Rising Stars: Meet Zan Aspero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zan Aspero.

Zan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I am in the Television-movie industry. I have been in it for over 10 years. Although I started later in life, my interest sparked at a young age. I went to see E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. I was taken by the images and message it was sending to me then. It was that of creativity, imagination, self-belief. Then, in 1996, I went to see Independence Day. I’ll never forget it because one of my close friends and I went and ended up in the first row. Then, the seats had no headrest, so you had to slouch down or hold your head a little higher. Anyway, when I saw Independence Day, I was blown away by the acting, sound effects, and cinematography, and Roland Emmerich is just an amazing, innovative director. So, I decided then that this industry is what I wanted to pursue. Come the 21st Century, around 2004 and I was still urging to go, just that I’m from a small town USA. So how? The where, I knew. Los Angeles. Mind you, as the 2000s continued, I had odd jobs and a small income. Saved what I could, although hard. Come 2012, I get very ill, I though it was over. No going forward, no going on. So, I had a dream that it was Pope Benedict XVI, and it reminded me of more time to go and do and chapters to write. So when I woke up, I thought, “That’s it. No more putting off. Go for it, no-holds-barred.” So, in 2013, I started in New York City. I did numerous background work on Law & Order: SVU, some that were canceled, like Mysteries of Laura and Carrie Diaries. My 1st ever was September 6, 2013, The Following, starring Kevin Bacon. So, I go to set, early call time around 6:30 am, We’re there 2 hours, finally go to set. The PA sounded like captain of the ship. “Can’t make sounds, can’t move around, and must not go on cellphones. If checking cellphones, you will be sent home.” It felt like a stinger at the time. The same person, I think, was booted from the show a little while after that. Funny enough though, by Spring 2014 it became commonplace while waiting to start filming to go on your iPhone or droids, no one cared. I worked on movies as well, 2 were Bridge Of Spies directed by Steven Spielberg, and Gold with Matthew McConaughey. 

I worked enough, met one of the options to join SAG-AFTRA. The route I took was 3 Union vouchers. So, in October 2015, I took the big step and joined. I started out doing my 1st film as a member of SAG-AFTRA was in November 2016, CHUCK, Wizard of Lies, 2017, John Wick 3, 2019, The Report, 2020 were among major ones. A small short in 2018 A Filmmaker And His Dreams. This one was especially fun because it was where I brought my true talent out. One of my best talents is blending into various parts of American accents from southern, midwestern, Texas, New York, and New England, as well as some foreign accents. 

I started going to and from Los Angeles in 2018 and 2019. Since the early 2020s, and we were struck by the pandemic, it has been a little tough, but I just keep going and keep coming back to the plate. In 2023 I decided to go bicoastal. In 2024 I am starting to make my mark in Los Angeles and will be permanently soon even though I am still seeking representation. 

All of this comes down to 3 things: perseverance, determination, dedication. Perseverance, especially because it is a battle with the mind going through doubt and rejection, but remain strong and use the rejection as motivation. You need to also use visualization as a way to fight doubt. Like working out at a gym. In your late 40s, you see benching 2 45’s and 2 10’s together as impossible. Once you visualize it, think positive, seeing yourself able to lift that, you can. Even if it’s as little as 1 or 2 times, you know you can, and you build on that. 

I don’t care how fast time goes or how long it takes. Everyone is on a different path, different ways to get there and along the way to enjoy the journey. I never will give this up because, in the end, when you’re asked, “What did YOU do?” I’ll know I did what I love. Spent time with family, close friends, and soulmates sharing experiences. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I have learned that rarely is your passion a smooth road. I hit a number of twists and turns and roadblocks along the way. Some by my own thoughts and feelings, but mostly from outside sources. I came from a family that believes that you need to follow the book. You need college, maybe grad school, get a 9-5 job. As we all know, that has become old school with today’s technology. Struggles I went through were those of “am I getting too old?”, “is it too late to start acting?” “I don’t know. Should I keep going?” All of this mostly because other people would say “it’s so hard, you picked the toughest career” “put it aside”. I also struggled with the fact I don’t drive. I came to realize with that as long as I have transportation to get to and from studio set or set location, all is good. All of this helped me realize and remind myself is it pleasing and making me feel fulfilled or pleasing the other person or people. You can only be a people pleaser to a certain degree, like when young and growing up you want to please your parents, but when you hit that climax, and for some its early in life, others and in my case later, you’ve got to take the road less traveled. Like in Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Less Traveled, the last few lines say, “Somewhere, ages, ages – hence. Two roads diverged in a wood. And I-I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” All I want is to be an example and make my mark. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been in the acting/creative arts industry for 10 years. In that time I have had experience in the production side. That’s actually what I concentrated on in college in the late 1990s because I was afraid of being in front of the camera. As the 2000s progressed, my interest and desire to be in front of the camera started, and in the 2010s, I just decided that I’ve gotta do it. So, anyway, today my focus is drama, romcom work as well as beginning to film documentaries. I also do digital photography on the side as well as video editing. I’m most proud of the fact that although my road has been one of twists and turns, I’m sticking to this path because I feel like it’s not a career; it’s a passion. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s not work. 

Something that sets me apart from others is being able to still come back to, and keep stepping up to the plate. So many other people who have tried this industry, quit after a short period of time, but when its truly deep inside of you into your core, you’ve just gotta keep at it. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
A couple of lessons. During the crisis, the industry was halted. So, I got another job. I was in rhythm with it, nice flow, nice place to work. It was paying bills, able to do better. Until December of 2021 when I was hit with a message to self, “Wait, no, you still are in the creative arts, don’t lose it! This is what you’ve wanted.” so all the while, I was working towards get back into this industry, thankfully did not allow myself to leave. The other lesson was knowing who to listen to and who to follow. By this, I mean I have had those that say, “It’s the hardest industry . . it’s impossible to get through,” or “You picked the toughest route; it’s a waste.” These were family and a couple of friends. Then, those that were always encouraging. “Go for it. You only live once.”, “make it happen”. These were from long-time friends who were like brothers to me. We are always at a battle with our minds and need those pushes. 

Pricing:

• Video editing – $150
• Photography – $75+ packages
• Short Film role – based on negotiation
• Web series/TV series – $300/day or negotiable
• Film – open for negotiation

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @zanactorla2026
• Youtube: Zan Aspero
• Other: TikTok: Zan A.

Image Credits
Apex Studios