So here's something different: We're chatting today with Matthew Kotso, the Tampa teen cast in one of the lead roles for Monsters at Large. He's 16, and that gives us a little bit of a different perspective on acting. Here's what he has to say; Monsters at Large looks like the G-version of Ghostbusters, and it's available now wherever you stream videos. (Editor's note: Could someone please buy this guy a Cappy's pizza?)
How did you find out about this role?
My agent submitted me and I sent in a taped audition because I was out of town.
What was the biggest challenge to working on this film?
I would say wrapping on the final day because I had so much fun working with all the cast and crew. It was hard to say goodbye.
Had you seen The Goonies and Ghostbusters before your first day of shooting? How did they influence your performance?
I did see The Goonies. I think the adventure and comedy in that film was really fun to watch. We hoped to bring those things to Monsters at Large in a fun way.
You're… how old, exactly?
I'm 16 now. I was a bit younger when I played the role of Alex.
What school do you go to and do your classmates treat you any differently since you landed this role?
I'm homeschooled, but I do attend a co-op and take some classes there. My friends were very excited for me and one of them started calling me Alex. LOL.
What do you see yourself doing in the future for a career?
I really enjoy acting, but I also love computer hardware and electronics. I have built two computers, one for me and one for my brother.
What are your favorite things to do locally?
I love to play paintball. I am also a drummer in a local band and enjoy playing golf with my family.
Just for fun: If you could have unlimited pizza, where would you get it from?
This would be awesome! My family and I have pizza and a movie night like once a week. I would pick thin and crispy garlic crust pepperoni from Pizza Hut.
This article appears in Apr 12-19, 2018.