Leland Mergillano is not your average teenager. Balancing a diverse career across film, theatre, voiceover, and music, Leland’s passion and dedication to his craft have set him apart as a rising star in the entertainment industry. From his early days in theatre to his transition into film and voiceover work, Leland has continuously evolved as an artist, bringing a distinctive voice and energy to each role he tackles. In this interview, we delve into his journey, challenges, and what drives him as a young, multifaceted talent.
HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS LELAND MERGILLANO IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
Thank you so much for having me! I’m Leland Mergillano and I’m a teen actor on screen, theatre, Voiceover, and a musician. I’d say I’m just a teenager doing what I love todo.
YOU HAVE SUCH A DIVERSE BACKGROUND IN FILM, THEATRE, VOICEOVER, AND MUSIC. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR TIME AND ENERGY ACROSS THESE DIFFERENT MEDIUMS?
I try and stay organized by creating deadlines and a separate schedule for my career.Making a schedule and deadline helps me work around plans that may conflict with my school.
STARTING YOUR ACTING JOURNEY AT A YOUNG AGE IN THEATRE, HOW HAS YOUR APPROACH TO ACTING EVOLVED AS YOU’VE TRANSITIONED INTO FILM AND VOICEOVER WORK?
Being that music has been instilled in me since I was a baby, the arts have always been a part of my life. During quarantine, when all the theaters were closed, I would bingewatch shows on TV. It was inspiring seeing the actors on screen and decided to try film acting. Ever since then, I’ve been enjoying every opportunity, it has been amazing.
YOUR DISTINCTIVE VOICE HAS BECOME A MEMORABLE ASPECT OF YOUR PERFORMANCES. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR VOICEOVER ROLES COMPARED TO ON-SCREEN OR STAGE ROLES?
Voiceover is a mix of both. On screen acting is more realistic, while theatrical acting is more bold and animated. Depending on the voice role, I apply both aspects to the craft and try to stay hydrated, so my voice doesn’t get raspy during a take!
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING ROLE YOU’VE PLAYED AND HOW YOU APPROACHED IT?
My first time being a lead was a new experience. I made sure to study my characterprior to the shoot, and putting yourself into your characters shoes helps a ton.
ASIDE FROM ACTING, YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR MUSIC AND PLAY SEVERAL INSTRUMENTS. HOW DOES YOUR MUSICAL TALENT INFLUENCE YOUR ACTING, IF AT ALL?
Ever since I was a baby, music has been instilled in me. My mom is a piano player and has played classical music close to me since I was born. I grew up with it, so my love for it comes from early childhood. Music had a significant impact on my acting career by teaching me the importance of precision and attention to detail in reading notes, which translates to memorizing scripts and delivering lines.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I Love to cook! And whenever I do, I listen to Ratatouille ambience music. Non surprisingly, it helps me cook!
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS/ROLES YOU CAN TALK ABOUT?
I will be starring in a short film in Colorado called “A Little Lift”! I’m looking veryforward to shooting it alongside some talented costars.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
You can find me on my website lelandmergillano.com, IMDb @Leland Mergillano, and my Instagram @leland.mergillano
Thank you for your time and thank you again for having me!
