Date: January 28, 2012
Source: Biz Books

Aleks Paunovic plays the intense title role in Pacific Theatre’s production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. Aleks spoke with us about how the words of John Patrick Shanley and the guidance of Larry Moss and Lori Triolo led him into Danny’s world and brought out one of his most challenging performances.

What was were the elements that drew you to be part of this production?
I was studying with my mentor Larry Moss and did a scene from Danny. I connected to Danny in such a colossal way that I wanted to know more about it and tell his story. I approached Jason Goode, our director, after we worked together on a short film he directed me in and the seed was planted. I was quite scared of the play and the role. Four years later, Jason and I reluctantly and excitedly dove into the deep end. [Read more...]

North End product making splash in Hollywood, Vancouver

By: Rob Brown
Date: April 29, 2010
Source:Winnipeg Free Press

Actor Aleks Paunovic from Winnipeg's North End has found success on the big and small screen. Below left, he gained 65 lbs. for a role in the Ashton Kutcher film Personal Effects, while above, he appears at his more regular weight in the short film The Hostage.

A North End raised actor is making his mark on the silver screen and TV with roles in such projects as I Spy, Human Target, Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, Supernatural and Stargate SG-1.

Aleks Paunovic’s first break into the world of acting reads like something out of a Hollywood script.

“I was playing in a band on stage and got asked to audition for a role by a casting director,” said the 40-year-old actor.

The role was a minor part in the 1993 HBO film Heads starring Jon Cryer and Jennifer Tilly.

“It was for one line ‘built for comfort.’ That was it,” he said, adding he felt no pressure during his first the audition.

“The experience was so new to me, that’s likely why I got the role.”

It wasn’t long before Paunovic relocated from Winnipeg to Vancouver to be closer to both the Canadian and Hollywood film industries.

In addition to his onscreen work, he also found initial success doing stunts. However it was not long before he looked to jettison stunts from his resume.

“I wanted to understand the craft of acting and teachers and acting coaches helped me with this,” he says, noting University of Winnipeg theatre instructor Rick Skene was an early influence. [Read more...]