Young actor stars in first movie and music video
Actor Zane Claudio is starring in the movie "Retrograde Victory." • Photos Submitted
By Tom Victoria
When Zane Claudio was recruited for an acting job at 15, he didn’t know he would be a professional thespian less than five years later.
Now, Zane, 20, is starring in his first movie and music video. The New Jersey native plays the lead role in “Retrograde Victory,” a film covering the story of a man nearly drafted into the Vietnam War, and the lead character in a new video from rapper DMC (Darryl McDaniels) co-founder of hip-hop group Run-DMC.
“I enjoy playing different roles because it’s something new every time,” Zane said. “When you get yourself into character and you’re being recorded or photographed, you start to realize that at this moment, you get to turn yourself into something you’re not unless your personality matches the character description.”
He cited his role in DMC’s video as an example of playing against his personality.
“I would say that my natural character description is being positive, happy, motivated, athletic, adventurous and definitely being funny or goofy,” Zane said. “But now, I have to spice myself up because DMC wants me as a psychopath shooter in his music video, smashing stuff, being angry and looking crazy. Just being able to transform myself into something that I’m not definitely gives you a different mental experience. A lot of amazing actors stay in character when they’re off set just so they could perfect the role better.”
In the movie, directed by M.J. Walker, Zane plays Barry Crease.
“It’s pretty deep,” Zane said about the story based on true events.
He also has been cast as a supporting character for the film “Freedom,” a romance by director Travis Chapman celebrating individual journeys and freedom in life. Zane plays Christian Tevolli, who is described as a musician, smooth operator and nonconformist.
Since memory is key in acting, Zane developed a method to remember his lines before each scene of an acting job is shot.
“My trick is to remember my lines on the first page, then go over it without the script at hand,” he said. “I then move on to the next page, memorize those lines, then read all the lines I have starting from page 1 till the end of page 2 two to three times over without the script at hand. I do this continually until the scene I’m reading is over.”
Zane also does not fret over waiting between takes or having to re-enact scenes numerous times.
“I’m a pretty patient person, so I never have trouble waiting on set in between takes or repeating scenes,” he said. “It’s very hard to get the shot you want in one take. It’s going to take at least two to three takes every time no matter who you are dealing with.”
His first foray into acting was a youth on stage.
“My parents threw me into it,” Zane said.
Zane plays Barry Crease, who must deal with the possibility of being drafted into the Vietnam War.
As he grew older, his focus was on athletics, including football and hockey. But Zane was drawn back to performing at 15. He and two friends were recruited while eating at a restaurant. Initially, Zane had doubts about the older dude who first approached the female member of their group.
“It gave off a bad vibe,” he said.
Later, they ran into the man again as he proclaimed all three would be ideal for the roles.
“It went from there,” Zane said.
He was finally convinced after the entourage arrived at the set. Director Kevin McMullin was filming a test movie trailer for his latest film to show production companies. Zane and his friends played roles that would be recast for the actual filming of what turned out to be the hit movie “Low Tide.”
Zane sits in front of television sets for a DMC music video.
“I had no prior experience,” he said about being in front of the camera. “It turned out to be a good time. I didn’t know the full scope. I didn’t know it would be a big movie.”
The experience ensured Zane would be lured by acting again. After graduating high school, Zane decided to pursue acting while attending Brookdale Community College, majoring in Business Management.
“I started taking parts for acting,” he said. “I thought it would be more fun to do, playing characters.”
As if landing two major acting gigs wasn’t enough, Zane also models. He has done assignments for such digital publications as “I Am. Magazine” (which has since changed its name to “Generation F Magazine”) and posed for such renowned photographers as Stefan Mreczko.
Zane also models for such clients as magazines.
“People always told me I should,” he said about modeling.
For years, he scoffed at the suggestion he was suited for the work. Now, he loves posing for the lens.
“I’m excited for all my modeling jobs,” Zane said. “The more stuff I have to do in front of the camera, the more fun it is for me. If I have to get turned into a monster by the makeup team or constantly change outfits, then I will totally be thrilled. What I look forward to the most is what the final results of a project are going to look like.”
He holds high regard for the work in front of and behind the camera.
“Photography is an art,” Zane said. “Your eye is the first camera. When you see something, you want to take a picture of it.”
Zane visits Cancun, Mexico.
He said the key is utilizing the angles and tools of the craft.
“There are different properties in photography that attract the human eye. You just have to be creative.”
Whether it’s acting or modeling, Zane said it’s not physical appearance that matters most.
“You would think that modeling and acting require a certain look, but they do not,” he said. “It requires a different mindset. You have to be confident when you’re about to perform in front of the camera and the people behind it. Most roles will require you to change yourself entirely as a person. You just have to be confident in your body language and attitudes that you are perfecting the role and that nobody is judging you. My trick is to envision that I am entirely alone by myself when I am performing.”
Zane’s acting idol is leading man Leonardo DiCaprio, who has starred in such hits as “Inception,” “Wolf of Wall Street” and “Shutter Island.”
“He’s one of my favorites of all time,” Zane said. “His acting is through the roof. He’s number one. He can play any role.”
The athletic actor stays fit, working out, swimming and bicycling, among other activities.
Zane’s immediate professional goal is to expand his portfolio. But the prospect of fame is not why he desires success.
“I just want to be able to be the one in the family to make a change in the way things are, support the people close to me,” Zane said. “I really feel the need to give back. I will make it happen for them at some point.”
He encouraged others to pursue their dreams.
“The biggest thing I tell people is you can never tell yourself
you can’t,” Zane said. “I don’t want to hear people say they can’t do it. I was told so many times you can’t.”
He said a bad day only means it will be better tomorrow. Zane said those wanting to pursue acting or modeling should cast aside their reservations.
“Do it.”
Zane plays hockey during a high school game.
The link to Zane’s TikTok is: https://www.tiktok.com/@zaneclaudio
The link to Zane’s Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/zaneclaudio/