Name: Jean Carlo Carreras
Age: 19
Graduation Year: May 2015
Major: Audiovisual Communication
Job: Host TV Jangeo, Wapa TV
When did you start auditioning for film and television?
When I was in 7th grade. My first audition was for the movie Barricada, here, at the UPR. For the second one, Party Time, I was in 8th grade; I heard about that one on the radio, they were looking for people who could sing and dance…but yeah, since I’m a kid.
What do you like the most about acting?
I think that the fact that you’re becoming another person, and leaving yourself behind! There’s nothing more fun than turning into someone else and being able to do or say things that you normally wouldn’t.
In which media field do you like working the most, film or TV?
They’re both so alike, but so different at the same time. On TV, in my case, I’m being yourself. On the flip side, being on a movie, obviously, I’d be playing a character. I’d choose them both because I really enjoy working on TV and in film productions.
What’s an example of something that the public wouldn’t necessarily know about working in this industry?
That it is actual work. I think when you tell people that you work on TV or film they might think “you don’t do anything” or “you’re just a pretty face that stands in front of the camera and wears this or that”, but no; it’s certainly a job, a responsibility, especially on TV, where I’m working right now. I have to do my research, write, check the news, and, obviously, when I’m in front of the camera, I have the responsibility of what I can say or do. Contrary to what people might think, like, that’s like a summer camp or something that’s done just for fun, it is actual work.
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Which role have you enjoyed playing the most?
I would say that it was the first one I ever played, José, in Barricada. That one was the most fun.
Describe a normal day in the shooting of Jangueo TV.
That’s actually the fun part of the job. In Jangueo we’re all young and we all get along really well! When we’re shooting the show, it doesn’t feel like work because when we’re on and off cameras, we’re goofing off, talking, making plans to hang out. For me, it’s just the regular environment- friends talking. Very chill.
Besides acting, what other hobbies do you have?
I really like music, I play guitar and the piano. I see music as a compliment to the arts, especially if you’re studying drama or already acting. I think music helps you get in touch with your feelings; that helps a lot when you’re acting!
What do you see yourself doing in the future with your major?
I see myself still working on TV. Working not so much as the talent, but as a producer, producing a show or maybe even films. I would also like to be the director.
Any advice for young people who want to work in this industry…
My recommendation would be for them to launch their careers in the business from a very young age. I remember that by the time that I was in third grade, I’d already been on a stage. In this industry, you have to always be willing to put yourself out there and have the most experience possible. Try and never give up! It might not work out the first time; for me, it didn’t work out the first one nor the second or the third one, but I always tried until I finally got it right.
Jangueo TV airs Monday-Friday at 11:30pm on WAPA TV.Â