Hailing from Melbourne in Austrailian Zion Das is an actor, and model who enjoys performing for film and television. A recent graduate of iPOP!, the world’s leader in the talent development and consulting space, Zion has trained under the guidance of Robert Vito (Spy Kids 3), and Connor Weil (Disney’s: KC Undercover), where he scooped up the monologue award in acting.
Since starting his career, Zion has filmed national commercials including WeSwim for Royal Life Savings Australia at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Surfers Paradise, Australia and Toys R’ Us in Melbourne, Australia.
We caught up with Zion to discuss working on the documentary for ASRC (Asylum Seekers Resource Centre) and a Toys R Us commercial in Australia.
WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER, ZION DAS! CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL YOUR WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT TOOK YOU INTO THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT?
As a younger kid, I loved talking, not only to kids my age, but also to those younger and older than me, especially adults. I always wanted to be an active participant in anything and everything happening around me, be it a conversation, a heated debate, exploring ideas to solve a problem, hatching a mischievous plan, whatever. I have been pushed onto the stage for extempore speeches, be a judge at Church during Easter for dads to tell dad jokes, sing a song at a gathering, and so on.
From my childhood I didn’t have any stage fright. In fact, I used to quite enjoy it when people around me gave me importance and wanted me to perform on stage while other kids around me were extremely reluctant. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the claps, the noise and the appreciation from the audience, and I started becoming confident that I must be quite good on stage. Since I enjoyed performing so much, I made it my business, not only to memorize my lines, but also those of my fellow actors/actresses. My teachers in school and the creative team at Church loved me for that.
My parents spotted my qualities and started encouraging and motivating me to excel in things that I am good at. They always wanted me to utilize my strengths and follow my dreams. I started dreaming that one day I will become a very popular actor, have a great following, and utilize my popularity to bring the word of god to millions that desperately need it.
WE LOVE THAT! TELL US ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY FOR ASRC (ASYLUM SEEKERS RESOURCE CENTRE)
Yes, so people who came to this beautiful country Australia searching for safety and freedom, for themselves and their families, are constantly being denied basic human needs such as food and healthcare, forcing them to endure uncertainty, adversity, homelessness, physical and mental illness. The current cost of living crisis significantly adds to the sting.
As part of their ongoing appeal to help support the above cause, ASRC (Asylum Seekers Resource Centre), a not-for-profit organization launched a documentary that highlights the incredible resilience of the young adults of the Asylum Seeker Community in the face of all adversities.
The story follows Aaliyah, a nineteen year old young refugee who has lived in Australia most of her life, been educated there and barely remembers her birth country. She just wants a chance to realize her potential and call Australia home for good. She studies full time, works odd jobs and single-handedly supports her family that includes her mother, 13-year-old brother Yashe and 8-year-old sister Inzali. She aspires to become a psychologist so that she could take care of many more people like her mother who is suffering from mental illness and depression caused by ongoing hardship.
WHAT CHARACTER DO YOU PLAY IN THE FILM?
In this documentary, I play the role of the 13-year-old brother Yashe who’s calm but vibrant, loves to play soccer, and is in with his sister in this battle advocating CHANGE.
YOU ARE ALSO IN A TOYS R US COMMERICIAL, WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT?
So much fun! The story follows Jeffrey the Giraffe (Toys R’ Us Mascot) who arrives in Melbourne, Australia. Sophia is showing him around Melbourne. They get to Flinders Street Station, which is the oldest railway station in Down Under. At the end she takes Jeffrey to the Dream City to meet her few friends and play along.
I play one of the characters that gets to play with Legos – what could be better?!
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION OR SCENE STUDY?
First, I try to understand the nature of the character role from the script provided. I try to understand the environment as mentioned in the script and try to explore if I could create something similar in my home studio. I then stop to figure out if I need any one at home to play a supporting role for my audition. I check whether I have the equipment and the technology required for creating the audio/video for the audition. Before the recording, I spend some time getting myself into the character/role I’m supposed to play for the audition.
WHICH ACTORS AND DIRECTORS WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN FUTURE?
My list is endless, but off the top of my head I would say, David Schneider, Steven Spielberg, David H. Steinberg, Mindy Kaling, Meg DeLoatch, Jack Black, Ariana Grande, Dallas Jenkins, Neil Patrick Harris, Freddie Highmore, Avan Jogia, Jonathan Roumie, Paras Patel, Tia Mowry, Cameron J. Wright.
HAVE YOU SET ANY FUTURE GOALS TO ACHIEVE?
Yes! Short term goals are to land a heap of significant projects in the Aussie entertainment industry, and my long term goals are to make it big in Hollywood like Leonardo DiCaprio.
HOW CAN WE FOLLOW YOUR JOURNEY TO STARDOM?
I am on Instagram @zion_das_2013, and IMDb.
