Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
Meet Miguel Gabriel, the 15-year-old actor who is captivating audiences with his incredible talent, energy, and charm. He is best known for voicing the little boy in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”. Now, he shines in his latest project, “Camera,” (alongside Beau Bridges) – a heartfelt and inspiring film where we see Miguel starring as Oscar Kennedy. Oscar is a mute 9-year-old who, after moving to a struggling fishing town with his widowed mom, discovers the power of photography. This touching story of loss, hope, and healing has already garnered critical acclaim by being screened at Cannes Film Festival and an official selection at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, along with winning Best Family Film at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. The film (which was filmed in Morro Bay and Santa Clarita, CA) is now available to watch on all platforms.
Miguel welcome to OLC! Your new film “Camera” has been receiving a lot of praise. What drew you to the role of Oscar Kennedy, and how did you prepare to portray a mute 9-year-old in such an emotionally charged story?
What drew me to the role of Oscar is his communication struggles, which I can relate to, having faced similar challenges in my own life. As a youth, I had a speech impediment that made verbal communication difficult, but I developed alternative methods of expression through facial cues and body language, leading me to pursue acting. With the help of acting coach Aubrey Miller, I honed in on the character of Oscar in this emotional story.
You’ve worked alongside some big names in the industry, like Beau Bridges. What was it like sharing the screen with him, and did he give you any advice or tips during filming?
It was an honor to work with him; he’s a legendary actor with a wonderful personality, making him a special person to work with on set. He advised me to act naturally and authentically when portraying a character.
“Camera” touches on themes of loss, hope, and healing. How did you connect with these themes, and what message do you hope the audience takes away from the film?
I hope the audience takes away from this film that loss, though painful, can strengthen you and help you appreciate what you have. Hope and healing can come from art, community, family, and friends.
You voiced a character in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” and the young Joselito “Veneno” on HBO Max. How do you approach the differences between voice acting and live-action roles?
Voice acting differs from live action in that it’s acting through voice, whereas live action is acting through expressions and movement. I approach it by thinking about how the characters I play sound, move, and feel.
At just 15, you’ve already been an executive producer on a TV miniseries. How did that experience shape your understanding of the entertainment industry, and do you see yourself taking on more behind-the-scenes roles in the future?
My experience as an executive producer has given me insight into the role’s importance in the entertainment industry, and I can envision myself in more behind-the-scenes roles such as directing, writing, editing, lighting, and camera work. I enjoy the filmmaking process and hope to take on more roles like that in the future.
With your diverse heritage and love for world travel, how do your cultural experiences influence your acting and creative projects?
These cultural experiences have influenced my acting to show that I can do unique styles to the roles I play.
You’re also a talented dancer and singer, and you’ve taken various classes to enhance your skills. How do these other art forms contribute to your acting, and do you have any plans to incorporate them into future roles?
My skills benefit my acting by allowing me to play various roles and display my range of abilities, which can be applied to different art forms requiring specific skills. I aim to apply my skills to acting and other art forms, and learn new ones, when necessary.
Filming “Camera” took you to Morro Bay and Santa Clarita. What was it like working in these locations, and did the setting of the film influence your performance in any way?
The experience of working in Morro Bay and Santa Clarita was breathtaking, setting the mood for the film, my character, and Oscar’s surroundings.
As a young actor with a rapidly growing career, how do you balance your work with being a teenager, and what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Effective scheduling and time management enable me to balance work and free time, which I use to enjoy movies, learn new skills, read, and connect with family and friends.
You’ve already achieved so much at a young age. What are your goals for the future, and is there a dream project or role that you hope to take on one day?
My future goals include becoming a filmmaker and working on a sci-fi film project, a project with Glen Powell, and a project directed by Steven Spielberg, my favorite filmmaker.
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