Chris Ana has been acting since a young age. Initially in local theatre productions, and then in background roles in the feature films. Chris Ana has been in Longest Ride (2015) with Scott Eastwood, and Bolden (2019) with Gary Carr.
An excellent athlete, Chris has trained in Parkour, wrestling, and gymnastics. He is of American Indian heritage, and is a proud tribal member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. Chris is the lead actor in the feature film Call Sign Romeo (2022). Where he showcased his acting, athleticism, and stunt skills, and was recognized with an IndieFEST film achievement award.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Chris Ana (CA): I attended acting classes at The Actor’s Place in Norfolk, Virginia. The basis of these classes was 80% acting technique and 20% business acumen. The classes revolved around improving audition techniques, script and character analysis, visualization of scripted outcomes, how to build emotional performances, and using eyeliner to communicate emotional intent in tight framing.
The Official Trailer for Call Sign Romeo
How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would you still have got the part?
Chris Ana (CA): I was asked to audition for this part because of my athleticism and acting background. The role required a physical skill set and wrestling knowledge. I wrestled in high school and have practised Parkour since I was a young child. For the audition I was cocky / arrogant like the character, and I went shirtless. I did a backflip off a telephone pole, a move that was ultimately incorporated into the movie.
Let’s take this project you did; how did you prepare for such a role: the cast, the physicality, the terrain, the climate, weather and the demands of the project?
Chris Ana (CA): I prepared by working on my strength and flexibility. Knowing that this role was going to require me to be prepared to use my Parkour skills, I worked with my Parkour coach daily.
As one of the cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Chris Ana (CA): I was able to personally perform all of the stunts needed for the role.
How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Chris Ana (CA): A Lot of the story line was reflective of my life as a high school student and wrestler, so I was very comfortable in the role. I think I had to work hardest to show the mega confidence that was required to play the role of Chris Torres.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Chris Ana (CA): I was not a confident high school student in life so that was where I had to work hardest to portray an over-confident, somewhat arrogant high school student/athlete.
Explain one creative choice you took on the set of this production?
Chris Ana (CA): Most of my creative choices came in the wrestling scenes. For two of the wrestling scenes, another actor and I had to choreograph our moves to convince the audience that we were in an intense, competitive wrestling match. It got pretty physical, and I think the realism came through in the movie. In another scene, after an intense conversation, we improvised a group hug because it felt right for the moment. They kept it in the film.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Chris Ana (CA): Honestly, I just love acting and being able to use my athleticism.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Chris Ana (CA): The director of the movie was instrumental in providing instruction in using facial expressions to portray the emotions of the character.
How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
Chris Ana (CA): We all worked well together for the most part. At times it could be challenging to deal with the different personalities on set but overall our goal was the same so we were able to practice our lines together and at times a sense of humor was what kept us all on that same goal.
As the main cast in the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
Chris Ana (CA): I definitely had mixed emotions with this role as it was my first lead role in a movie. I was very excited to be in the film but with that came the pressure to work my hardest. I was in almost every scene, so a lot of people were continuously counting on me, so yes, I was a little nervous.
What did you take away from the film production?
Chris Ana (CA): After this film production, I was able to see my strengths and weaknesses as an actor and what areas I need to work on for my future roles.
What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Chris Ana (CA): The director for this movie was great! He was really patient and respectful with all the actors in the movie and all their varying skill sets.
What is next for you?
Chris Ana (CA): I am currently researching future roles in other movies, keeping physically active for stunt work, and doing some local modelling jobs.
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Chris Ana (CA): It requires hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone, but will be the most rewarding experience of your life.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Chris Ana. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
ACTOR INTERVIEWS
