JC Interview Exclusive
(Celebrity Interview with Filmmaker/Actor)
(February 2010 Edition)
Juan Riedinger

Young Filmmaker/Actor Juan Riedinger is making a big splash in the Entertainment Industry. The talented Filmmaker/Actor has been performing in some of Hollywood's hottest Indie films and clearly shows that he is on a right path to greatness. In this exclusive interview with our Webzine, Riedinger expounds on his career, his love for acting, and what he hopes to achieve in the next few years. Enjoy!

Isaac: Mr. Riedinger, thanks for taking the time to complete an interview with our Webzine. We have been watching you in several projects and wanted to make sure that we could interview you when the opportunity came up. What originally drew you to want to pursue a career in film, stage, and television?

Juan: My pleasure. I actually discovered acting by accident. I was in my third year of study at the University of Calgary studying Biology and English. I had to take some electives to fulfill my degrees, so I signed up for a theatre class for fun. This was my first exposure to acting, and I fell in love with it instantly. I enrolled in as many theatre-based courses I could before graduating. The more I got involved with acting, the more seriously I took it. Somewhere along the way, it changed from a hobby to a career, and I haven't looked back since.

Isaac: You have starred in some great stage plays in your career so far. Elaborate on what draws you to want to perform in front of a live audience.

Juan: I have a tremendous appreciation for live theatre. Being a cast member or an audience member are both exhilarating. Performing in front of a live audience offers the immediate feedback from an audience which can really propel a performance. It's raw, and it's unforgiving, and in many ways, it's acting in its purest form.

Isaac: You were recently seen playing in a supporting role in the horror-comedy, Jennifer's Body. You worked alongside Megan Fox (Transformers & Transformers II), Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia and Mean Girls) and Adam Brody (The O.C). What attracted you to this movie and how did you enjoy working alongside Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried?

Juan: Getting to act with an Oscar-winning writer's script is not something an actor get to often do, so that in itself was a great privilege. In the film, I played the bassist of Low Shoulder - the emo rock band that sacrifices Megan Fox's character in a satanic ritual. We got to play our instruments in actual band practices, so I got to learn the basics of playing the bass, which was also an amazing experience. Everyone on that set was a pleasure to work with. Megan was much more down-to-earth than portrayed in the media, and Amanda was a consummate professional and SUPER talented. Adam Brody was a class act all around too. It was one of my best acting experiences to date.

Isaac: I read in your bio online that on April of 2008 you made your directorial debut in a short film entitled "Shark Out of Water". What can you tell us about this movie and what was your experience being director for the first time?


Juan Riedinger
Photo by Rob Gilbert

Juan: It's a short film that deals with two young men addicted to the game of poker and shows how the game affects their personal lives and relationships. I wrote and directed the film, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I'm very proud of it and grateful for all the talented people that came together to make it happen. A DVD of the film with Special Features in now available exclusively from our website: www.sharkoutofwater.com and we've been selling it all over the world! I've since directed seven short films, and I intend to direct a feature-length film in the near future. Initially, I wanted to direct mainly to keep busy between acting jobs, but I've enjoyed the process so much, it's something I want to continue to do in addition to acting for the rest of my life.

Isaac: "Shark Out of Water" received several LEO Award nominations including you being named Best Director in a Short Drama. What did this mean to you as a first time director receiving this nomination?

Juan: It was a mix of surprise, excitement, and honor. It's so rewarding to be acknowledged for your work as an artist, and I appreciate everyone who made that happen. It really gave me confidence in my abilities as a director, and I'm eternally grateful for that too.

Isaac: You received your BA in English, a BS in Biology and a minor in Drama. How did working towards your education help you professionally in your opinion? What were some immediate benefits you witnessed after completing your education?

Juan: I found that the most important thing I got from my university education was not the actual materials learned, but moreso the life experiences. It taught me lessons in personal time management, working in individual and group scenarios, confidence, speaking publicly, and exchanging ideas with people of all ages and backgrounds. As an actor and filmmaker, I think life experience is your most valuable tool. It's also handy to actually know what I'm talking about when I play a scientist or lab tech .

Isaac: You speak both Spanish and German fluently. Would ever consider doing a film that is total in Spanish or German? What made you want to learn these languages?

Juan: I'm blessed with having a Peruvian mom and a German dad, so I really had no choice but to learn Spanish and German. I would love the opportunity to do a role in another language and have actually done so for some smaller roles.

Isaac: How important is it for you to give back to your community and why?

Juan: I have been so fortunate in my life, and I'd love to be able to give something back to those less fortunate. I'm a firm believer of "what goes around comes around."

Isaac: What is the biggest joy about being an actor?

Juan: I once heard that an actor gets to live 1000 lives. I love diving head-first into every character I get to play, and I think every time I do, I learn more about myself and grow in the process.

Isaac: What would you consider to be the ultimate role for you as an actor to play?

Juan: I'm not a huge fan of biopics, but I've always had this thing about getting to play Che Guevara one day. I find his story so fascinating, and since I probably won't ever be a revolutionary myself, I'd love the opportunity to at least play one. Doing a western would be pretty cool too .

Isaac: Which format do you prefer to perform in stage, film, or television? And why?

Juan: As mentioned, I have a tremendous love for the theatre, but at this point in my career, my heart lies in film. Film is immortal, and to be a part of something immortal is quite a romantic notion.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one director (minus yourself... (smiles)), who would it be and why?

Juan: There are so many, but some of my favorite films are anything by Scorcese. I would love the opportunity to work with him one day.

Isaac: Where can fan connect with you online?

Juan: I can be reached through my website: www.juanriedinger.com. I try to check in on that as much as possible.

Isaac: What are some up and coming projects that you are working on currently?

Juan: I just appeared in an episode called Sam, Interrupted in the show Supernatural, and throughout this month, I'll be acting in a film called Two Frogs in the West, shooting in Whistler. I also just booked a lead role in a horror film called Cold Spots. Directing-wise, I'm in post production on two short films I directed called The Sin and Joe's Gotta Go. As mentioned, I also plan to tackle a feature in the near future.

Isaac: In ten years, you will…

Juan: Oh man…I was never good at these. I hate predicting the future. All I can hope for is that I have a happy and healthy family of my own and that I'll still have the same passion and dedication for whatever it is I'm doing as I do now.

Isaac: Final words from Juan Riedinger...

Juan: Thank you for your time, and thanks to everyone who continues to support me along this crazy journey…

Juan Riedinger's Official Website:

www.juanriedinger.com