Young actor fulfills childhood dream
Actor Shayne Pax, who has appeared in television and film, also models. • Photos by Lisa Hall courtesy of NTA Talent Agency
By Tom Victoria
Shayne Pax knew he was going to be an actor when he was no more than 8.
The youth was entranced watching foreign cinema his parents were viewing in their Massachusetts home. He immediately knew his dream was to be in the world of film.
This was met by skepticism from many, but he was not deterred.
“I’m really going to do it,” he recalled saying in response to those attempting to humor him.
Shayne proved any doubters wrong. Twenty years later, he is entrancing others with his acting, filmmaking and modeling. Along with appearing in major television programs such as “American Crime” and "This is Us," Shayne made his own film “Peridot,” named after the August gemstone.
“It’s a hybrid of two childhood favorites,” the screenwriter explained.
Shayne performs in a variety of roles.
Shayne drew upon the 1971 romance/comedy “Harold and Maude,” involving a young man played by Bud Cort and an older woman played by Ruth Gordon, and the 1991 film “My Own Private Idaho,” a gritty story about two traveling companions portrayed by Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix, the late older brother of Joaquin Phoenix. He says the film is an homage to both films with a modern flair.
In “Peridot,” Shayne’s character Gabriel develops a friendship with an older woman.
“It’s a pretty meaty role,” he said.
Shayne said the heartwarming movie also tackles tough subject matter in a unique presentation.
“It’s really strange,” Shayne said, using a descriptive word that covers the gamut of intriguing moviemaking from directors ranging from David Lynch to David Fincher.
As an actor, Shayne periodically must brace himself to perform scenes that can be challenging in different ways. Portraying Dorian Gray, the character from film and prose who does not age while the visage of his portrait does, provided such a challenge in the form of Indiana Jones’ Achilles Heel — snakes.
Shayne’s modeling assignments include magazines and clothing brand print campaigns.
In the scene for the film, Dorian is dreaming of being covered in snakes. For Shayne, it was no dream. He was squished by a python and numerous nonvenomous snakes standing in for poisonous breeds.
“The first hour of footage, I was shivering,” Shayne said.
The thespian does not mind performing in discomfort if there is a valid reason to do so.
“If it makes creative sense,” Shayne said. “When doing a new role, if something is challenging, I like to see if the challenge will serve the story.”
Actors also have to adapt and work quickly when circumstances dictate.
“When scenes are naturally lit, you are depending on the cycle of the sun,” Shayne said. “This has caused some pretty interesting times on set. One time, we filmed a cliffside sunset scene. The sun was already setting when the cast and crew arrived on location, so we had 20 minutes to get wide shots, mediums and closeups. Somehow, it worked.”
Auditions also can be a stressful experience for some actors.
Shayne's movie "Peridot" premiered in September at The Landmark Westwood theater in Los Angeles.
“One time, I was given the advice to ‘expect the best possible outcome,’” Shayne said. “That has really helped. Also, rehearsal, relaxation, meditation and being prepared all help immensely.”
The actor prefers roles in stories derived from published works.
“I like projects based on source material,” Shayne said.
As an English major, his love for classic novels blossomed.
Shayne said the ever-expanding number of online platforms for productions provides more choices.
“It’s remarkable how the landscape has changed,” he said.
Along with movies and television, Shayne films commercials. His modeling includes work for magazines and clothing brand print campaigns.
Shayne grew up outside Boston, where there is not much theater. He started performing short form skits with friends on YouTube.
“We had a pretty sizable following,” Shayne said.
As he grew older, the aspiring actor was determined to make it to Hollywood.
“Movies are my first love,” Shayne said.
After he expressed desire to relocate, his father said he could go to California to attend college. Shayne jumped at the opportunity.
“When I was 18, I moved out here for UCLA,” he said. “I never went back.”
Shayne dispensed advice to aspiring actors.
“It’s definitely good to have a certain level of confidence, but you have to be prepared,” he said.
Shayne stressed acting does not have bank hours.
“It’s more like 24/7 instead of 9 to 5,” he said.
Shayne realized his dream and proved his determination to those who may have taken a child’s comments too lightly as well as to his biggest fans.
“My family is really cool and supportive,” he said. “I think they used to think I was crazy for wanting to do this, but now everyone seems to understand.”
The link to Shayne's Instagram account is: https://www.instagram.com/shaynepax/