The mesh of sound and cinema: Alessio Scalzotto in the spectrum of acting and music
Photography: Milo Lee / milolee11
Words: Claudia Brizzi / claude______
Copywriting: Matthew Burgos / itsmatthewburgos
Young, talented and with Italian origins, Alessio Scalzotto / therealzotto is an American actor who loves to compose music as "zotto". From his debut as a young Picasso in the acclaimed TV series Genius to the latest film A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting just released on Netflix, at just 18 years old, he is already an international star.
The success came thanks to Rim of the World, which became one of the most popular films in the UK. In addition to acting, Alessio writes and produces his songs. His latest album? "Stop Looking at the Cameras".
Curious to discover his secret? We will reveal it to you at the end of the interview!
At only 17 years old you are already a successful actor, had you imagined reaching this popularity in such a short time?
No, not at all. After Rim of the World came out everything changed in a good way. My Instagram blew up overnight and I started getting recognized. It’s kind of different but it’s good because people enjoyed the movie.
Many young people see you as a source of inspiration. How does it make you feel? What makes you different from other kids your age?
I hope that people will be inspired by my music because it comes from me, from real experiences. I don’t believe I’m different from anyone else, I think we are all the same and that’s what I hope people see is that I’m a real person just living it in a public light.
”A Babysitter's Guide To Monster Hunting” was released on Netflix on October 15. Why should everyone see it? Do you like the trilogy of books on which the film is based?
This is a great family movie that has been released just in time for Halloween. It’s good for all ages; it’s scary, but funny and action packed. I have only read the first two and they are both really good.
In this film you worked alongside the famous Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter, tell us what it was like to work with Tom Felton.
Tom Felton, is an amazing actor. Even at the table read you could tell his character was going to be amazing. We were lucky to have him on the cast.
Do you think you have something in common with the character you played in the film?
I do. He is a young high school student looking to have fun and getting to know new people.
How did you prepare to play your roles?
I found that most of my inspiration comes once I’m on set and I’m interacting with the other actors playing their roles. It’s important that we feed off each others personalities and interpretation of the characters.
In addition to being an actor, you recorded some songs and were recognized as Zotto. Cinema or music: do you prefer to be called an actor or a singer?
Neither. I’m Alessio, and I make music and I act. I write my own songs and produce them, and that entails more than just singing songs. There is a lot of work behind each one.
When did you realize you wanted to become an artist?
I was about 12 when I started with both acting and music.
On your Instagram profile you have published a few posts, what is your relationship with social media?
I think social media is a great tool to share your content with people who might like it. I also, on the other hand, think it’s important for people especially in my generation to not focus too much on it. It’s important to use it the right way. My new album is actually called “Stop Looking at the Cameras”.
Do you think they could be useful to promote your music? Which of your songs has meant more to you and why?
They all have the same amount of meaningfulness to them. I actually cannot choose one because they are all experiences and thoughts that I have.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Usher.
In an interview you said that in Italy you played soccer. If you had not become an artist, would you have wanted to be a footballer?
Yes, I would have loved to play for Inter Milan.
Many American actors and singers have Italian origins like you. Have these origins influenced your artistic path?
I think growing up in Italy has given me a different perspective on a lot of things. I enjoy simple things. I realize how important family is. My dad is also a musician, I think I got some of that from him as well.
Tell us a secret that nobody knows.
I am careful when it comes to who I let close to me. It takes a lot to earn my trust. Fun fact: my eyes are 2 different colors brown and black. You can’t really tell unless you really look.
