Interview with Mason O'Sullivan

Mason is a good ol’ southern boy from Virginia, and recent LA transplant. After receiving a BA in Film Studies from George Mason University, he continued training at The Stella Adler studio in NYC; where he worked in numerous Theatrical, Film, Print, and Commercial projects, including The Tribeca Film Festival and Fringe NYC. Right now he is currently working in tandem with Adam Pictures on several pilots and a one man show entitled Inside Voices. He looks forward to this new chapter ahead…as long as there’s a buffet.

1. What is the hardest part of the modelling industry?
Probably for me the hardest part was always not being six feet tall, lol. I was always just shy of that, so early on in my modeling days I would always find myself at these amazing castings for Versace or Prada, and being the shortest one, sometimes drowning in the clothes. So I learned very quickly the value of humor, and being confident. Realizing high fashion was not going to be my forte was a bummer, but also the best because it made me focus; plus I picked up some great experiences/stories along the way ;).

2. What is the most fun part of the industry?
I’d say it’s getting to dress up and portray different parts of your personality, and tell a story with it. To go escape for a couple hours and film or shoot a piece is the best medicine at times. And of course, if we’re talking fashion, it’s most certainly the clothes!

3. If you could turn back time and live your life over, what would you do differently?
I’d maybe tell myself to NOT date that one individual, but other than that I wouldn’t change a thing.

4. Describe your ideal photo-shoot.
Editorials are my favorite to do besides commercial shoots, so something with a killer team and story behind it where I can be physical with it. I did Martial Arts for 14 years so I’m all about that movement! Come to think of it, I haven’t done an underwater shoot yet, so I’m looking to knock that off the list.

5. What are your greatest accomplishments so far?
Other than keeping myself sane, I’m actually really proud of how far I’ve come in terms of my brand as a performer. I’m more focused than I’ve ever been, and I find myself writing more and more ever since I made the transition from NYC to LA. I’ve done plays and films, etc but my one man show I’m working on right now is something that has me both excited and nervous at the same time. Inside Voices, is sort of a culmination of the awkward situations I’ve found myself in over the years, somehow navigating through it all unscathed but none-the-less…some things can never be unseen!

6. If you could change three things about yourself, what would they be?
1) Write more everyday
2) Not worry so much about the future, and enjoy the moment (in progress)
3) Give myself those few extra inches of height, just to see what all the fuss is about 😉
You are also an actor.

7. What changes have you made in life, to help this career path?
I have been acting since before I started modeling, when I was a wee lad. Modeling sort of just happened in college, someone asked to take my picture in NYC, and I thought hey doors to be opened and I need money for textbooks!

8. What have you found the hardest part of this industry so far?
Really not letting other people’s bullshit and opinions completely stray you from your strongest asset; yourself. Criticism is essential to growth yes, but there’s a fine line between letting it rule you and making it work for you. At the end of the day, the unique qualities that make up you are going to help you book jobs!

9. What would be your ideal role, film to be part of?
I would kill to be in the new Star Wars movies are you kidding me! But I also love period pieces, where you can really get into character and travel to another place in time; Gangs of New York would’ve been a blast to film.

10. What advice would you give any aspiring actor?
Try to envision yourself in another career first. If you still always come back to acting, make yourself happy outside of it all; it’s now your job.