Anthony Patellis is currently collaborating as Director and Co-writer with the creator of ‘Hooked’, Brittany Portman. This is their first project together since forming Brittony Productions. We chatted about ‘Hooked’, NYC, his new film Team Marco and more!
upfrontNY: When did you find your passion for acting and theatre?
Anthony Patellis: I always had it. As far back as I remember I knew I wanted to be an actor. In grade school I acted in skits, and by the time I was 13 I was already doing summer stock theater in my home town.
upfrontNY: You have worked in world-class productions in 17 countries on 3 continents. What has been your favorite location you have worked and what is a location you hope to one day work?
Anthony Patellis: It’s really difficult to point to just one theater and city, after so many incredible theatrical experiences. But, if I had to point to one, I’d say La Scala Opera House in Milan Italy was about as thrilling an experience as ever. Knowing the stars who had tread those boards before me, was a feeling I’ll never forget. Other incredibly notable experiences are Israeli Opera House in Tel Aviv, and Bunkamura Hall in Tokyo. Just fabulous! As to to where I want to act in the future? Although I’ve worked in many great theaters in America, including the Kennedy Center, and in Off-Broadway, I’ve yet to act on Broadway. I hope to do that some day!
upfrontNY: You are the director and co-writer of Hooked with Brittany Portman. What has been your favorite part of working on ‘Hooked’?
Anthony Patellis: Hands down, Directing! It’s been an incredible delight to work with such accomplished actors, like Jon Lovitz, Andy Karl, Catherine Curtin, Eric Close, Joe Barbara, Chelsea Stavis, Kyle Hughes, and so many more. These are inventive and talented actors who relish in exploring the depths and limits of both comedy and drama.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about Brittony Productions and what it has been like working and collaborating with Brittany Portman?
Anthony Patellis: When Brit and I met and decided to collaborate on ‘Hooked’, we felt it best to create our own production company, Brittony Productions (a take-off on our first manes, Brittany & Tony). This way we could use it as an umbrella for this and future productions we may do together. We have a wonderful working relationship, in that we both have our own areas of expertise which brought together, makes for a so far, wonderful project. I’m grateful to Brittany who has been a gem of a producer, and so much more, in providing me with the opportunity to have all the tools I need to direct.
upfrontNY: What does 2020 look like for Brittony Productions?
Anthony Patellis: We have two projects, a screenplay, and a web-series, ready to develop, as well as another idea for a television series.
upfrontNY: You star in the new film Team Marco premiering in 2020. Can you tell us about this film?
Anthony Patellis: Team Marco is new family film about the generational divide between both young and old in virtually all families in America, both socially and technologically. This, between an eleven year old video-obsessed boy, and his old-school grandfather who moves in with the boy and his mother. It’s currently enjoying a festival tour, and just won audience favorite at the Mill Valley Film Festival in Marin County, CA.
upfrontNY: You are based in New York City. How does NYC make you feel?
Anthony Patellis: In my long career I’ve lived most of it in NYC, and about a decade in Los Angeles. Although I love working and visiting LA, with its easy-going, and warm weather environment, it’s New York City that has my heart and soul. With all its hardships; subway travel, freezing winters, and muggy summers, it remains the most exciting, diverse, artistic, and egalitarian city I’ve ever experienced.
upfrontNY: How important has it been for you to teach young actors in NYC?
Anthony Patellis: Teaching is in my blood, as every member of my family were teachers. Having been a student of many great teachers, including Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Harold Clurman, and many more, it is natural to me to want to give to young (and older) actors, what I was given by these wonderful teachers. Teaching actors has taught me as much as being a student in my youth.
Check out our interview with Anthony’s Brittony Production partner Brittany Portman.
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