Pop Culturalist Chats with Nick Marini

One of our favorite films this year has to be Summer of 8. It’s a feel good flick that will have you reminiscing about the good ol’ days. And, one of the film’s breakout stars is none other than Nick Marini. The young, up-and-coming actor recently graduated college and traveled to L.A. where he landed the role of Bobby. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with him about the film, his promising career, and his path to Hollywood.

Summer of 8 Questions

PC: You made your film debut with Summer of 8. Was it everything you imagined? And, how did you prepare for the role?
Nick: Oh man, shooting Summer of 8 was a dream come true! It was the first audition I had in Los Angeles after graduating college and moving there, so to find out I booked it was an incredible experience to say the least, and something I won’t ever forget. The two weeks of shooting were some of the most magical days I have ever had. I play a character who is transitioning from high-school to college and leaving his best friend. In my own life I had just transitioned from college to life in LA and left my best friend since 2nd grade, David Shuldiner. Before my auditions I would literally be on the phone with David just talking about life and the casting director would have to come outside and tell me to come in. I’d hang up on Dave and go right into the audition. So I was exactly where my character is in my own life. That made prep fairly simple though I did reminisce a fair amount over my own high-school experience before shooting as well.

PC: What initially attracted you to the part?
Nick: This script really spoke to me from the get go. Bobby is such an interesting character and I felt humbled to get to play him. He has a lot going on inside and not all of it gets let out. I felt like the role would be a great challenge and opportunity. I really wanted to do him justice and I hope I was able to achieve that. Ryan Schwartz, the writer and director, spent a lot of time talking with me about the character and his influences in writing him. Once we had that conversation I couldn’t wait to get started.

PC: How would you describe your character in five words?
Nick: Loyal. Loving. Torn. Hesitant. Epiphany.

PC: There are a lot of subtle hints in the film about your character’s sexuality but it’s never fully addressed. It feels like the filmmakers are making a powerful statement that a person’s sexuality doesn’t define who they are. Was this a conscious decision and what are your thoughts on this?
Nick: Yes it was. No matter how Bobby defines his sexuality I don’t think it would have changed my performance. Human beings love who we love. To judge one another on that seems so silly to me. It’s how we love, not who we love, that should define us.

PC: In the film, you and Carter Jenkins play best friends. How did you develop that bond?
Nick: We spent sometime before shooting hanging out and telling each other about our own best friends. Most of the cast also spent the first week of shooting living together in a house. That went a long way towards creating lasting friendships and I think it shows in the film.

PC: If you had to describe each of your cast mates in one word, what would they be?
Nick:

Rachel: Ineffable
Bailey: Ethereal
Shelley: Connoisseur
Natalie: Luminescent
Matt: Philia
Michael: Arcane
Carter: Industrious

PC: What was the most difficult scene to film?
Nick: The scene where we all talk on the beach and I’m laying down. Tip to new actors: if you’re going to shoot a scene that takes a long time to film then find a comfortable position cause you’re going to be in it for awhile.

PC: What do you hope fans take away from the film?
Nick: I think it’s a very nostalgic film in a lot of ways. Remember your childhood and find what is beautiful about it, reach out to your old friends, revel whenever you can, find your bliss, and finally, philosophize with someone who will interrupt with profound drunken nonsense when you get too serious.

Career Questions

PC: How did you get started in acting?
Nick: I was raised in the greenrooms of theatres on the East coast. My mother, Susan Wilder, is an actress, and my father, Ken Marini, is a director. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high-school that I realized that acting, and, more generally, storytelling was what I was truly passionate about. Once I realized that, I began auditioning and modeling. As soon as I graduated college I drove to the Atlantic ocean, jumped in, and then began my journey to LA, diving in the pacific as soon as I arrived. Sea to shining sea! I connected with a teacher and now mentor, Joshua Bitton and began training in earnest.

PC: If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
Nick: I originally was interested in becoming a diplomat but, after shadowing someone my sophomore year at a think tank, realized I could never sit behind a desk. If I wasn’t an actor though I’d be really interested in scientific research into synesthesia. I’ve always had a fascination with it and really with I was synesthetic.

PC: In the future, do you see yourself writing and possibly directing?
Nick: Absolutely! I am the son of a director; it’s in my blood. I have so much to learn first though. There are so many stories I want to tell. As an actor I get to be in them and learn and watch on set. I have no doubt that there will come a time when I will put some hyphens after Nick Marini, actor.

PC: What’s your dream role?
Nick: There’s a fantasy series called Kushie’s Legacy, in it is a character named Jocelin Verreuil. I might lose my mind if I got to play him in a television series. I would be that excited. He exhibits many traits that I find the most noble in a human. He’s a protector, a lover, a fighter, but he is also torn between what his heart desires and the duty and vows he has sworn to uphold. He’s a knight without the title, a true warrior of life.

PC: How important was it that you get your degree before pursuing your career in acting?
Nick: I have always had an unquenchable desire to learn. If the right opportunity had presented itself I may have dropped out but I’m actually really happy that didn’t happen. I had the opportunity to grow, learn, and meet an amazing group of friends in college. I loved it. Where else can you go learn about Arthurian legends in the morning, analyze Scorsese films in the afternoon, struggle with Latin in the evening, and then go party with your best friends at night. I was ready to leave and pursue my dreams by the time it was over but I’m so grateful for the experience. I owe the city of Philadelphia a great debt of gratitude because I was on a scholarship that was paid for through the Mayors office. I look forward to repaying it someday.

PC: What’s been the most rewarding/difficult part about being an actor?
Nick: The chance to tell someone’s story or engender a discussion on an important topic is always rewarding. I get to do what I love and I will be forever grateful and totally stoked about that! It’s difficult to keep in mind how competitive this field is, especially at this age. You have to keep your head up when you don’t book audition after audition. But when you book something and get to be paid to work hard and play hard, that’s an amazing feeling!

PC: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can talk about?
Nick: I do! You can catch me in some of the upcoming episodes of Chicago Med alongside the ineffable Rachel DiPillo! My first episode airs Thursday October 13th!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Are there any bands or artists on your playlist that people would be surprised to find?
Nick: Hmmm…been jamming to a lot of Mike Taylor, Maggie Rogers, and anything involving or recommended by the Funk Hunters.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Nick: I’ve seen too many plays to choose one! Midsummers Night Dream to choose a classic and Luka’s Room to choose a new one. Disclaimer I was Luka in Luka’s room so I’m clearly biased!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie or TV show?
Nick: Full Metal Jousting!

PC: Favorite book?
Nick: Hyperion by Dan Simmons. It’s basically the Canterbury tales in space with lots of John Keats references! What’s not to love!

PC: Hidden talent?
Nick: I can make a mean D&D character, play a nasty game of beer pong, and do a decent amount of front handsprings in a row.

Make sure to follow Nick on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (marinimartini).

Photo Credit: Filmbuff/MGM