Q&A with Actor Peter Iasillo

Film: Under Jakob's Ladder
Actor: Peter Iasillo, Jr.
Role: Vovik

Q: What attracted you to work on this film?
A: The casting notice said that the producers were looking for authentic and authentic-sounding Russian accents. I had played comic Russian "characters" before, but wanted to seriously play the part of a Russian. The part [of Vovik] originally called for a medium-build wiseguy type, almost mean at times. The Moon Brothers rewrote the part to be that of a larger, more humanistic character, who would at times lighten up scenes with humor and still be able to show his sensitive and tragic side.

Q: How did you prepare for your role?
A: I had studied Russian history for past roles, but for this part I delved deep into the history of Stalin's Russian and the period of the detention camps and the "Black Ravens". I did a lot of online study, printed and studied photos and drawings of actual prison camps and watched as much video on YouTube as I could. I also listened to authentic Russians speaking in English. Let me say that it was never my intention to sound like a Russian actor trying to speak English, but rather as an American actor with a believable Russian "tone" to his speech.

Q: How did you identify with the character of Vovik?
A: Anytime I play a part, I ask myself what would I say, do, or feel if I were in this character's shoes. The lines are already written, so it's just a matter of learning them and speaking them as the character. Even if I were playing an axe murderer, I put myself in the character's psyche and play it truthfully.

Q: What was your favorite scene?
A: My favorite scene is the fight between me and Bruno. Stuntman and actor Matthew Staley worked with us to make the scene very powerful and convincing.

Q: Tell about working on the film.
A: Where do I begin? It was a joy from start to finish. Even standing in the freezing cold rain in the middle of the night was "enjoyable" as the crew was always ready with blankets and coats between takes.

Q: What did you enjoy the most about working on this film?
A: The professionalism and camaraderie of the entire cast and crew. Nuff said.

Q: What was it like to work with Jeff Stewart?
A: Jeff Stewart (Jakob) is a seasoned pro! I learned so much from him. I still marvel at his ability to be completely silly and goofy off camera and then elicit tears in a scene of great depth and drama.

Q: What about working with Robert and/or Mann?
A: Robert and Mann are real directors! Not just in the technical sense, but in knowing how to work with actors and how to direct actors. They understand the whole acting process and respect their artists and know how to get a truthful and honest performance from them. They know how to shoot a scene and have an excellent sense of story structure and continuity. They will also praise you and let you know you are doing a good job. That goes a very long way when you are responsible for handing in believable performance.

Q: What was the most challenging scene for you?
A: The scene where I discover the that camp guards have taken Jakob's coat from the escape hole that I am digging and trying to hide was pretty challenging. It's a very emotional moment where I realize they are going to take Jakob and punish HIM for MY hole digging! I needed to go Method for that one. On stage, you have momentum to propel yourself into the moment. On film, you have to be able to turn it on and off between set-ups. The camera sees EVERYTHING, especially what's inside. So it better be real.

Q: How did you get your start in film?
A: I had friends (that I still keep in touch with) who were horror movie directors. They knew me from community theatre and cast me in their early films Igor and the Lunatics, Spookies, and Killer Dead. I love all acting, but I fell in love with "camera acting" from that first day till now.

Q: Who are your influences as an actor?
A: My favorites actors are those that I share some aspect of their character type with. They are Zero Mostel, Vincent Schiavelli, Vincent Price, Timothy Carey, Geoffrey Rush and Clancy Brown. If you don't know who any of them are, I invite you to look them up on the Internet.