ANDREW GILLINGS

ANDREW GILLINGS

Andrew Gillings, 2007

Andrew Gillings hoped to achieve his fame and fortune by working for the last eight years as the Research Chief for various magazines such as Vibe, Premiere, Us Weekly, Maxim and, most recently, as a freelance researcher at T - The New York Times Style Magazine. When he realized that he was on the verge of a life deferred, he decided to find his truth and began to devote himself to his lifelong dream of being a successful actor. He has shot the indie films, Shut Up & Do It and Dirty Salsa, appeared in several commercial print ads, and has gone on more auditions than there are days in a leap year. He has studied at the Donna Mazzarro, Stella Adler, and Michael Howard studios, Upright Citizen's Brigade, and with several private teachers on commercial, on-camera, and soap opera technique. He comes armed with a disarming personality (his smile is like butter), some hip-hop and club moves (oh yes, I think he can do the macarena!), a passable Jamaican accent (he was born and raised there afterall), and a valid passport (you buy, he'll fly). Currently, Andrew can be seen in his own production of Life: How Am I Gonna Make You Cast Me? and trying to book as many jobs on feature films, indies, episodics, soaps, sitcoms, and commercials as possible.

Name: Andrew Antonio St. Aubyn Gillings, but I go by Andrew Gillings for short and Drew (but only if you're nasty)
Profession: Fledgling Actor
City of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
Tell us about your current project:
Auditioning and trying to get auditions and book some commercials, print ads, soaps, indie films, and tv work. And, starting an acting class soon with a private teacher—a little bit Stanislavsky, a little bit Meisner, and a whole lot of me.
What is your current obsession?
Acquiring a lot of money so that I can pursue my one and only dream: acting. And, honing my craft (in all its scary and exciting permutations). And, of course, Bottega Veneta. Can I get a bag and some accessories please??????????
Where do you find your inspiration?
From my friends...they really do inspire me. And, from really great books, tv and film, and in my dreams, after a tipple, or 2, or 10.
What’s the one thing that everyone must know about you?
That Will Smith has somehow stolen my life (except for The Legend of Bagger Vance, woof!!!). And that, because of a hernia operation when I was a child, I don't have a belly button (no inni, no outtie). Actually, what I have is basically a big space where it should be (it really just looks like a broad scar)...I love it; when I get my body back (along with my lovely washboard abs) from Senor Smith, I'll show it to whoever wants to see it.
Who do you love?
More than anyone else, my mom. She's pretty amazing.
What was your biggest fork in the road?
I'm at it right now. I quit my high-paying job a year ago to pursue a dream that I've had forever.
What was your biggest break?
As an actor, my biggest break will come when I book my first episodic or my first film or a series of commercials.
In the meantime, I break from reality quite often; I am an Aquarius after all.
What’s your favorite libation?
Jack and Ginger.
What do you do everyday without fail?
Make a “to do” list. I'm kind of anal about it.
Are you addicted to anything? Anyone?
Shopping. I want to do it all the time. I want to do it now. I might actually be doing it now and not even know it.  Oh, and sugar. If you brush up against my fat ass, you'll swipe off a little bit of sugar. (Insert jokes here)
Do you recycle? And if so, what?
If by recycle you mean going to the ATM and withdrawing money that other people have used, then yes, I recycle.
What are you reading right now?
I just finished Octavia Butler's Wild Seed. It's the best book ever (and, actually, my favorite of all time), and she really is the most inspiring and colorful and amazing writer.
What’s your favorite website?
www.imdb.com (It's a movie database). I can't wait for the day when I have credits up on there.
Surrealism or op art?
Neither really. I think facets of both actually feed some kind of perverse, self-congratulatory frenzy that many artists and people who buy art need. But, my favorite artist of all time is Modigliani. I actually want someone to do me Modi style (no joke)...
Mondrian or Man Ray?
This one has me stumped. And, I think it's because I have failed to live. (Please refer to the question about "my current obsession"–falls under the same rubric).
Who are your currently channeling?
No one in particular: starving artist = so unsexy!!!
PVC or canvas?
Canvas ala Prada.
Pharmaceutical of choice?
Snickers. Food is my form of cutting.
Fresh squeezed or concentrate?
It's only good if it's squeezed fresh (double entendre intended). Dilution makes us all lazy.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home from work?
Sit on my floor and breathe.
New talent of choice?
There are so many things that I want to add to my repertoire: singing, guitar, shooting of firearms, dance….can I get a sponsor please????????? Now, if this question means what talented person I'm feeling now, I'd have to say Amy Winehouse and John Currin. Can I please own at least one of his pieces?

Drew #1

Drew #2

Drew #3