Interview: Stephen Emirzian tells his life experiences at 24 Frames Per Second

Photo credit: Stephen Emirizian

Stephen Emirzian, a Hartford native actor, talks to Boceto Media about his first book, "Life At 24 Frames Per Second. A Memoir." Through his book, he narrates his experiences and struggles as a young aspiring actor in the 80's that led him to work in the media and communications industry later in his life. 

 

Emirzian is also a film producer that showcased "The Big Shot" in December 2019, making it a local success. Now, on the brink of starting his next book, "Operation: Guardian Angels," he gives us an outlook of what is coming up for 2021.

 

 

Mr. Emirzian, what motivated you to write your book?

For the last 15 years, I was thinking of writing a book about my career's 30 years of experience. During COVID-19, I lost both of my jobs. I wrote this book truly by memory beginning from the 80's through 2000 and so forth. I tried to remember the chronology. 

 

 

How different was life back in the '70s to today's norms?

When I was in high school, I was a poor timid boy. My family and I used to live in West Hartford, which was a completely different world. Back in the 70s–80s, when people didn't like you, they would call you names and bully you.

Although I was a white boy, I experience discrimination because I was poor. I was not prepared for the hatred and anti-Semitism. I saw bizarre things, but I tried to be friends with everybody. 

 

 

When did you decide to make your acting dreams real?

I started in the entertainment field right out of high school. I always wanted to be an actor, but I did not want to go to Hollywood. After high school, I applied to some acting schools in New York, and I got accepted. I lived there for two years. I didn't have any money, but I had a dream. The only person I knew there was my aunt. I worked many jobs, mostly in the stock market; I would go to auditions in between. After my time there, I returned to Connecticut and completed my degree in communications and film studies at CCSU.

Photo credit: Stephen Emirzian

 

What would you tell new aspiring actors?

I remember I used to make $50 as an extra for a TV show, but it wasn't about the money; it was about love for this career.  To anyone starting in the entertainment field I would tell volunteer on any acting project, that is very important. In my experience, every time that I volunteered, I ended up with a job. In the old days, if you wanted a job, you had to prove yourself. 

Also, in this business, you cannot take things personally. Maybe a director is looking for something specific, like someone not too tall or young, or they want someone from a particular ethnic group. So, don't take things personally. Just know who you are, and if you know that you are good at what you do, keep believing in yourself, and have a good support system like your family or friends. 

Has the pandemic affected any of your projects?

Yes. At the beginning of the year, I was talking with people in Hollywood. We had so many plans, but the pandemic stopped everything. I think it will take at least a year to go back to normal. 

 

What is your opinion of digital media?

I think digital media is excellent. Ten years ago, it was hard to publish a book, but it's very easy today with Amazon Prime. For instance, I am writing another book called "Operation: Guardian Angels." It is a pilot script based on WWII. The story is about Hitler getting his power because he is part of a cult. 

Photo credit: Stephen Emirzian

What were some of the challenges that you overcome while writing your book?

The last chapter of my book deals with my comedy sitcom, "The Big Shot." While in the process of making the movie, I took different roles, from being the writer and producer to directing and acting. Due to the high stress, I got sick. My children brought me to the hospital, and the doctor told me I had a mini-stroke. I was told that I had to make some changes, so when I got home, I started to work on my book because you never know what could happen tomorrow. 

 

What inspires you to continue moving forward?

My late sister, who died of cancer at the age of 40, inspires me every day. She used to come with me to auditions and things like that. Before she died, she was working on channel 3. We had a good time in the '90s trying to do TV, and we learned a lot. 

 

 

How do you want people to remember you?

I want people to remember me as a hard-working guy and that even though Connecticut is not Hollywood, I tried to do Hollywood production here. Don't wait until tomorrow for what you can do today.

Do you want more stories in English or Spanish? Send me a message bocetomediamc@gmail.com

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