Actor and filmmaker Leonidas Gulaptis chatted about his new Hallmark film “Sisterhood, Inc.” where he portrays Dominic.
The synopsis is: Corporate exec Megan starts a board of directors to improve her younger sister’s chaotic life and finds romance with Dominic (Leonidas Gulaptis), a psych professor who uncovers her tough demeanor.
Experience making this rom-com
“It was such a fun time working on this film,” he admitted. “The cast and crew are all incredible, professional and very kind. The pace at which we all worked to have this shot in three weeks was remarkable and a credit to Lesley Demetriades, our director.”
“Getting to also work alongside Rachael, who has had such a great career in this industry was great. She’s a true professional and a very sweet person,” he added.
Playing Dominic in ‘Sisterhood, Inc.’
On playing his character Dominic, he said, “I liked playing a Psychology Professor. Getting up and speaking in front of a ‘class,’ there were moments when I genuinely felt like I was giving a lecture. That was pretty cool.”
“Having the freedom and a chance to play up the front of ‘students’ trying to keep their attention I loved. And because you get a few takes, I liked to try and mix up every take to keep it fresh for them. This also gets out of your head as an actor and puts it on them,” he elaborated.
Daily motivations
Regarding his daily motivations, he shared, “What motivates me each day is I know what my potential is and until I reach that I can’t stop. I absolutely love every facet of film and filmmaking.”
“There are so many stories I want to tell and get them out into the world,” he said.
“The amount of times I hear people on the subway or in the street talk about a certain film and how a character or story made them feel whether that be laugh, cry, love or give hope to is pretty powerful and getting an opportunity to be a part of that storytelling is special to me,” he elaborated.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Gulaptis said, “I have mixed feelings about the digital age.”
“I am very nostalgic about when we were growing up and going to my local video shop (which my uncle owned and I worked at when I was 17) and picking out a movie with a friend and getting a pizza and having a sleepover. I remember my job was to rewind the video tapes back,” he explained.
“Also ,the excitement of going to the movie theatre, smelling the popcorn as you enter, getting there early so you can watch the coming attractions, it was the best,” he noted.
“I feel that this new generation won’t be able to experience what we had. In saying that, streaming has created it easier for the viewers to watch films and shows in the comfort of their own home,” he acknowledged.
“Also, with social media as an artist you can now have access to creating your own content, posting what you like and getting your own following which you couldn’t do before,” he elaborated.
“So, now you have more control over your career. Streaming platforms need content so that also creates more opportunity for filmmakers and actors,” he added.
Gulaptis on his Greek heritage
Gulaptis opened up about his Greek roots. “My father’s side is Macedonian/Greek,” he revealed.
“My grandma and grandpa fled Greece with my dad’s brother and sister just after World War II by boat to Australia. My dad was later born in Australia,” he said.
“Like most immigrants they came with just the clothes on their back and a suitcase. They worked very hard when they got to Australia to live out the Aussie dream,” he acknowledged.
“My dad tells a story of his uncle at six years old who started out selling cigarettes who then went on to own multi-million dollar hotels. They had a work ethic and a drive that I aspire to,” he elaborated.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and emerging actors, he said, “My advice is to trust your instincts. Everyone is going to have an opinion if you give them a voice.”
“Back yourself and tell the story that you want to tell. Your voice hasn’t been heard yet and people are waiting for a fresh take,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Gulaptis said, “Success to me is when I look back on my life I wouldn’t change a thing. When I know I have reached my truest potential, I have left everything on the table and couldn’t possibly do anymore, I know I have succeeded.”
“Foremost, I am a father, and I have to lead by example for my daughter,” he noted. “I want her to look at me and be proud of the man I am and for her to realize that no dream is too big. She can achieve anything she wants in this life through hard work, grit and determination.”
“Every day we look out over New York city and I tell her that she can do anything in this world but you have to work for it. No one is going to hand it to you,” he added.
Closing thoughts on his new Hallmark movie
For fans and viewers, he remarked about the film, “Hopefully, readers who watch the rom-com can unplug, unwind and have a nice cozy Saturday night watching it with your partner, friends, family or by yourself. Who doesn’t like a feel-good movie?”
To learn more about Leonidas Gulaptis, follow him on Instagram.
