Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio J. Medina.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Antonio. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in Puerto Rico where I once dreamed of becoming an A-list actor and the beginning of where my art roots started. After some dancing, modeling and college education, I relocated to the mainland in 2012. I decided to become a professional actor living in Jacksonville, Florida, four years ago. After investing, taking acting workshops, training, networking, connecting and collaborating with the local film community, I started building my acting and filmmaking experience. Together with my hunger and passion, I branched out to other cities like Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Tallahassee, among others. Along the way, I was able to acquire footage for my first actor reel and continue to submit to local Florida film projects. After a lot of sacrifices and hard work, I gathered lead acting content and professional photography. I wanted to get professional representation so I can continue to grow my career.
After some online research, I was able to connect and submit my info to an agency in New Smyrna Beach, Premiere Model Management. After an interview with talent agent Christine and getting industry direction advice, I was able to get my first commercial headshot and she connected me with talent agent Doug Bailey from Baileys Entertainment Group in Orlando. After a face to face interview he took me in and added me to his talent roster and I finally took my first step in getting my professional representation. Thanks to this, I have been able to connect with more in-depth acting training and auditions for commercials and TV castings. While pursuing all of this I kept working with local Florida filmmakers, making all types of films. Monologues, micro-films, short films, short scenes, produced and starred in one of Jacksonville’s latest local feature film, “The Last Pirate.” Which has made it to local city newspaper and has been awarded and recognized for its script and story by multiple screenwriting film festivals (domestically & internationally).
Created and written by Christian Pavlik (Jacksonville local) and is currently in post-production and in a schedule to be submitted to influential film festivals like Sundance and possibly headed for distribution alternatives. This project has personally given me the opportunity to grow the most as a filmmaker and actor, gathering key experience pushing me beyond my limits, connecting with local businesses to help promote and market at a bigger level. Working with talented and passion-driven individuals who share similar dreams and goals. My personal goal is to win the academy best actor award one day and be an example of how dreams are livable through hard work and belief.
Has it been a smooth road?
I believe a great story should be accompanied by struggles and hardships. My journey has its fare share of that. From sleeping in my car to calling out from work. When someone truly understands and finds where they belong there willing to do everything in their power to make it happen. The sacrifices and struggles I’ve been through, I only see them as investments to achieve and live my dream. I definitely want to mention my journey and process in the involvement of The Last Pirate feature film. Originally thinking it was a four-day shoot short film which evolved into a year of filming to become a feature. It was like a film making/acting school and the most realistic comparable way to what I understand the industry is.
Being the lead actor in this project, I had to take my emotional and physical state through a roller coaster. Playing a possessed character that showed multiple personalities really tested and pushed my skills as an actor. Taking fence fighting training to accurately handle a sword and perform a sword-fighting choreography under the hot Florida sun on the beach. This accompanied by unforeseen weather conditions causing us to reschedule and health and mental exhaustion were present from time to time as well. I personally suffered a total loss car accident before the final shoot days, which took me at least three months of recovery before we could finalize the film shoot. Being able to endure all of this makes me even more proud and fuels my path.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a passionate actor that has evolved. I’m a vision creator that produces and acts to make a world come to life. I specialize in deep intense roles, mainly the antagonist. I’m known for my passion and good heart. My family and friends believe in me. I love being around anyone who wants to create. I am proud of making the decision to follow my dreams and path, meeting amazing and talented people along the way. I want to be known to inspire. If anything should set me apart from others, is to inspire others to follow their dreams and find there path in life.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the fire passion that dominates in the artistic side of Miami. I hate that I cant spend more time in the city.
Contact Info:
- Email: actorajmedina@usa.com
- Other: @actorajmedina
Image Credit:
Unknown Photography by DM Huber
Adela Hittell
William P Cook
Matthew Manyak
Mandy Lynn Photography with Premiere Model Management
Brayan Olea with Open Media Productions
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