IN CONVERSATION WITH FRANCO MASINI

Interview by Marie-Pauline Cesari

Actor and singer Franco Masini has firmly established himself as one of the main exponents of his generation. In 2021, he was one of the protagonists of Netflix’s original series ‘Rebelde.’ Currently, Franco captivates Spanish hearts in Netflix’s series ‘In Love All Over Again’ and alongside Alejandro Speitzer in the drama ‘Straight.’

Your career started at a young age. What drew you to the world of acting and cinema at such a young age?

Yes, I started when I was 13 years old, acting in plays at school until my teacher offered me the opportunity to perform in Shakespeare’s Richard III at an already professional theater for 3 months, and that’s when I began. A year later, almost as if by magic, my first television job at Disney Channel came about.

Have there been any iconic cinematic figures or actors who have inspired you in a particular way?

One of the actors who inspired me a lot as a child was Jack Nicholson. I followed him in all his films and admired the type of decisions he made.

You’ve had a diverse career in film, theater, and television. Is there a particular medium you find most challenging or rewarding, and why?

I think that all three mediums are incredible, and as an actor, you try to give yourself the luxury of experiencing all of them. There is nothing more beautiful than being able to make a movie and a play in the same year, as was the case in my 2023 – the art of cinema is unique.

Reflecting on 2023, what are some of your fondest memories or achievements in your career from that year? Is there any particular project that stands out as a milestone for you?

Looking back, 2023 was a year of significant growth. ‘In Love All Over Again’ premiered on Netflix, marking my first series in Spain. I also performed a one-man show for the first time in a theater, where I was alone, and it did very well – ‘Every Brilliant Thing,’ a drama lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, where I am alone on the stage without scenery, was a very nice challenge. To cap it off, I starred in the movie ‘The Return’ in Argentina, Italy, and Spain.

Your role in ‘Netflix’s ‘In Love All Over Again’ has captured the hearts of Spanish audiences. Can you share some insights into your character and what drew you to this particular project with Carlos Montero?

The character of Julio was very interesting because everything that was bright was dark, and as an actor, I was able to play those two extremes in the character. A character with many insecurities, internal conflicts, but who was very lucky, and life was putting him in places he never imagined and in a profession he never expected. Working with Carlos was great; he has a lot of experience, and this was his first project from the production company El Disorder. It was a fantastic collaboration between producers and actors. Initially, they couldn’t find the actor, as they had thought he would be Spanish, and here I am, ending up doing it! Ha ha! So very happy and grateful.

Your film ‘Straight’ explores an important LGBTQ+ story. How do you see the role of cinema in promoting diversity and inclusivity, and why specifically were you drawn to this project?

I feel that it is important in cinema to create content that leaves the audience thinking. ‘Straight’ makes you ponder modern relationships from a very open perspective. My profile was very similar to that of the character, and Alejandro already knew me. He had played the character in the theater and believed that I would be perfect for it. He approached the producers and directors with this idea, and they decided that it should be me. We became friends, and we achieved a very nice chemistry in the movie.

‘The Return’ is your upcoming film, which you just shot in Spain and Italy. Can you give us a glimpse into your character and the storyline? What challenges and joys did you experience while filming it?

Filming ‘The Return’ was an incredible and challenging experience. It took almost 8 months between rehearsals and preparations. The character is mentally very complex, and the film touches on a difficult topic like religion. Additionally, I had to prepare myself physically by losing weight and letting my hair and beard grow for months. Filming in Italy was also a great experience. The rest of the cast includes Luis Gnecco, Miriam Giovanelli, Juanjo Puig Corvet from Spain.

Looking ahead to 2024, do you have any resolutions or goals for your career that you’d like to achieve?

In 2024, I have some projects that challenge me a lot, and that is what I am looking for. I still can’t reveal much, but I am very happy about my involvement in both audiovisual and theater. Also, in the second semester, ‘The Return’ will premiere, and ‘Straight’ will be released in Mexico.

talent FRANCO MASINI @francomasini
creative director & fashion editor ALEJANDRO MUNOZ @alejandromunoz
photography SERGIO GONZÁLEZ @sergiognzalez
grooming OMAR GHARBAWY @omar_el_gharbawy using @yslbeauty for Makeup & @balmainhair
produced by GSG @Gsgproducciones
editor TIMI LETONJA @timiletonja
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI @itsjustmp