In CONVERSATIONS IN LA, this year's breakout sleeper hit from East Coast native Anne Marie Cummings (creator, writer, director, s...
In CONVERSATIONS IN LA, this year's breakout sleeper hit from East Coast native Anne Marie Cummings (creator, writer, director, star) and Immediate Vision Productions, the dark comedy is a modern-day story about a young Hispanic man (Gustavo Velasquez), who’s already had a fair amount of sexual experience and is genuinely searching for a meaningful relationship whose world collides with Michelle Macabee (Cummings) who is dealing with career transition, pet loss, and menopause. While Michelle’s age is something Gus grapples with, for a time, it’s Michelle who’s torn between her desire to just have sex with the young Gus versus be in a loving, committed relationship with him.
Michelle turns to her pet loss therapist for help and her two close friends, Alex and Nicole (in the midst of denying their own mid-life crisis’), witness Michelle’s transformation and become obsessed with redirecting her life down a path they deem acceptable and “normal.”
On the surface, CONVERSATIONS IN LA is about finding what makes us feel alive, whatever stage of life we’re in, but beneath that, it’s a story about self discovery and finding who we are without the influences of those around us.
Cummings and Velasquez received 2017 Daytime Emmy nominations in the lead acting categories for Daytime Digital Drama Series, as well as Vanita Harbour for her supporting role. Read the full interview below!
Greetings Gustavo, tell me a little bit more about yourself as an
actor.
Gustavo: I actually went to college for Accounting if you can believe
it. Graduated with honors and at the end decided it was not for
me. Being an actor always appealed to me and graduating college
made it clear. Currently I am training at some well respected
studios and focusing on the craft. In my spare time I am surfing
and mountain biking or messing around with some musical
instruments.
You play the role of Gus on Conversations to L.A - what do you
love most about the character? Does he portray any of your real-life
personalities?
Gustavo: I love his “grab life by the horns” unapologetic attitude
and passion he has for Michelle, his work and life in general. As
Gustavo, I am controlled most of the time, but portraying Gus allows
me to tap into my raw, gritty, passionate nature. Gus is full-out
passion, he feels deeply and explodes at any moment. It`s definitely
fun to play.
You've been nominated for the 2017 Daytime Emmy's for the
original series "Conversations in L.A", how does it feel?
Gustavo: Being the first project I booked, and being nominated feels pretty
incredible. I remember calling my managers and screaming “are you
kidding me!!!!!!?” when I found out. Being nominated is a true
honor.
Will you be attending? What will you be wearing fans love to know
these things?
Gustavo: I will definitely be attending along with the other two
actresses Anne-Marie Cummings and Vanita Harbour who were
nominated as well. Not sure what I am wearing yet. I am deciding
between an orange suit with a blue tie or more of a James Bond
look. Haven't decided yet. I guess it will be a surprise.
Do you think you will win the award?
Gustavo: All the actors nominated are at the top of there game. Being
nominated is an honor in itself. I hope the award goes to whoever
captured there role the best. Who ever that may be.
Congrats on your nomination by the way. What does the future of
Conversations in L.A look like?
Gustavo: Thank you. I am still getting used to being called a nominated actor.
Conversations in L.A. is currently filming Season 2 and discussing
Season 3. We have added amazing actors to the Season 2 cast such
as Rebecca Metz, Jack Plotnick, Mark Lewis, Sterling Jones and many
more.
Have you ever thought about acting on daytime television, say on
The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our
Lives or General Hospital?
Gustavo: If the opportunity presented itself with a fantastic role. I would
definitely take advantage of it.
As an actor where do you see yourself in the near future?
Gustavo: Right now I see myself finishing Conversations in L.A. Season 2 and
going onto Season 3. I am focusing on the craft everyday and
trusting everything else will work itself out.
Any upcoming projects you're working on that you would love fans to know about?
Gustavo: Currently I am putting my attention on Season 2. Intense rehearsal
schedules, multiple scripts and finding the truth in each episode are
my priorities. Season 2 will definitely be filled with surprises!!!
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