The stars of Onlinecasting: Meet Samir Guemriche

This is Samir Guemriche. Does he look familiar? You've probably seen him in commercials for Starbucks, Huawei, Dunkin Donuts and Oral-B and much more. Read his story here.

Where have we seen you before?

I've had the pleasure of working on a variety of projects in my career as a commercial actor. You may have seen me in commercials for Starbucks, Huawei, Dunkin Donuts, Oral-B.... and more. where I've had the opportunity to showcase my acting skills and connect with audiences. Additionally, I've appeared in music videos for artists such as Alisa Dronova, a Russian singer where I played three different characters to bring their creative visions to life.

On the television front, I've appeared in popular Singaporean TV Series like "Shero, Kahwin Satu Keluarga, Moment, Do, Do I". My journey as an actor has been incredibly diverse, allowing me to explore different genres and formats.

How did you first become interested in acting, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

Growing up, I was always captivated by the magic of storytelling and the ability of actors to transport audiences to different worlds and emotions. What truly inspired me to pursue acting as a career was the profound impact it had on people's lives. I realized that through storytelling and acting, I could not only entertain but also inspire, provoke thought, and evoke deep emotions in people.

The power of storytelling to connect with others on a profound level became my driving force.

In 2018 I started my career by participating in my first film festival as an actor and since then, I've been fortunate to work with incredible directors, fellow actors, and creative teams who have further fueled my passion for acting and reinforced my commitment to this career.

Could you share a memorable experience from your early days in acting that had a significant impact on your career?

My first set experience was such a rollercoaster ride. I was cast as the lead, and I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as we embarked on this new project. On our first night of filming, the tension among the producers and crew was crazy. We had rented an Olympic pool as one of our primary shooting locations, and as the night wore on, we ended up going significantly overtime.

I can vividly recall the producers and crew members yelling at each other due to the mounting pressure and stress. It was a challenging environment to perform in because, as the lead cast, I felt the weight of everyone's expectations on my shoulders. I was surrounded by a bustling crew, cameras, and lights. My initial performance was, to put it bluntly, far from my best.

The combination of nervousness and the chaotic set took a toll on my acting.

However, I knew that this was part of the learning curve for an actor in the film industry. After we finished filming and began the editing process, we received the devastating news that our cinematographer had lost half of what we had recorded. It felt like a gut-punch to the entire team. We were faced with the daunting task of reshooting a significant portion of the film, which meant more time, effort, and resources.

This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the unpredictable nature of the film industry. It reminded me that setbacks are an inherent part of the creative process and that success often requires overcoming adversity. In the end, we managed to reshoot the lost footage, and the film eventually made its way to the festival circuit. While it was a messy start, the journey taught me the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and the satisfaction of seeing a project through to its completion, no matter the hurdles along the way.

What kind of preparation and research do you typically undertake when preparing for a new role?

Preparing for a new role is a crucial part of my acting process, and I approach it with dedication and enthusiasm. Each role is unique, and my preparation varies depending on the character and project. However, my preparation and research process is a holistic approach that combines script analysis, research, emotional exploration, and physical work. It's about creating a fully realized and authentic character that can connect with the audience and contribute to the storytelling process.

How do you approach balancing the demands of embodying a character while still bringing your unique style and personality to your performances?

Balancing the demands of embodying a character while infusing my unique style and personality into my performances is a delicate but essential aspect of my acting process. Here's how I approach it:

Character Study: Initially, I immerse myself in understanding the character I'm portraying. This involves reading the script thoroughly, analyzing the character's background, motivations, and relationships with others in the story. I try to grasp the character's psychology, quirks, and nuances.

Research and Preparation: If the character is based on real-life individuals or historical figures, I conduct research to ensure authenticity. For fictional characters, I create a backstory that helps me relate to their experiences.

Acting Techniques: I draw upon various acting techniques, such as Stanislavski's method, Meisner technique, or others that suit the role. These techniques help me tap into the character's emotions and motivations while still allowing room for my interpretation.

Exploration: Once I've established a solid foundation for the character, I start to explore how I can infuse elements of my own personality into the role. This might involve finding common ground with the character, identifying shared experiences, or connecting on an emotional level.

Collaboration: Collaboration with directors, fellow actors, and the creative team is crucial. They often provide valuable insights and feedback, helping me strike the right balance between staying true to the character and bringing my unique style to the role.

Rehearsal and Experimentation: During rehearsals, I experiment with different approaches to the character. This allows me to test the boundaries of the character's persona while still maintaining consistency with the script and director's vision.

Trust in the Process: It's important to trust the process and let go of preconceived notions. Sometimes, the character may evolve in unexpected ways, and that can lead to more authentic and unique performances.

Self-Reflection: I continuously reflect on my performances and seek feedback from trusted colleagues. This helps me refine my approach and find new ways to balance the character's demands with my personal style.

Maintaining Authenticity: Ultimately, my goal is to be authentic in my portrayal.

While I may incorporate elements of my own style, it's essential to ensure that these additions enhance the character rather than detract from it.

By following these steps and maintaining a deep commitment to the character, I aim to strike a balance that allows me to bring a fresh and authentic perspective to each role I undertake.

Can you describe a particularly challenging role you've played and the steps you took to fully immerse yourself in that character?

The most challenging role I've ever taken was playing an outlaw man in the run from the authorities this project involved a physical transformation, real prison filming, and a boat chase scene that added an extra layer of authenticity and challenge to the experience what forced me to constantly stay in character, even when the cameras weren't rolling, in order to maintain the integrity of the performance and respect the gravity of the setting.

Overall, this challenging role pushed me to my limits both physically and mentally. it demanded a level of dedication and preparation that was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was an intense journey, but it allowed me to deliver a performance that I'm truly proud of and one that I hope resonated with the audience.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors who are just starting their journey in the industry?

Be prepared for rejection. Audition as often as possible and view each audition as an acting exercise. The more you audition, the more you'll develop confidence and improve your skills. Build relationships within the industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and networking functions. Your connections can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable insights. Acting is a competitive field, and success often requires perseverance. Stay committed to your craft and continue auditioning, even in the face of rejection and remember that rejections are part of the process. Instead of dwelling on it, use it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Your physical and mental well-being are crucial. Stay healthy, get enough rest, and manage stress to perform at your best.

Finally, every actor's journey is unique, and success may take time. Stay committed to your goals, and with persistence, dedication, and continuous growth, you can make your mark in the industry.

How do you handle rejection and setbacks in a highly competitive field like acting? Do you have any strategies for maintaining motivation?

When faced with rejection, I remind myself that rejections often come down to a matter of fit rather than personal value. Practicing self-compassion is key in this regard. Constructive feedback, whether positive or not, is viewed as an opportunity for growth. I embrace criticism as a chance to refine my skills and become a better actor. Throughout the journey, I celebrate even the smallest wins – landing a role, receiving positive feedback, or mastering a particularly challenging scene. These victories serve as reminders of progress and fuel my motivation. Setting both short-term and long-term goals helps me stay focused and motivated, even when faced with adversity. These goals serve as guiding lights, giving me direction and purpose. And to keep the passion alive, I continuously immerse myself in the world of acting. watch movies, read and write scripts, and engage with storytelling in various forms. Staying inspired is essential to maintaining motivation.

Ultimately, I reflect on why I chose acting as a career. Reconnecting with my passion and purpose rekindles my motivation. It's a reminder that the journey, with all its highs and lows, is a pursuit worth embracing and cherishing.

Can you share a behind-the-scenes story or a funny incident that occurred while working on a film or theater production?

During the filming of a TV Commercial I had a humorous and unforgettable behind-the-scenes moment involving one of the actors who just couldn't resist the temptation of those delicious treats.

In between takes, as we enjoyed the donuts on set, one of our fellow actors, he became absolutely smitten with the donuts. He was playing the role of the friend who was the most enthusiastic about munching on Donuts, and he took his character's commitment to another level.

When the director called "cut" after a particular take, he simply couldn't stop himself from reaching for another donut. It didn't matter that the scene was over; he kept devouring donuts with an unrelenting passion. The crew and cast couldn't help but chuckle at his dedication to the role and his love for the donuts. In fact, his continuous donut consumption started to become a running joke on set. The director would call "cut," and he would respond with a mouthful of donut, making everyone laugh. It added an extra layer of comedy and authenticity to his character.

Even though it may have caused a few extra takes due to his donut-filled mouth, his commitment to the role and his insatiable appetite created a fun and memorable atmosphere on set. It's a story we still share and laugh about, reminding us that sometimes the most enjoyable moments behind the scenes are the ones that are completely unscripted.

As an actor, how do you maintain a work-life balance, especially when juggling multiple projects?

As an actor, my life was often a whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, and filming schedules. The rush of the industry was exhilarating, but it could also be overwhelming. Balancing my work with a personal life was like walking a tightrope, and I had to learn the art of finding equilibrium in the chaos.

One of the key lessons I discovered early on was the importance of self-care. My acting career demanded my best, so I made sure to prioritize my well-being. I established a daily routine that included exercise, family and a balanced diet.

These habits kept me physically and mentally fit, enabling me to tackle the demanding roles I encountered.

Time management was another skill I honed. I embraced calendars and to-do lists with unwavering dedication. Every audition, rehearsal, or filming day had its designated time slot, ensuring I never overextended myself. I knew that overcommitting could lead to exhaustion and compromise the quality of my work.

Saying no became a vital part of my vocabulary. It wasn't always easy, as I was naturally inclined to take on every opportunity that came my way. However, I quickly realized that quality trumped quantity. By carefully selecting projects that resonated with me and aligned with my goals, I maintained my enthusiasm and creativity.

Boundaries were crucial, both in my professional and personal life. I learned to communicate my needs clearly to directors and producers, and they usually respected my limits. If a project seemed overwhelming or clashed with another commitment, I wasn't afraid to speak up and negotiate for a more manageable schedule.

The essence of work-life balance lies in the quality of my downtime. I treasured moments spent with family and invested in hobbies that nourished my soul. I make sure to disconnect from work and recharge.

Every actor's journey is unique, but these strategies helped me maintain a semblance of balance in my life. I continued to learn and grow in my craft, but I also recognized the value of personal growth outside of acting. Work-life balance was an ever-evolving dance, one that I was determined to master. It was a pursuit of passion, a commitment to self, and an art that I would carry with me throughout my acting career.

How has the industry evolved during your career, and how do you adapt to changes in the acting landscape, such as advancements in technology and shifts in storytelling trends?

I've witnessed transformative changes, from advancements in technology to shifts in storytelling trends. Adapting to these changes has been a fundamental part of my career. and actors must evolve with it and embrace the change. It's an exciting and challenging journey that keeps the craft of acting dynamic and vibrant.

Thank you so much, Sam, for sharing your story with us. We really appreciate that.

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