By Kavishna Wijesinghe
Cristo Fernández, the Mexican actor and filmmaker whose name has been popular over the Apple TV+ web television comedy Ted Lasso (2020), spoke to Junkyard Theory about his fascinating journey.
Entry
Cristo stated that comedy is his “greatest passion in life”. He demonstrated how he wasn’t scared to challenge conservative ideals through his characters during his formative years, and how effectively he matured into the role he inhabits today. The passion for filmmaking inspired Cristo to study communication and then, after some time, he started his Master’s in Acting in the UK.
Recognising his lack of opportunities as a Mexican, Cristo began developing his ventures. Ted Lasso’s audition in 2019 was a fantastic match for him because he had previously worked as a professional football player. Despite the fact that other actors were chosen earlier because they wanted an Icelandic man, he was given the opportunity afterwards and it was transformed into who he is. He explained how grateful he is to receive that character.
Adaptation for auditions
According to Cristo, even though “every audition is different and challenging”, it could be easily handled if you know the background well. He advised “to really know who you are as a person and grab those qualities and explore everything”. He further explained how vital it is to learn from one’s failures in life, because it helps enhance resilience.
Stepping out of the comfort zone
Moving to England shaped his life into a state that required him to do different jobs on various scales. Cristo described how well he adapted to life in the UK despite the challenges he faced. That journey, in which he encountered various life experiences, aided him as an actor and filmmaker. He further stated how well he admires movies that have multicultural aspects, bringing out interesting contrasts.
“I think football gave me the discipline that I needed to know how to push myself to be ‘healthy competitive’,” he shared.
Experimenting different beats
Cristo mentioned that he grew up watching many comedy movies and those inspired him into getting into this more and more. He’s had the chance to meet Eugenio De Vez, who was his favourite artist, and looks forward to meeting Jim Carey as well. Cristo revealed how grateful he is about being able to bring a lot of energy and attitude to the set with the inspiration he took from his role models.
Danny Rogers
Cristo explained how the key creators of Ted Lasso – Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly – realised when they needed to make changes for the better. For example, they have listened to the actor’s approach to a scene because they felt that wonderful ideas may come from anyone. Cristo believes that’s how good acting is born.
From his own experience, he knows that they’re also open to hearing other people’s suggestions for improving the scene, which has been quite helpful. With such a talented cast and team, it’s no surprise that the movie will be a success, he stated.
Journey in filmmaking
He added that he is learning new things from the creators of Ted Lasso, who are tremendously brilliant. They are both acting in it and hosting their own show at the same time. Therefore, he believes that it is a common occurrence and it is what distinguishes people, and he has gained a great deal from it. Moreover, it has had a significant impact on his professional life too, he shared.
“Ted Lasso has provided me with a wealth of life experiences,” he said. He said that people not only compliment them or him on the show, but also thank them for the show and how much it has helped them get through a difficult time, which he believes is the best part about it. Cristo has realised that the message is crucial in a film, as is the way it will motivate someone in life.
Future dreams
He was involved in every aspect of his dreams: Football, comedy, and working with great personalities, as well as conveying great messages. However, he revealed how much he adores Guillermo del Toro and hopes to collaborate with him one day. In the near future, Cristo would also like to collaborate with Jim Carrey as he too inspires him greatly, he mentioned.
The full interview is now available on the Junkyard Theory YouTube channel. Scan the QR code below to watch it now.
Junkyard Theory is Sri Lanka’s first and only film education platform that brings on veteran filmmakers from Hollywood as guest speakers. Their webinars, hosted by Akash Sunethkumara, have been recognised on industry sites such as “No Film School”, and the team now runs film courses for upcoming filmmakers in the country.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.
Cristo Fernández, the Mexican actor and filmmaker whose name has been popular over the Apple TV+ web television comedy Ted Lasso (2020), spoke to Junkyard Theory about his fascinating journey.
Entry
Cristo stated that comedy is his “greatest passion in life”. He demonstrated how he wasn’t scared to challenge conservative ideals through his characters during his formative years, and how effectively he matured into the role he inhabits today. The passion for filmmaking inspired Cristo to study communication and then, after some time, he started his Master’s in Acting in the UK.
Recognising his lack of opportunities as a Mexican, Cristo began developing his ventures. Ted Lasso’s audition in 2019 was a fantastic match for him because he had previously worked as a professional football player. Despite the fact that other actors were chosen earlier because they wanted an Icelandic man, he was given the opportunity afterwards and it was transformed into who he is. He explained how grateful he is to receive that character.
Adaptation for auditions
According to Cristo, even though “every audition is different and challenging”, it could be easily handled if you know the background well. He advised “to really know who you are as a person and grab those qualities and explore everything”. He further explained how vital it is to learn from one’s failures in life, because it helps enhance resilience.
Stepping out of the comfort zone
Moving to England shaped his life into a state that required him to do different jobs on various scales. Cristo described how well he adapted to life in the UK despite the challenges he faced. That journey, in which he encountered various life experiences, aided him as an actor and filmmaker. He further stated how well he admires movies that have multicultural aspects, bringing out interesting contrasts.
“I think football gave me the discipline that I needed to know how to push myself to be ‘healthy competitive’,” he shared.
Experimenting different beats
Cristo mentioned that he grew up watching many comedy movies and those inspired him into getting into this more and more. He’s had the chance to meet Eugenio De Vez, who was his favourite artist, and looks forward to meeting Jim Carey as well. Cristo revealed how grateful he is about being able to bring a lot of energy and attitude to the set with the inspiration he took from his role models.
Danny Rogers
Cristo explained how the key creators of Ted Lasso – Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly – realised when they needed to make changes for the better. For example, they have listened to the actor’s approach to a scene because they felt that wonderful ideas may come from anyone. Cristo believes that’s how good acting is born.
From his own experience, he knows that they’re also open to hearing other people’s suggestions for improving the scene, which has been quite helpful. With such a talented cast and team, it’s no surprise that the movie will be a success, he stated.
Journey in filmmaking
He added that he is learning new things from the creators of Ted Lasso, who are tremendously brilliant. They are both acting in it and hosting their own show at the same time. Therefore, he believes that it is a common occurrence and it is what distinguishes people, and he has gained a great deal from it. Moreover, it has had a significant impact on his professional life too, he shared.
“Ted Lasso has provided me with a wealth of life experiences,” he said. He said that people not only compliment them or him on the show, but also thank them for the show and how much it has helped them get through a difficult time, which he believes is the best part about it. Cristo has realised that the message is crucial in a film, as is the way it will motivate someone in life.
Future dreams
He was involved in every aspect of his dreams: Football, comedy, and working with great personalities, as well as conveying great messages. However, he revealed how much he adores Guillermo del Toro and hopes to collaborate with him one day. In the near future, Cristo would also like to collaborate with Jim Carrey as he too inspires him greatly, he mentioned.
The full interview is now available on the Junkyard Theory YouTube channel. Scan the QR code below to watch it now.
Junkyard Theory is Sri Lanka’s first and only film education platform that brings on veteran filmmakers from Hollywood as guest speakers. Their webinars, hosted by Akash Sunethkumara, have been recognised on industry sites such as “No Film School”, and the team now runs film courses for upcoming filmmakers in the country.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.