Meet Luca Malacrino from Cardiff, Wales who moved to LA five years ago to pursue a career in the film industry. Luca has worked on over 30 projects, including Distant Vision,Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Grey’s Anatomy, Jim Carrey’s I’m Dying Up Here and has recently returned from the U.K. after securing a recurring guest-star role on Coronation Street. He is the founder of the award-winning production company, The Chameleon Effect with co-producer/writer Alex Hanno. Luca has been named this year’s Rising Star at the Westfield International Film Festival and is a proud member of the BAFTA Newcomer’s Academy.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
Yes! Before making the move into acting/producing I used to own two nightclubs back in Cardiff. I knew that in order to make it in this industry, I would have to dedicate and fully immerse myself without any distractions. Tall palm trees, beautiful oceans, and a city filled with big dreamers? I was sold! I worked harder than when I started the nightclubs at the age of 19, and got a scholarship to the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. I knew this way my old days of hospitality wouldn’t distract me and I was ready to take on the world with my new-found obsession.
What do you miss most from home?
Ahhhh… This is a tough one! I come from a big crazy ‘Welsh-Italian’ family and I most definitely miss being able to surprise them with a big hug and demanding a cuppa! (milk and two sugars). Aside from that, I miss the magical views of Wales. Casually driving through the country lanes to see an ancient castle that has been watching the people around it for hundreds of years. I also definitely miss a good old cheeky Nandos. Double chicken wrap, medium spice with peri chips, please!
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
My first impression of LA was MAGICAL! I felt like I had a new take on life and waking up to the beautiful Cali sun made it hard to have a bad day. I felt the people were ‘usually’ very polite and welcoming, but there is always one…. I am still just as excited and feel the city has a clear blend of fast-paced individuals who are on a mission, as well as the more relaxed hippie types who live for the sunsets.
What do you find the biggest difference
is living here versus Cardiff?
This for me has to be quality of life in general. In particular, experiences and things to do. There is ALWAYS something fun and exciting happening! Musical improv nights, live theatre productions, movie premieres, launch nights, etc… Not just that, but since it is such an iconic city, the chances of the event being jaw-dropping are very high.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you
want to share with us?
Ahhhhh this is a risky move but yes I do! There is the BEST jazz night in town at the Sofitel hotel (Beverly Boulevard) on Monday nights. It usually starts at around 10:30 pm and they have famous musicians trying out new material or even jumping in to jam out with the resident band.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Do it! I feel that the quality of life depends on the people you are able to surround yourselves with though. I feel like people over here have their ‘circle’ of friends around them and keep that circle tight, due to the sheer mass of obnoxious people in this town. Get into a class, workshop, community program or something else and really make an effort to connect and meet people on your wavelength.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Get a car and make sure it’s automatic. There is so much traffic and driving through canyons with a manual car is a NIGHTMARE.
Lastly, how can we find out more about
you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Yes! My website and Instagram are the best places to stalk!
After a busy year, I am currently working on my next feature film called, A
Sanctuary For Water Voles, and you can also catch me as Lee Riley in the movie
Elephants. Out now and available to watch for free on Amazon Prime!
www.lucamalacrino.com
