Ten year-old Sofia Barino recently shot a promo for the summer blockbuster White House Down, starring Channing Tatum. She also shot a green-screen spot and performed in Portuguese–all at the same time! We can’t say we’re surprised this 3-2-1- Acting school student stars in a White House Down promo. Sofia Barino is a remarkable, versatile talent, and we’re delighted by her success!
Sofia Barino speaks Portuguese and shoots with green screen to star in a White House Downs promo for the summer blockbuster starring Channing Tatum.
The 3-2-1- Acting Studios student from La Crescenta thought she’d like to direct when she first tried a free trial class in Children’s TV/Film Acting & Modeling at 3-2-1- Acting Studios in Los Angeles. Sofia quickly advanced through our signature Acting Career Seminar and Showcase to perform for top Hollywood agents and managers. She signed representation, and now Sofia is auditioning and booking work as a professional actress. Sofia, congratulations! Tell us a little about what you’ve been up to.
S: Well, I’ve been doing many auditions. I recently got a new agent, and I actually had my first audition today, which was really fun. It was with sports, so I got to do a couple of drills. There were a lot of nice people there, and I had a lot of fun.
It is important to enjoy the process of getting there and reaching your goals. Speaking of getting there, I understand you were cast on your very first audition after you Showcased here at 3-2-1-. What was that first audition like for the White House Down promo spot?
S: The audition? I was really nervous because it was my first and I didn’t really know what to expect. But the man behind the camera was really nice. I actually did really well, and my dad definitely encouraged me to try my hardest. I had a lot of lines. I had to do them in Portuguese, so it was a little bit of a challenge, but I had fun with it.
Wow! Do you speak Portuguese?
S: Yeah. I speak fluently, I hope. (laughs) I had the lines before the audition. So, my dad got a call and told me I got the job.
Fantastic! Tell us a little about your on-set experience for the shoot. What was that like?
S: The shoot was really fun. Again there were a lot of nice people on the set. There were lines right in front of me, and the teacher was really nice to explain what I had to do. I put on a little make-up and did my hair a little bit. It was a very fun experience.
Was that your first time working with cue-cards on an active set?
S: Yeah. It was really easy. I didn’t have to memorize it really. It was really fun. It was a little different. And my dad was there just to make sure I didn’t make any other mistakes. So, he helps me a lot.
Yes, helpful parents are a wonderful resources in life and on set. And since your dad Carlos also speaks Portuguese fluently, it sounds like you were in great hands! Was it a weekday shoot?
S: It was a half-day. So, I had a lot of fun. It was good. It was right after school, so that was pretty convenient. And yeah, I just got lucky.
You mentioned hair and make-up. What about wardrobe?
S: I brought my own clothes, but I guess they liked what I wore, so I just wore that.
What was it like shooting with a green screen?
S: It was actually pretty cool, because I go on the Universal tours and there was a bunch of green screens there. So I thought it was really fun.
Did you get to see any of your footage?
S: Oh, yeah, yeah! I saw the video, and I really liked it. And I had to smile a lot, so my mouth was pretty sore. (laughs) But it was fun.
The promo you shot is a digital online spot for the summer blockbuster film White House Down starring Tatum Channing and Jamie Foxx, which is scheduled to be released on June 28. What did you do for the shoot (besides speak Portuguese)?
S: It was like I had to interview a person. I had to ask a lot of questions and say the right answers. It was actually really hard. I managed to do it.
Do you know who you were talking to for the spot?
S: I was interviewing somebody’s daughter. Something like that. But she wasn’t there. It was just recorded, and it’s probably going to be edited a little.
I can’t wait to see it when it’s available online, which will be closer to the release date! I hope it will be subtitled. I don’t think I can learn Portuguese by June. Sofia, what got you started in acting?
S: Well, I saw the new Tim Burton exhibit, and I really liked it. His style, I got really interested in it. I guess I’ve always wanted to be a movie director. But then we went to the Farmer’s Market and we saw this opportunity.
The opportunity to take a free acting class at 3-2-1- Acting Studios?
S: So I just wanted to see how it went, the classes, and I ended up doing Showcase.
You’re a wonderful addition to 3-2-1-! We’re so glad to have you here. Are you still interested in pursuing many levels of film-making?
S: I think acting is probably what I’m going to do. But I’m still interested in movie directing.
What would you tell kids who’ve never been here to 3-2-1- about our acting classes?
S: I’d say they should totally do it! It’s so fun. You have a great time. The teachers are so nice. It’s really fun just shooting, and I just love it there. It’s so cool.
Do you have any advice for other kids or teens who might want to become professional actors and do what you’re doing now?
S: What I’d say is that you should practice your lines, and have fun with it. Really, that’s it.
Great advice! Sofia Barino is represented by Lynn Eriks of Howard Talent West. We look forward to hearing more about Sofia’s successes and sharing them here!
If you’re like Sofia and interested in directing, acting classes offer a whole new perspective on what goes into putting commercials, television shows and films together. Try a complimentary free trial acting class here at 3-2-1- Acting Studios in Los Angeles to see if acting itself is a good fit for you. We provide acting classes for kids, teens and young adults specialized by age group and always a terrific time!