On his experience filming Downsizing, he said, “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had working in the film business. From being cast to working on set, to the premiere at Tiff. One of my goals as an actor is to be booked, in the audition room by the director. Well Alexander Payne offered me the role of Tunde on the spot, in the room. It was amazing.”
For Belle, it was an “actor’s dream” to work with Oscar winners Matt Damon and Alexander Payne. “Alexander Payne has endless creativity. He is generous, chilled, and a beautiful soul. When I had to do my scene with Matt, I had to remind myself to stop watching him and to just be in the moment cause I just wanted to learn. It was an incredible learning experience,” he admitted.
He revealed that he and his girlfriend are expecting a baby boy in November of 2017. “My first focus is to be the best father I can be to my son. A continued focus is on booking jobs and bringing home the bacon for the family, and opening my acting school,” he said.
Digital transformation of entertainment industry
On the impact of technology in the entertainment industry, he said, “Well, who knew self tape auditions would be so prevalent these days. I mean, with the Internet, you can be anywhere in the world and if you have a cell phone and Wifi, you can record your audition on your cell phone and send it to casting directors in any city in the world.”
Regarding his use of technology in his daily basis and life, he said, “Technology is so integrated in our lives.” “I mean these days most people have a cell phone, basically a mini-computer that handles mostly all communication. I can’t remember the last time I met someone who didn’t have a cell phone. I’m like everyone else. I use my phone to wake up in the morning, as well as its app for business and communicating with friends and family, as a camera.”
For hopefuls who wish to make it in the acting business, he said, “Someone sent me a video of Denzel Washington talking to theatre students and he said ‘dreams without goals, remain dreams and ultimately fuel disappointment. Goals on the road to achievement, cannot be achieved without discipline and consistency.’ Discipline and consistency are two things, that no matter what you’re doing, you need to apply to become successful.”
Belle continued, “My advice to aspiring actors is apply discipline and consistency while studying your craft so that when opportunity strikes, you’re prepared!”
He listed Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Whoopi Goldberg, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Octavia Spencer, Angela Bassett and Charlize Theron as his dream female acting partners.
For his fans, he concluded, “Go see, Downsizing. It’s a big, beautiful, humane story about a man who decides to shrink himself to simplify his life. It is coming out in December. I hope you like it.”
