New York resident Steve Stanulis is a man of many traits. From growing up as both a Chippendales dancer and with the NYPD, Steve has had his share of experiences.
These days, Steve is acting, producing and directing in countless films out of Hollywood and showing the industry that a down-to-earth New Yorker can make it in the crazy entertainment industry.
The Levity Ball sat down with Steve here in New York to discuss his career and find out what’s to come…
1. When did you first know you wanted to work in the entertainment industry?
Funny, but I never had aspirations to be in the entertainment industry. I started working security when I was still with the NYPD for some a-list actors and the acting thing kind of fell into my lap.
2. Living in New York City, but working lots in California, which coast do you prefer?
As much as I love the west coast I truly am a east coast person through and through. I was born and raised in New York and love the reality of it when I come home.
3. Your current film Long Shot Louie is out now on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes Demand… tell us about the film and its meaning to you?
Long Shot Louie was based on my time as a Chippendales dancer and the environment in which I worked and the surrounding people. When I first started there was a dancer there who was a featured act. Great looking guy, phenomenal dancer, and had it all… Every girl in the club wanted to go home with him. But I noticed that as much as he made money wise, he spent just as much on drugs, and had a mentality that eventually he’ll make it up. As time went on he got trapped in this world and like everyone else started getting older and had nothing to fall back on. This film touches on all those aspects.
4. What did your experience as a Chippendales dancer teach you (besides new dance moves)?
That’s funny. It taught me that girls are nuts by themselves and none of them could ever be trusted hahaha. It taught me no matter how much fun and how much money or how much you can get laid, that nothing lasts forever and to appreciate what you have everyday.
5. Who is your role model?
My role model is slightly different than probably anyone else’s. My role models are people who wake up everyday, sometimes to a job they might not like or pay fair wages, but do whatever they have to do to support their families – that is a true role model.
6. You also have a role in the upcoming film The Networker, Netflix series The Fifth Borough and you are directing a Sony picture, Legends of Freestyle – how do you have time for everything?
I make time! I enjoy being busy and in fact, I get depressed on a day the phone is quiet.
7. If you had to pick, do you like acting or directing more?
I have to honestly say I have no preference. I love acting, directing and producing. If the project is something I truly believe in and I can be a part of it in any one of those facets, I’m in.
8. What is your advice to others wanting to get into producing, directing and acting in Hollywood?
My advice is be proactive and don’t be one of those actors that sits by the phone waiting for your agent to call. Make yourself indispensable. Go out and create something. Pound pavement everyday and good things will come your way.
9. Besides industry-related items, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Since my spare to is a bit limited these days being a Daddy of a four year old and two year old twins, I love to spend as much time with them as possible. Time goes by so fast and I don’t want to miss a thing with them.
10. Where do you see yourself and career in five years from now?
I definitely see myself continuing to grow in this industry and continue to learn and be humble. Hopefully my career will keep ascending wherever that may be.
