[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”26901″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Stepping up to the plate in the upcoming controversial and highly comedic MLB documentary, SCREWBALL, brothers Bryan and Jonathan Blanco are the real MVP’s in their breakthrough roles that captivated audiences at the Toronto Film Festival. Now, the boys plan to knock it out of the park as the film gears towards the theatrical release in April.
Director Billy Corben (“Dawg Fight”) delivers yet another thought-provoking comedy documentary, which premiered with rave reviews. Based on the historical events surrounding doping in the MLB, SCREWBALL offers a new version of the scandal that rocked South Florida and the world in 2014. Referred to as a cross between “The Little Rascals” and “The Thin Blue Line,” Corben delivers a child-cast “Drunk History-style,” recreation told from the perspective of Anthony Bosch (portrayed by Bryan Blanco), the owner of the Biogenesis clinic at the center of the scandal. Jonathan Blanco stars as Pete Carbone, Bosch’s friend from long Island, who allegedly acted as a middleman and suggested leaking the files.
Check also Jonathan’s Interview here!
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26902″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Describe yourself in 3 words?
Artistic, observant, perfectionist.
Why and how did you get started in acting?
My brother started acting first. I didn’t really want to at first because I was so shy, but sometimes, I would be asked to do extra work on his jobs. Then one day, I was at one of his sets and saw craft services filled with chips and candy. When my mom told me it was only for people who were working, I told her I was ready to go into acting! Being on set always makes me feel so happy even when the days are long and I’m tired.
What did your family say when you guys wanted to be in the acting business?
My family encouraged it. My parents are very supportive in us doing anything we want to do as long we put the work in. They remind me all the time that school comes first, but after that, are very happy to see me doing something that makes me happy.
What roles do you like to play? And why?
I like to mainly play comedy roles just because of so many inspiring comedians, but I have a soft spot for serious, heart wrenching roles, too. I like the serious roles because I can put a lot of emotion into them.
Tell us about highly comedic MLB documentary “SCREWBALL,” and your roles as Anthony Bosch and Pete Carbone?
Screwball is a hilarious documentary, as you know, about the drug scandal in MLB that took place in the 2000s. Dr. Tony Bosch is the “Mastermind”, as he likes to call himself, of the whole operation. The director used child actors dressed as adults to reenact the scenes.
Are you guys Baseball fans?
Our family is a huge baseball family. My grandpa played in Cuba and then grew up right near Yankee Stadium. My dad played his entire childhood through high school. We are Marlins fans, because we are from Miami, but it’s hard to be a baseball fan in this city.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Work hard, train hard and be prepared for when opportunities come your way. Pay attention to everything. You never know when something you observed could help you in one of the roles you’re auditioning for.
What other projects have you been part of?
Here in Miami there isn’t as much film and TV work as there used to be, so my brother and I have worked mainly on commercials. I’m big in the car commercial genre. And right now, I am performing in my first theater production through Miami New Drama. It has been very cool to learn about and originate a role and see how different the whole theater process is to commercial and film.
Best advice ever given?
“You miss every shot you don’t take.”
What’s your favorite show on T.V. right now?
Well I have three: The Neighborhood with Cedric the Entertainer, God Friended Me, and Ellen’s Game of Games.
What do you do when you have some free time?
I’m 11. So, I play video games if I have free time. But I also love to draw.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to visit Greece, go skydiving when I’m old enough, go to Japan…there’s so many I can think of, I might just have to write down an actual list!
How would your best friend describe you?
I think they’d say I was funny, loyal and stubborn.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Wake up with my mom’s French toast with extra powdered sugar, lay in bed with my puppy Sir Rocco Corleone, play video games or football with the neighbors, and enjoy not having to go to school!
What’s next for the Blanco brothers in 2019?
Well currently, I am in the world premiere of a play, written by Billy Corben (the director of Screwball) and Aurin Squire (who also wrote for This is Us) called Confessions of a Cocaine Cowboy and I am getting to learn so much from the other actors in the play and the theater process. I’m working hard and hope this year brings another movie and TV work.
Something people don’t know about you?
I’m super shy. People who knew me before the age of 7 would know this, but I’ve gotten better at faking it a little as I have gotten older.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To be at peace with yourself and with those you love.
What music do you like?
Mostly 80s and 90s rap but also music that my parents like, like the Bee Gees.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet my grandpa’s parents. I’ve always wanted to know the background of their life in Cuba and living in the Bronx. And my mom’s grandpa because she always gets so happy when she talks about him, so I know he had to be a great person.
How important is Social Media for you?
I have a lot of fun on my Instagram. I love connecting with other people through social media, but I also know it can be dangerous, so I’m learning the balance.
Where we can follow you?
On Instagram @thebmanbry
Do you support any charity or have any philanthropic interests?
Yes, like my brother, this past year, I was also able to get involved in The Breanna Vergara Foundation. We live in a small, close community and her mom is a school teacher in my old school. Breanna was an athlete like us, trained hard like us and you wouldn’t think someone with so much energy and stamina would have a deadly heart condition. Bringing awareness to that and providing free EKGs for kids to help detect a possible heart condition matters.
Song: How Deep is your Love by the Bee Gees.
Travel destination: I really want to go to Greece. Some favorite places I’ve already been to are Cancun, New York City and Santiago, Chile.
Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Central Intelligence and Grease.
Actor/Actress: Emma Watson and Kevin Hart.
Sports team: The Miami Heat. I mostly like individual players and it makes me sad when they get traded, so it’s hard to follow a team. I do like the Arizona Cardinals, even though my dad is a huge Miami Dolphins fan and my mom is a New York Giants fan.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Carolina Martinez[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
