I started my first job as a glass collector in a local night club in a small village near Leicester (UK). Soon after, I managed to find a job in a factory, where I spent the next year within a production environment. During this period, my English improved to such a level that allowed me to start attending acting classes. At the age of 26 I moved to London, and I found a job as a computer programmer, using this money to support my acting career.
I attended many evening classes, from acting and pronunciation courses, to drama workshops, where I had met and learnt from many accomplished actors. This includes a one-to-one breakfast meeting I had with Bill Nighy, from which I gathered some very useful information, accelerating the progression of my acting career. My first professional role saw me working closely with award winner director Martha Fiennes (sister of actor and director Ralph Fiennes) in the Nativity project, where I was selected to play the role of Angel Gabriel. The project was shown in Covent Garden piazza (London) for 2 months (2 Nov. 2011 – 2 Jan. 2012).
indieactivity: How would you describe your acting?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): As honest and true as possible. I watched a tape of me acting at the very beginning of my career, and I could see the lack of truth in it. I have worked very hard (and still do) to make my acting as believable as possible, and this was possible thanks to practice, workshops and acting classes.
How did you get into acting?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I always loved films from an early age. It all started on my 19th birthday, from a photo shoot I did for my mum with one of the local photographers in town. After the hour long session, the photographer asked my mum if she could use me for one of her projects. After a month, we received a call from the photographer saying that the project I was involved in ended up placed third in a national photography competition. It was only then that I thought that perhaps I could actually do something within this business.
Did you study acting?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): Yes I did. My first acting class was at “City Lit” in London, lasting 1 year. I managed to learn a lot from it, from movement, to breath control to different acting methods. After I completed that drama class, I attended a further 3 months course called “Acting for screen” at the Ealing Studios (London).
Do you operate on instinct when acting?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I believe I do to some extent. I believe acting is not so much being able to learn lines quickly, or expressing emotions, but it is instead listening to the other person, and reacting accordingly.
What acting technique do you use?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I am a huge fan of both the Meisner technique and method acting.
Briefly describe wrong impressions actors have about acting?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I cannot speak generally, but rather based on the experience I have had. I have seen many actors doing more then they should while performing, especially for the camera. Sometimes, by doing less, you will give more. Another misconception I saw is that some actors stop training after they get their feet into the business. I believe someone should never stop training or attending classes or workshop, as by doing so, you would lose some ability to perform at your best. I like to compare acting to a human body. Someone can practice gymnastics for years and their body is extremely flexible. If they stop training, the body will lose some flexibility, and with that, the ability to perform certain routines.
How do you keep in shape as an actor?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I am a member of “The Actors Centre” in London, and I like to spend every spare moment I have there. I always find actors who are willing to practice, from improvising to scripted scenes. I also attend small classes there which helps keeping me in shape.
What physical exercise do you do to keep in shape?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I am a very sporty person. I did martial arts for over 12 years (kung-fu/kickboxing), gymnastics for 1 year, plus horse riding, football, and a bit of gym. I do not smoke and rarely drink alcohol.
When you are offered a role what do you do?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): From the very moment I receive the script, I read it once from the beginning to the end, trying to understand the full picture. After I have done that, I will start analyzing it, breaking it down in to multiple pieces. I then carry on by studying the character, doing research about him ( creating his own story if not specifically stated in the script). When the time comes to learn the lines, I then use one of the methods suggested to me by one of my acting teachers, which is rewriting the script in a piece of paper several times, until I have learnt it. After that, I will start rehearsing several times, even moving the furniture if necessary, to recreate the scene as I see it in my mind.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable breathing person?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I try to find as many connections as I can between the real me and who I believe the character is. The closer I get to this connection, the better my performance will be. I believe everyone has undiscovered sides of themselves that do not come out during the course of a lifetime, and it is our job as actors trying to dig into our inner self to take them out. It is a scary journey for many people, because the deeper you go, the more open, emotional and vulnerable you become.
How do you remain fresh on a film set?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I think a nice sleep before the shooting day helps a lot. Sometime you are required to be on set for long hours, and if you haven’t slept long enough, you will start feel tired earlier then usual, and your performance might be effected. Some people likes to drink coffee to stay awake, and others drink lots of tea, but I tempt to avoid having caffeine in my body while I am shooting.
What is the most memorable screen character you have played?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I would say “Angel Gabriel” was the most interesting character I had to play. The director was “Martha Fiennes”, and the project “Nativity” was a digital art piece that changed over time. All scenes and characters were selected randomly by a computer software entirely developed by MPC (London based company). I have always wanted to play these kind of characters, and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to do it with such a great director.
What do you want from a director during a production?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): Be clear and tell me exactly how he/she wants me to play the scene or character. We are all there for the very same reason… deliver the best job possible.
How do you prefer to work with a director during a production?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): In the most honest way possible.
Do you get offers from other film industries?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I have been lucky enough to play a small part in the upcoming Hollywood movie “Rush”, directed by the Oscar winner Ron Howard. My character was Daniele Audetto, Ferrari Team Manager. It has been a great role to play, and I had so much fun on set. I have no other Hollywood films lined up yet, but I am sure they will come very soon. I am very positive.
What do you think an actor can do to get into the film industry?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): First of all he/she will need a good training course. This is mandatory for every actor that want to get into the industry. I am aware that there are people out there born with acting capabilities, but I do firmly believe a course will give you the right tools not only to bring a character to life, but would also give you an understanding of who you are, how you talk, what limitations you have and how to overcome them. After taking a good acting class (that doesn’t necessarily have to be 3 years drama acting), an agent is required.
You can start applying for student films, shooting some scenes yourself, something that will enable you to be visible and show your skills. Get as much material as possible so that you can then use it to create a show reel. I strongly believe that networking is also key in this business…. “It is all about who you know”. You can be as talented as Al Pacino or Robert De Niro, but you have to have the opportunity to be seen in front of the right people in order to succeed.
Who is your favourite actor?
Alessandro De Marco (AM): I would say Al Pacino is the one for me. I also love Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington, Will Smith…. Just to mention few.
Why is this actor your favourite actor?
Alessandro: It is not only because of his talent, but also because of the way he has managed to succeed. I admire his passion and determination in wanting to succeed, and that makes him a role model for me.
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