Interview with Mark Pellegrino

Mark Pellegrino is starring in SyFy’s newest show “Being Human” which premieres January 17th. Mark is known for his roles in ABC’s “Lost” and “The Big Lebowski”. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Mark about his role in the new show and looking back on his other roles

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about working on the TV series “Being Human”?
Mark Pellegrino: It is a remaking of the BBC show. However we are only using the original as a template. We had decided we really wanted to venture out on our own and try to make the story ours. The story is based on a ghost, vampire and werewolf living together, all while trying to help each other with various character flaws and situations. I figure into this story in that I am the one who made the vampire character a vampire. He is trying his hardest to get away from my character and live more of a human life. I play I guess what you would call the temptress. The cast was really great to work with.

MG: Where you familiar with the BBC series “Being Human”?
MP: I wasn’t really familiar with the series until I got the part. I was able to watch one episode and thought it was very good. I didn’t want to watch very much because I didn’t want to come up with any ideas that maybe I shouldn’t have. I have been very tempted to go back and watch more but I wanted to stay locked in on our version.

MG: How do you feel the series differs from the BBC series?
MP: The main templates of the characters are directly from the BBC version but after that the characters go in the new original direction. I know my character in the BBC version has very different things going on than in our “Being Human.”

MG: How was it being a part of the “Lost” universe?
MP: For me I have moved onto the next project but I think “Lost” is one of those things that never leaves you. That show was really special and it transcended a lot of stereotypes in television and became a force in itself. I think it’s great that people continue to love and show their appreciation for the show. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.

MG: Can you reflect on working on such a cult film like “The Big Lebowski”?
MP: The cast was really amazing. I think that movie is one of the few that seems to just get better with age.  I really can’t think of too many other films that each time you watch it you get something different out of it.

MG: Tell us about working on the film “Capote”, which you had a great performance?
MP: The experience of that filming was so great.  Having the chance to pick such great actors brains like Phil Seymour Hoffman was unbelievable. It was really like a school of acting for me working on that film. I played the third wheel on that project and was the character that was always trying to get my voice heard. As an actor it was a phenomenal experience.  I am glad it translated well and I could be a part of it.

MG: Do you have a favorite project?
MP: I could probably pick five projects that are really great but all for different reasons. “Lost” is a favorite as well as “Being Human” which was another great project but, it’s hard for me to say. I think I am still looking for that one project that I have to really give 100%. All of my roles have been great though.

MG: Do you prefer working on movies or television?
MP: The thing that’s great about movies, especially if you have a large budget, is that you can take your time and shoot a lot of film to ensure you get those moments. TV and independent films you often are shooting at a faster pace or what you can shoot is limited by the budget and things can get missed. The general public might not notice something small caused by that rushing pace but as an actor you instantly recognize that maybe you could have been better with more time. One bad thing though about working on those big movies is that it can take a lot of time. Sometimes you end up just waiting for hours until they are ready for you. It just really depends on the day that you ask me as to what I like more. There are pros and cons to each.

MG: What can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
MP: I have been writing my own script and have a few offers out there for it but with all the holiday stuff going on I have been laying kind of low. I think once everything slows down I will poke my head out and see what going on.