Conversations with Anthony Sayo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Sayo.

Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was a big fan of wrestling entertainment when I was a kid. I remember I was so drawn to these wrestling storylines where there are big mighty men who play as heroes banishing equally powerful adversaries. I was so inspired by these stories that even at a young age, there is something in me that tells me that I also wanna belong in a storytelling world. I want to be a part of something that will move audiences, make them feel happy, or make them feel inspired. And as I was growing up, I got even more inspired by this “storytelling” and these larger than life characters through films, and at a certain point in my life, when I was a teenager, it became apparent to me that acting in movies is the path that I want to pursue.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was born and raised in the Philippines. Hollywood is too far from me, obviously, so every step along the journey is tough. I never stopped believing in my dream, and if you never stop believing, magic will do happen. Along the journey, I met so many wonderful people, as well as doubters and non-believers of course, but the key thing is I always held on to the people who believed. I am a big fan of Celine Dion, and she has this song “Power of the Dream”, which she sang for the Olympics. I would listen to this song so often and imagine myself making movies in Hollywood. I was a college student at that point in time and was studying Political Science at the University of the Philippines, but in my heart, I know that Hollywood is where I want to go. I don’t know how exactly how I would go there, but I know that’s where I wanna go. It’s a very long story, but one thing I want to point out is it involved meeting a lot of people who helped me along the way. To cut the long story short, through the power of the dream and through people who believed and put their faith in me, I was able to go to Los Angeles to pursue acting. When I got to Los Angeles as an actor, every step is of course still full of challenges. However, as I get more and more involved in the film industry, experiencing the highs and lows of the life of an actor, I can say more confidently that this industry is where I belong. The journey and the process give me a sense of fulfillment. Los Angeles is my natural habitat.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. Can you tell us more about your most recent projects?
Recently, I worked on a film called Kaiketsu (directed by Joseph Kusic). I portrayed the role of a Master Samurai teaching an apprentice about the Samurai’s code of peace and honor. It has an East meets West concept, as our main antagonist is a cowboy. There is a really cool scene in the film where we have a showdown between a samurai and a cowboy. This project is close to my heart as playing a samurai has always been one of my dream roles.

I also worked on an experimental film, a thriller, where I play the protagonist. The film starts with me being held captive by a Masked Demon. It has a very unique story and concept, and basically, as the story unfolds, you will wanna know what the demon’s wicked game is, and if I will be able to escape it. The film is called The Withered Ghoul’s Ceremony (directed by Xavier Terhorst), and I’m proud to say that our film has recently won Best Thriller in the recently concluded Hollywood Blood Film Festival. I am also honoured and thankful to receive the Best Actor award.

Some of my projects that are slated for release this last quarter of the year are Stalemate (sci-fi thriller directed by Dylan Rusniak), Tears at the Edge of the World (romantic drama directed by Kevin Seo), and Mantis Club (horror comedy directed by Yalian Li).

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up with an older brother and he was a very big influence on me. Basically, all of the things that he is into, I got into. He brought me to the world of movies. He is a big fan of fantasy films, and I can remember all those fantasy films that I learned to love as a kid because of him. Star Wars, Willow, The Prince’s Bride, Highlander, Howard the Duck… I remember in the Philippines, we have this Sunday Night Movie Blockbuster on TV (which happens obviously every Sunday night), and my older brother and my grandma would always stay late to watch a Hollywood Blockbuster on a local TV channel. The following day is a Monday, and I remember how damn hard it was for me to wake up for school the next day!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anthonysayo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonysayo/

Image Credits:
Leta G Taylor. Anthony Anastasi. Spencer Selover. Lina Kraftsoff. High Desert Productions. Terhorst Productions.