20qs
Nick Porrazzo
09.23.11
Twenty-two year old Nick Porrazzo is starring in Brad Pitt's upcoming film "Moneyball" out today. Porrazzo has been making his way through tryouts for semi-pro and pro baseball teams.
One day he received a call asking him to audition for one of the baseball players on the team owned by Brad Pitt's character. Porrazzo never acted before and was selected from more than 100 other baseball players for the role of former Oakland A’s major leaguer Jeremy Giambi. He is part of a cast of eight other players-turned actors for the starting lineup in Moneyball.
Porrazzo is from Lake Forest in OC.
1. Tell us what it was like to land your first acting job working with Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman?
It was an amazing experience that not too many people like me can say they were a part of. It will definitely be something I will never forget. It’s not every day that your first day on the job is with Brad Pitt!
2. Do you plan on pursuing an acting career from here, or will you stick with baseball?
I am still hoping to do both. I will continue with baseball and hopefully this movie opportunity will lead to others. After being on the set and experiencing it, I’m completely into film making now. I had absolutely no experience with acting when I started the film. After working with and being coached by Director Bennett Miller and his team, I realized that with practice, I could do it and I enjoyed it. There’s nothing quite like seeing your face on the big screen.
3. What was the first day on the set like? How nervous were you?
I was more excited than nervous and I had no idea how everything worked behind the scenes. I remember the first day on the set, I was in uniform on the field, taking some direction from the Director of the film and I heard someone walk up behind me and say, “Man, this is so cool.” I turned around and Brad Pitt was standing there three feet from me talking to some people. I don’t consider myself someone who gets star struck, but it hit me hard in that moment and I couldn’t believe I was on set for this film.
4. What's it really like on a movie set? I've heard there's a lot of downtime. What did you all do to keep busy?
There’s definitely a lot of downtime. Luckily, I had my own trailer to take naps in. Being on a movie set is incredible. But being on a movie set AND on a major league baseball field is even better. The cast and crew were amazing. Everyone always asks me what it was like to work with such a star-studded cast. They all made efforts to make us feel comfortable, despite their celebrity status. Brad Pitt was friendly and professional, but kept to himself a lot, which was understandable. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Jonah Hill spent lots of time hanging out and talking with us. They really made me feel at ease.
5. What’s your next major goal in life?
To either get picked up by a professional baseball team or land another movie role. I’m working both angles diligently now that this opportunity has come into my life.
6. Who had the biggest influence on your life?
Without a doubt, my parents. I’ve been very fortunate to have such influential and supportive parents who have been with me every step of the way.
7. Where's your favorite vacation spot?
I don’t travel much, but Las Vegas is always a good time.
8. What can’t you live without?
Earplugs. I hate hearing noise when I’m sleeping.
9. Last major purchase?
$200 jacket at Tommy Bahama when I found out I got the movie role.
10. Dumbest investment?
That same $200 jacket that I only wore a couple of times.
11. What’s your most prized possession?
My baseball glove.
12. Biggest accomplishment?
Without question, landing this movie role.
13. What's your biggest fear?
Heights.
14. What are your favorite eateries in OC?
I’m a pretty easy guy to please and am always up for The Cheesecake Factory or PF Chang’s.
15. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?
Probably manage a five star resort hotel.
16. Secret most people don’t know about you?
That I hate loud noises. I would much prefer to be in quiet places.
17. Your dream day?
A day all to myself to do whatever I felt like doing.
18. Your biggest extravagance?
I’m not a very extravagant person so I’m not really sure.
19. Last concert that you went to?
30 Seconds to Mars.
20. What was the best day in your life?
The day that I got the call that told me I would be in a major motion picture.
Blog
Rolling Back Prices at Balboa Fun Zone!
09.23.11
To celebrate the Balboa Fun Zone's 75th anniversary this Saturday, the nostalgic Newport Harbor tradition is rolling back its prices to 1936 levels.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 24, the fun zone will be offering carousel rides for five cents, ferris wheel rides for 10 cents, Harbor Cruise rides for 25 cents and admission to ExplorOcean/ Newport Harbor Nautical Museum for only five cents.
Besides spending a day in the sun for less than a dollar, be sure to check out the display of vintage Fords at the corner of Balboa Boulevard and Palm Avenue, a well as the live music, discounts on food and merchandise, free activities for children including model ooat building at the Nautical Museum and full beverage service and a special taco bar at the electric riverboat Angela Louise that will be docked near the ferris wheel.
This may be the last time you and your family can enjoy the historic carousel, which has stood on the island since the Balboa Fun Zone opened in 1936. The lease on the carousel expires on Sept. 30 and will not be renewed.
A raffle drawing to support Newport Elementary School in Balbooa will occur every half an hour and prizes include free boat rentals, Sea Doo rentals, Whale Watching cruis passes, gift certificates to Newport Landing and Harborside restaurants, Segway tour of the Balboa Peninsula for four, Balboa-themed artwork and much more.
The Balboa Fun Zone is located at 600 East Bay Avenue on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. Parking is available in municipal lots located next to the Balboa Pier. For more information, please visit www.TheBalboaFunZone.com.
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