Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Colao.
Hi Marco, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I embarked on my acting career at the age of 19, encouraged by a close friend who convinced me to join his esteemed acting academy in Florence. Just a year later, destiny smiled upon me when the director and teacher of that school cast me in a pivotal role for his upcoming film, “Infernet.” This marked a turning point for me, prompting me to relocate to Rome and pursue a professional acting path.
In the vibrant city of Rome, my first noteworthy opportunity arose with a film titled “Un amore cosi grande.” As my talent gained recognition, I gradually ventured into the international arena, landing a coveted role in a commercial for Ferragamo. Within two years, I secured a leading role in the docufilm “Terzo indizio” and made a guest appearance in the popular national TV series “Il paradiso delle signore.” These milestones led to a remarkable opportunity when the esteemed Laura Pausini, an Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner, personally selected me to portray the protagonist in her captivating music video “In questa nostra casa nuova.”
Following my involvement in the Italian movie “Tre di troppo,” I secured a lead role in an international Barilla commercial, along with various other commercial and short film projects. My success and growing aspirations ultimately led me to make the momentous decision to relocate to Los Angeles. This choice was solidified by my recent casting in a project that I will be devoting my efforts to in the upcoming year.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my journey in the acting industry, I encountered numerous obstacles and faced countless challenges. However, one of the most significant struggles I encountered was consistently justifying and explaining my unwavering passion to my parents. Growing up in a small city near Florence, Italy, I found that people in such places often undermine those with ambitious dreams, deeming them unattainable. Unfortunately, my parents also fell into this mindset, which led to constant disagreements and attempts to steer me onto my father’s career path.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I embarked on my acting journey driven by the sheer joy it brings me and my deep appreciation for the process of character creation. Acting allows me to breathe life into the dreams of my inner child, seamlessly blending my childhood aspirations with my adult reality. This ability to tap into my creativity is something I take immense pride in.
While I am particularly recognized for my notable works in television series, commercials, and Laura Pausini’s music video, I cherish every opportunity I have been fortunate enough to embrace. However, amidst these noteworthy achievements, there is a small project that holds a special place in my heart: “Breter.” This project holds significance for me as I not only conceived the story but also authored the script, drawing upon my own experiences and the characters I had always yearned to portray during my childhood.
Being able to shape the narrative and bring these cherished characters to life was a truly fulfilling experience. It allowed me to weave together my personal journey with the imaginative realms of my past, merging my present reality with the dreams that fueled me in my younger years.
While my more prominent endeavors have garnered attention and gratitude, it is the intimate and personal project of “Breter” that resonates deeply with me. It represents a labor of love where I was able to fully express my artistic vision and bring forth a story that has a piece of my essence ingrained within its fabric.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One valuable piece of advice I have is to surround yourself with individuals who share a similar artistic vision and bring joy to your life. I have learned that it is counterproductive to forge friendships solely based on someone’s extensive credits or a seemingly more successful career. In my experience, true growth and opportunities arise when you are in the company of people you genuinely enjoy being around, fostering a healthy and creative environment.
Finding like-minded individuals who align with your artistic sensibilities can be transformative. These connections not only nurture your personal happiness but also fuel your artistic growth. When you are surrounded by individuals who inspire and support you, you are encouraged to explore new horizons, push boundaries, and unlock your full creative potential.
It is crucial to prioritize the quality of your relationships rather than being swayed solely by external measures of success. Genuine connections built on shared passions, trust, and respect provide the foundation for a supportive and thriving creative community. In such an environment, collaboration becomes a natural and enriching process, as ideas are freely exchanged, and everyone’s unique talents are valued.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcolao_?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm10017980/
Image Credits
Portrait: Phoshoot with the italian photographer Paolo Palmieri Barilla’s commercial Music video “In questa nostra casa nuova”
