Q&A With Talented Actor And Performer Orlando Pineda
We recently caught up with actor Orlando Pineda to talk about his acting background, some of his favorite productions he has worked on so far — and his upcoming projects. Here is what he had to say:
Please give us an introduction as to when you first got into the entertainment industry:
I started acting shortly after I graduated college in LA. I got signed by my manager a month after that, started auditioning for commercials and TV and pretty much haven’t stopped since. I’ve been blessed with a lot of work, acting in front of the most recognized and best casting directors in the world and I’m looking forward to much more.
Do you feel like you have grown a lot more as an artist over the years, through your experiences?:
Definitely! I feel like acting is obviously a lot of the time about technique and study, but also much more about experience and how you perceive the world. The more you get in front of the camera, the more you learn lines, act out scenes, the more confident and real you get — and that’s what you want as an actor, to transmit that real experience. I watch scenes from when I first started and stuff that I’ve done recently and there’s no comparison to how much better I’ve become, I believe.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far?:
I love every project I’ve been in; they are always a different challenge that requires a different approach. But if I had to choose one I guess it would be this Old Navy Commercial I did in 2018. It was directed by Michael Gracey, the director of The Greatest Showman, we were singing and dancing alongside the singers of soul and it was the first time I got to do all 3; acting, singing, and dancing in one job. I loved it.
What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?:
Definitely working on Narcos;Mexico. Carla Hool and Natali Ballesteros, two of the biggest casting directors in LA, cast it. I got to travel to Mexico and work alongside big actors like Diego Luna, so it was just a dream come true.
Who has been one of your favorite actors/filmmakers you have worked with so far and why?:
I would say Michael Gracey, the director of that Old Navy commercial. He was such a fun guy to work with, always encouraging your ideas, while implementing fun during work — I mean if you are not enjoying what you’re doing, might as well quit, right? He was always dancing with us without leaving his professionalism behind. The guy has worked with Zendaya, Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and still would be super humble. I’d love to work with him again soon!
What other projects do you have coming up?:
I am currently waiting to hear from a BIG show that I am pinned in, for Amazon Prime. I can’t really say much about it yet, but it would definitely be life changing. I’m also looking forward to more work as soon as the industry is back up and running. I really love what I do!
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists?:
Trust your instincts when you are acting, whether it’s an audition, a short film, or a feature, put the work in but ALWAYS trust your gut! It is what will make you unique and outshine the others. Also, never give up! If this is what you truly love, be persistent and it will come to you.
