Michael Saquella has been in the entertainment industry for as long as he can remember. By the age of 18, Michael had found his passion and hasn't stopped yet, as his new film, Dream Round, is coming out November 10th.
Michael Saquella is an accomplished actor, writer, director, and producer. Some of his most well-known projects are Ambush at Peck Canyon, News Traveler, and Lady Blues, to name a few. He also starred in the crime drama El Coyote alongside Robert Costanzo and John Capodice, and was seen in the comedy Forget About It opposite Hollywood legends Burt Reynolds, Charles Durning, and Raquel Welch.
Most recently, Saquella wrote and directed the upcoming indie film Carolina’s Calling, which he also stars alongside Antonio Sabato Jr, and Dream Round, both out in the next few months. We caught up with the actor and director ahead of his role in the upcoming movie Dream Round, set to release on November 10th on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. View the trailer here.
You have an incredible film career thus far and show no signs of slowing down! What got you into acting, and what was your very first gig?
"The story of how I got into entertainment started when I was younger. I was riding my unicycle home from a baseball game because I played ball, and the drama coach saw me and said, we need you for the high school play. Then I saw a cute girl, and she asked me to please come to the theater and give it a try. I could not say no, now. When the curtains went up, I was in love with acting. Besides the high school plays, my first gig, I was a stunt man in a western show in Arizona. Then I got a role in a Western: “Frank Coles in Town.”"
What has it been like spending your life in the entertainment/film industry?
"I would not trade it for any other job out there. The best, challenging, fun, exciting, going everywhere meeting great people and never doing the same thing every day."
Your new film Dream Round, about a man who has struggled after the death of his wife and children, finds solace on the golf course, is coming out November 10 on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. After watching the trailer, we are SO excited to see it! What was your favorite part about being a part of this film? Do you relate to your character on any level?
"The emotions I experienced when shooting the scenes with the 10-year-old girl Sarah was so real and inspiring. Also, the golf scenes were fantastic; to be acting and driving golf balls. I relate to the father part about having to build a relationship with the 10-year-old neighbor and the golfer in me wanting to be a pro golfer and the competition."
In the movie, you play a golfer. Have you always been a golfer in reality, or did you have to pick up a few lessons before filming?
"I have been a golfer since I have finished high school. I was good at golf. In my mind, I thought I was great. So yes, I had it in me and needed no lessons."
Not only are you an actor, but also a writer and director. How is it different on a set when you’re involved in more aspects than just acting? Do you ever feel extra pressure since it is your creation you’re bringing to life?
"It is quite different. There is way too much pressure. It is difficult to act when a half dozen crew members approach you all day, asking questions. It is easy to lose your train of thought, and at times your acting performance can suffer."
You also starred in the hit comedy Forget About It opposite Hollywood legends Burt Reynolds, Charles Durning, and Raquel Welch. What’s it like to be on set with such talented acting veterans?
"For me, it was a great experience. One would have thought I would have been intimidated or nervous. The experience was incredible to work with the icons. I learned so much, including acting tips and how the real big-timers do it."
In addition to being seen in films, I’m sure you’re a big fan of movies themselves. Other than your own, do you have a favorite movie and actor/actress right now?
"My favorite movies are "August Rush" and the "Count of Monte Cristo." My favorite actors are Daniel Craig and Anna Ferris."
You have another film coming out later this year, an indie film called Carolina’s Calling, which you wrote, directed, and starred in! Can you give our readers some exclusive insight into this movie, and where they can find it once it’s out?
"Here is a brief synopsis: Engineers Martin and Tom are in the final stages of developing an infinite source of power that will revolutionize the world. A premature test run causes an explosion so forceful that it demolishes the lab and simultaneously sends a blast into space, striking an unsuspecting alien ship. The ship plummets from the sky and lands in a remote area of South Carolina. The alien uses his telepathic powers to summon Martin, hoping to receive the help he so desperately needs to get back home. It will be out in theaters next February 2021. The film stars Antonio Sabato Jr., Stacy Dash, Jacob Hopkins, and myself."
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