Sachem North alum Nick Iannello has been making people laugh for years.
Whether it was solidifying his funny man persona by being selected Court Jester of his senior class in 2011 or continuously imitating charismatic coaches like Sachem defensive coordinator Dave Caputo, Iannello certainly left his mark in Sachem.
Iannello, 19, recently took a big leap in his career as an extra in the new film “Noah” starring Russel Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson. Part of the movie was filmed on Long Island at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Currently in the Honors College at Suffolk County Community College, Iannello, a three-sport athlete at Sachem, has a goal to work in the film industry, not just as an actor, but hopefully as a writer, producer, and director.
Sachem Report recently caught up with Iannello in a Facebook chat.
Sachem Report (SR): I’m sure you have the acting bug now. What are some of your immediate and long term goals with acting?
Nicholas Iannello (NI): My immediate goal is to finish up college and earn my degree. My long term goal is to make a name for myself in the television and film industry. Acting has become an interest of mine over the last couple of years and this was my first big step.
SR: It must have been very interesting being on a Hollywood set. How was that?
NI: The experience of being on a Hollywood set was unreal and it makes you realize how much work, time, and effort go into making an epic movie. Sometimes it would take 6-7 hours and numerous takes to film what amounts to one 60 second scene. I am definitely fired up for more and am looking forward to being more than just an extra, in the future.
SR: What did they have you doing there? Was it labor intensive?
NI: My acting responsibilities consisted of being on the set for 10, 12 hour days. Being a student, I was unable to make some of the day shoots. The majority of the shooting was done at night. I was required to be on set by 6 p.m. for hair and makeup and then shooting would continue until 6 a.m., the next morning.
SR: I heard you had to keep your hair in check, as in not cut it? Is that accurate?
NI: Regarding hair, in July when I was casted I was told not to cut my hair or shave until filming was completed.
SR: Aside from getting lost in the Long Island Sound on a kayake, Russell Crowe was actually here acting. Did you interact or learn from him?
NI: Russell Crowe did interact with us at some points during the shoot. He would give us information regarding the scene and advice to help us better our acting. He was a very helpful and nice guy and getting advice from an Academy Award winner is always encouraging. Darren Aronofsky, the director was on set, as well. He was very nice and he too offered many helpful tips.
SR: Give us your best and worst moments of the experience?
NI: My best moment on the set was probably meeting Russell Crowe because I am a huge fan of his movies. My worst moment was the downtime in between each take. It consisted of a lot of sitting around and waiting.
SR: What’s next?
NI: Right now, I am focusing on my education, however I always keep my eyes open for local casting calls.
“Noah” is set to hit theaters in 2014.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro