STYLING
SAMANTA PARDINI
PHOTOGRAPHY
ALAN GELATI
Known for movies and television projects such as Pompei, Time Is Up, and We Are Who We Are, Sebastiano Pigazzi is making a name for himself in the film industry. Pigazzi talks about his journey and love of acting in this exclusive interview, describing his portrayal as Enrico on HBO's We Are Who We as a "maturing experience."
Interview by VIOLETA NICOLA
Total look BRIONI.
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Violeta Nicola __ How did you start in the acting industry? Was becoming an actor something you wanted to do from an early age, or did it happen later in life?
Sebastiano Pigazzi __ When I was nine years old, I played in a few plays, and I was not too fond of the experience. Years later, I took an acting class during my last year in high school, and I completely fell in love with performing on stage. I think it was a passion I suppressed for many years, with the hope that I would fall in love with another profession. Unfortunately or fortunately, that did not happen.
Violeta __ If you weren’t an actor, what other career would you have pursued instead?
Sebastiano __ Maybe something in the political sphere, but it’s a very distant second to my love of acting and film in general.
Violeta __ You star on the HBO show We Are Who We Are as Enrico. What was the experience like?
Sebastiano __ It was incredibly maturing. I got to work with an all-star cast, crew and director on one of my first projects as an actor. Working on a character who is very different from me helped me focus on what I had to do. I only had a few “pinch me” moments.
Violeta __ The director of the show, Luca Guadagnino is known for his incredible work in the industry. What was your reaction when you found out you would work with him?
Sebastiano __ Excitement followed by nervousness. Luca is one of my favorite directors, and I have been a big fan of his for years.
Violeta __ What are some great moments from a set you have worked on?
Sebastiano __ There was a scene in We Are Who We Are where Francesca Scorsese and I are standing at this beach café, and at the end of the scene, we stare at each other in a flirty way that was supposed to be the end of the scene, but then we hear Luca chuckle, and he yells “kiss.” So we ended up kissing, and the whole cast, crew, and extras started laughing.
Violeta __ Are there specific actors you would like to work with on future projects?
Sebastiano __ So many. If I had to pick a few, they would be Matthias Schoenaerts, Margot Robbie, and Denzel Washington. I have a deep respect for their work and the type of films they make.
Violeta __ What is the best advice you have gotten and from whom? What would you say to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps and pursue acting?
Sebastiano __ The best advice I ever received was from my acting teacher and friend, Judy Del Giudice. She spent ten minutes telling the class why they shouldn't pursue acting, and at the end, she said, "if I can convince you not to be an actor, don't do it. Do anything else". I would give someone who wants to pursue acting the same advice. It's a job where everyone will be questioning your decisions,, and if you are not 100% sure that this is the best choice for you, it won't be easy to survive in the industry.
Violeta __ You currently have a few projects in the works? What can you tell your fans about them?
Sebastiano __ Not much, but I’m excited to be more involved in the creative process and hope to share them with people soon.
Violeta __ What type of projects do you hope to do in the future? Comedy or drama, movies or shows?
Sebastiano __ All of it as long as it’s good.
Violeta __ What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
Sebastiano __ I starred in, co-wrote, and co-directed the short film Contrariety in March of 2021. It was my first time directing and acting in something. The mere fact we finished it was an accomplishment.
Violeta __ What are some films and books that have influenced your life?
Sebastiano __ A few Movies are Oci Ciornie, La Dolce Vita, and Tootsie, when it comes to books, The Old Man and the Sea, The Leopard, and The Shock Doctrine.
Violeta __ How has Covid impacted your career?
Sebastiano __ It’s been harder to meet people and connect in person, everything is through self-tapes and Zoom, and there is an impersonal approach to the business. On the positive side, it has given me a chance to watch more films and read more.
Violeta __ What are your plans for the future? Where do you see your career going?
Sebastiano __ I don’t even have plans for next week. The future is too distant for me to be thinking about it; I will go on this road until I get kicked off or can’t walk anymore.
Left and opposite: Sweater MP MASSIMO PIOMBO X UNDERSTATEMENT MILANO, trousers BRUNELLO CUCINELLI.
Total look SANDRO PARIS, shoes BRUNELLO CUCINELLI.
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Jacket SANDRO PARIS.
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Photography Alan Gelati, Styling Samanta Pardini, Interview Violeta Nicola, Makeup Maddalena Brando, Hair Ugo Lepre, Press office Mpunto Comunicazione, Fashion Assistant Ivana Candela.