Actor Percy Daggs IV of “Paradise” chatted about starring in “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.”
The synopsis is: This dystopian action film will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of “The Hunger Games,” starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
How was your experience in “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”?
It was an interesting, fun and wild ride. Being in Germany and Spain was a totally new experience for me but I enjoyed it so much and made some lifelong memories with my family, and the cast.
Shooting was great, I would wake up prepared and ready to go to set and on my days off I’d spend quality time with my cast-mates and explore!
There were long days on and off set, but we made the best out of it and cherished our time out there.
What did you like most about your character?
I like Ampert’s determination, heart, intelligence, and willingness to do whatever it takes for the wellbeing of others.
I like the fact that he understood that it’s bigger than him and that though the odds are stacked against him, he’s still gonna try and not just “try” but give it everything he’s got.
What did this screenplay teach you about yourself?
It showed me that I’m capable of shooting and working with other people my age (because this is one of the few projects that I’ve done that includes a group of people my age) and that I do well in the drama category.
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age?
It’s very interesting and sometimes even strange. I find myself feeling awkward about finding content, posting and things like that, so it’s something that I’m gonna have to get used to and grow into.
It’s definitely going to be something that impacts me in the industry and the industry itself in the future.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile, especially if you love it. Acting’s gonna get tough. There’s gonna be scenes that you’re nervous about, jobs that you feel like you did well on and don’t get.
Like most things in life, acting is a high risk, high reward kind of thing and let me tell you, that reward is high.
So yeah, if acting is the profession that you want to pursue, pursue it.
Which actors would you like to do a dream collab with?
I don’t know! There’s plenty of aspiring young actors that I’d want to work with someday! Blake Cameron James, Janice Leann Brown, and so many more!
I can say I’ve always wanted to do something with the great Kevin Hart, and with the trajectory that I’m on, who knows, that might be very soon!
What does the word success mean to you?
To be honest, I don’t really know and I’m actively deciding for myself. Does it mean high ratings? Does it mean a big box office win? Does it mean reaching the top of my game in the craft?
I don’t know, and I think it might vary for different projects and my personal agenda for where I want to go with my career.
What would you like to say to our readers about “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”?
I can’t say much, but I can say that you will not be disappointed and that we’re so excited for everyone to see it!
To learn more about young actor Percy Daggs IV, follow him on Instagram.
