Arts & Entertainment
Hollywood Overnight Success: Actor Jeovanny Rodriguez
From production assistant to co-starring with Ben Affleck
In a genuine twist of fate, Jeovanny Rodriguez was discovered while working as a production assistant in the pre-production office of a Netflix movie. He was going about his day assembling an office chair for the director, JC Chandor. Later that day, he was asked by the casting agent to audition for a role in the movie. He went from production assistant to acting with Ben Affleck and Oscar Isaac in the Netflix film, “Final Frontier.”
Since getting his break, he has also appeared in a couple of episodes on ‘Magnum PI’ and is looking forward to continuing to pursue his career in acting, writing and directing.
The movie, partly filmed in Colombia, centers around five former special forces operatives reunited to steal a drug lord’s fortune. Rodriguez plays the part of “Duke. ”
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“It’s about military men who serve their whole lives in the military, now retired, and really have nothing to show for it,” said Rodriguez. “So now they’re going in, and steal a bunch of cash from a cartel.”
We sat down with Jeovanny for a Q and A:
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How did you end up being in front of the camera as an actor recently?
I was working as a production assistant in the Paramount Pictures Overseas production office and asked to audition by casting Director Katie Doyle. I prepared the night before by watching a brunch of Narcos to prepare for the role. No Prior acting experience.
You recently had 6 auditions in one week so how do you prepare for each audition?
I receive my sides usually a day before and get with a private acting coach. Then I say my lines over and over throughout the day, in the car, cooking breakfast, anything were I can multitask.
What did you first notice when you were in front of the camera when you were first filming?
When first filming, I would watch professionals such as Ben Affleck and Oscar Isaac prepare right before they say action on set, then mimic them. I learned to be as natural, human a free towards the camera, also pretending that the camera wasn't there and I was living this real situation.
What do you feel is different from working on set behind the scenes on film sets and now in front of the camera?
I realized that being in front of the camera takes a lot of focus and preparation before the shoot; versus working behind the scenes you handle situations as they come.
How did you prepare for your role in the Netflix film: Triple Frontier?
I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I watched a ton of Narcos and would copy their actions in front of a mirror.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in San Diego, then moved to Honolulu, Hawaii when I was 20 for film school at University of Hawaii at Manoa.
How did you get into the film industry before getting in front of the camera as an actor?
After film school, I began taking any jobs I can get on commercial sets, then stumbled onto studio sets as a Production assistant in Hawaii.
Tell us about your family and siblings?
My mother, Ana Rodriguez was born in Tijuana Mexico then moved to San Diego as a Kid. My father, Louis Jeovanny Rodriguez is Dominican raised in Washington Heights, NY. I have three brothers and two of them are studying at Parsons University in New York.
What do you parents do?
My mother is a police officer for San Diego Police Department. My dad is a business owner and produces furniture for hotels like the Hyatt and Hilton. His factory is in Tijuana, Mexico.
What's the best piece of advice you got as an actor?
I'd say to always continue to work on your craft. Work with coaches and build relationships.
What's the biggest misconception about acting?
I think the biggest misconception is that people tend to think it's impossible, but if you believe in it enough and work at it everyday, you can get better just like anything. Do it for the craft, not the fame.
What do you like about acting now?
I love the freedom to explore new characters, ways of thinking, learning new skill sets to become a certain character. Just realizing how much fun it really is.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9713769/
https://www.kusi.com/san-diego-actor-gets-big-break-by-being-cast-in-netflix-movie/
https://kichitv.com/dien-vien/jeovanny-rodriguez/
http://www.nerdly.co.uk/2019/03/19/triple-frontier-review-netflix/
