His history in the biz started when a cousin left for California in 1998. Tony spent time making videos to make him laugh. He always wanted to act, but never really pursued it when he was young - he was always just the guy that wanted to make people laugh and feel good. In 2008, when a 20 year relationship ended in a broken heart, he stumbled into his passion for acting. He was looking for a second job to make some extra money when he stumbled across a background acting gig on craigslist. A week later, he was on set. In that first day, he knew his calling. After the film, he got an acting coach, an agent and never looked back.
He went on auditions. Started networking and making friends in the industry. After a while, he decided to stop waiting for auditions and making things happen.
Tony became a film maker - he bought a camera, started learning and started filming. As he started producing his own work, he discovered a love for writing and directing as well as his love for acting.
Currently, Tony is in pre-production with Savage Light Studios for a short martial arts comedy film titled - "The Dojo." After "The Dojo," Tony has plans for more films that are already in the works; including a Mafia themed short film and a film about two mischievous guardian angels.
While he describes his film making style as "my own", Tony is strongly influenced by his spirituality and Jerry Lewis. As a matter of fact, "The Dojo" is an homage to Lewis' "Nutty Professor" comedy.
For Tony, inspiration strikes while he works his day job, which involved a lot of driving. While driving, he records his thought on an audio recorder and types them up when he gets home. The process of typing up his scripts and thoughts, as with many of us, is the least favorite part. He confesses, "I type slow." Though, he readily admits that his laptop is the most important part of his gear. It is his typewriter, editing bay and publicity and advertising platform.
On the subject of team work in film making, Mr. Pallo states that the most important thing to do is "Learn your craft. Don't just wing it. It will show in your film." He goes on to say that if he could hire ONE person, it would be a Production Manager, "I hate paperwork." Though the process is a lot of work, he feels that filming his projects and watching them all come together in pose makes all the work totally worth it.
Tony's favorite piece was a spiritually themed short film called, "Eric's Illumination." It reflects his beliefs and tells a heart warming story as well. Since the completion of "Eric's Illumination," it has shown at several film festivals, including the Pelican D'or film festival in Chalmette, Louisiana.
Tony has some advice for aspiring actors looking to break into the biz. The advice comes from a place of exprience - as an actor, a director and an industry professional. "When reading a casting call, follow the directions. Don't send a resume and headshots for a role you don't fit."
On the subject of the studio system (Hollywood Film Making), he says that the films are so expensive to make because of "Many reasons." He cites actor's salary or CGI. He also says, "But you can make a great film with a smaller budget. It's been done before."
I always end my interviews with a couple funny questions... Here's the questions and Tony's answers.
Other than this interview, what is the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?
Quit a job without having another one lined up.
When the aliens land on earth, why will you be the first person they talk to?
Because I'm Tony Pallo... even aliens want to laugh.
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