Everyone this was mentioned to said it couldn't be done.
Detroit, Michigan (PRWEB) April 15, 2015
Anthony Ballios mentions how blessed he is to be a part of his first feature film playing the role of Toothpick Paulie in Gangster Report, a Italian Mafia movie filmed near Downtown Detroit. "The people; the talent; each and every individual involved with this movie; they made a positive impact in my life. They’ve created an amazing work of art with the completion of the film. It is historic in how short of a time it took to complete without cutting any corners: within one year. Everyone this was mentioned to said it couldn’t be done. Most films take approximately three years or much longer to complete.” This is a film that offers a unique retelling of the biblical scripture of David and Goliath, set in 1930's Detroit per IMDb, and is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.
The film continues to create more buzz with two award nominations through the NATAS (The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences). Dean H. Olivas Jr., the director of the film, has an editing nomination. Editors Josh Yuchasz and Allen Jankowic are both nominated for an editing award as well. In addition, producer Darryn Montgomery has received a writing award nomination.
Anthony shares that his mother and father both came to Detroit, Michigan, from Macedonia, "They both helped instill great work ethic in me at an early age." The fact that Anthony attended the University of Michigan comes up in conversation. Upon mentioning this Ballios states how elated he is with the Jim Harbaugh signing as the new football coach at Michigan. "People always say he looks like me. I don't see it. What do you think?” He says with a grin.
After going to school the acting bug bit him. "Hollywood started to shoot many films in Michigan. Mainly Detroit and the surrounding areas. So I decided to take acting classes and hone my talent. At an early age I did do some modeling, but acting seemed like a whole new and exciting challenge."
His first audition was as a young Robert De Niro in a feature film called Stone. He did not get the part, but Anthony says the experience was priceless. He was also involved in the filming of a Warner Bros. movie this past Summer in Detroit and ran into Zack Snyder in the process. "So Zack, when you see this, or someone you know tells you about it, make sure you set aside a role for me in one, or more, of your future films, okay?" He says this with a big smile on his face.
Anthony continues to pursue acting and modeling opportunities. Having been born in Detroit he says he would like his breakout role to be here. "I have a tremendous amount of love and passion for this city and the people here. It would mean so much to me to have this happen and I would be so thankful." Maintaining, and increasing, the film incentives in Michigan would go a long way towards Anthony making this vision a reality. He closes the conversation by saying,” Expect me to be in Hollywood at the Oscars in the future representing The D.”
Anthony Ballios can be followed on Facebook by "Liking" his acting page at http://www.facebook.com/ActorAnthonyBallios to see any recent developments in his acting/modeling career. He is also on IMDb at the link http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7087913/. In addition, he can be found on Instagram under Toothpick_Paulie. The website, and trailer, for the film can be found at http://www.gangsterreportfilm.com.
