JOHN PAUL MEDRANO, An Evolving Actor in Hollywood

GETTING TO KNOW ACTOR
John Paul Medrano 

Noon in Los Angeles, Calif. and a cup of coffee in hand, I found myself ready to interview a well prepared actor who is making his way in Hollywood. On the other end of the line was a kind individual who was honest about who he is and where he’s headed. We began by getting to know the actor and individual that is John Paul Medrano. 

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​From Tijuana, Mexico John Paul shared “ever since I was a little kid I wanted to be an actor.” While he describes acting as his passion, he also understands “even though it’s a passion, it’s also work” and he is ready to continue working and enjoy the process of evolving as an actor. Medrano obtained his MA in acting from New York Film Academy and 

​his resume continues to evolve with roles in the short Mira Protocol, which is currently a film festival contender and the upcoming horror short film Las Vampirass (in English: The Female Vampires). We asked about the spelling in Las Vampirass and the reason behind the double s. While John confessed it’s in fact a mystery to him, he pointed out it may have to do with “making it more sensual”. Sensual why? The short revolves around women who may be peers, lovers or friends and have one thing in common: survival that relies exclusively on human blood. John’s role? Victim number one. A character he found challenging. “I was a little nervous at the audition because there was a lot of people who looked more sleazy and menacing than I did. I was actually surprised that they actually picked me.” His approach? “I was just trying to be more cynical.” The short is available for preview below.

​​Another role where Medrano plays an adversary is in MIRA Protocol. ‘A political piece about freedom in a very complex world.’ He describes it as a “post-apocalyptic thing where the government is controlled by the cartel and there’s a very totalitarian community.” He stars as one of the enforcers.

​Not purposely leaning toward a specific 

Photo: Supersonix Media, Inc.

genre, John says, “Over the course of my career, when I started, I’ve done a lot of dark humor, crime, narcos and all that.” He talked about his most recent work in a PSA where he plays “a racist TSA agent trying to interrogate a Latino who is in custody.” Coming from a hispanic background, the story resonates but in a different way. He explained, “I kinda get the idea of how the character is because I’ve been crossing the border a lot of times… and I’ve seen a lot of cruel people and entitled people who will even threaten to rip apart your passport if you piss them off.” He also told us about the director of the PSA, whose lived through similar experiences. “He’s Mexican-Lebanese and he's told me a lot of experiences every time he comes to the airport because [of] his last name… He always goes to second revision and he’s right there when all the TSA agents mistreat the immigrants.” 

John Paul Medrano has projects coming next year and continues to expand his resume and career as an artist. More of him can be found on his IMDb profile here. Meanwhile, enjoy the short film, Las Vampirass.

Photo: Supersonix Media, Inc.

FUN WITH THE ARTIST

A genie gives you one wish, what would it be? 
To be in good health. 

Two options to star in a role, period piece or musical?
Musical would be fun, but I don't think I have the voice. Period piece would be more interesting. 

Something personal about John Paul?
I’m a pretty okay guy. Everyone has their insecurities, but I just try to do what I can and the best I can. 

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by Jessica G. Ferrer