Faly Rakotohavana
Faly Rakotohavana is a young film and series actor. He is best known for his work in “Secret Society of Second Born Royals” as Matteo, “Raven’s House” as Miles, and “Nightmare Cinema” as Riley. You can now find him starring as Finn in the new comedy series “UnPrisioned” alongside Kerry Washington on Hulu as their characters tackle unexpected plans being thrown into their lives.
Matching set by WEISHENG PARIS
How did you get into acting?
I got into film and TV through an acting workshop called CGTV about seven years ago. I was living in Texas at the time and the auditions for the program were held in Phoenix, Arizona. My dad and I went on a little road trip to Phoenix. I auditioned for the camp, got in, and then I got to spend the summer in Los Angeles.
Who was your biggest inspiration?
My parents. They always persevere! No matter how bad things get, they always push through it, so I have to keep pushing too.
What has been your favorite project so far?
It’s hard to pick a favorite. I have loved them all for different reasons but, if I had to choose one to do for the rest of my life, I would pick “UnPrisoned,” which has an awesome cast, great food, and the studio is ten minutes from my house. It’s perfect.
Left:
Matching set by WEISHENG PARIS
Shoes by Adidas
Right:
Tshirt by Market x Puma
Pants by Billabong
Shoes by Vans
Necklace by FROU YORK
How was your experience presenting at the Movieguide and ACE Eddie Awards? How did you prepare for it?
Honestly, I just showed up, read the script, and hoped for the best. I think it turned out pretty well.
Tell us about your role as Finn in” UnPrisioned.”
Finn is a super logical, lowkey guy. He’s got a lot of heart, which he definitely needs in the family dynamic he’s stuck in. He’s trying to hold Paige and Edwin together and it is not an easy task.
What drew you to the role?
I got the chance to act alongside Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, which is an opportunity that a lot of people can only dream of!
Did you do any preparation prior to filming?
I just spent a lot of time on my scripts. Finn is a character of few words, but he’s always thinking so much and I had to work on figuring out what those thoughts were.
What is it like working with Kerry Washington? Has she shared any advice or tips?
Just working alongside her and Delroy Lindo is enough advice. I feel like working with them and getting to watch them work is the best way to learn. When you spend 10 plus hours a day on set with two legends, you are bound to learn something.
What can viewers expect from your character’s storyline over the course of the season?
Finn has spent his whole life with his single mother. He’s never known anything else. So, once his grandpa shows up at his doorstep, everything gets flipped upside down. Throughout the show the audience also gets to see Finn experience life in a whole new light with his grandpa.
Left:
Stripe Shirt by ASOS
Pants by Ksubi
Right:
Grey Tank by Calvin Klein
Pants by Bohemian Society’s
Shoes by Maison Margiela
How did you approach bringing Finn to life?
A lot of bringing Finn to life was deeply rooted in the chemistry that I had with my fellow actors. I needed to build relationships with each person in the cast. Finn thinks a lot and I needed to give myself something to think about.
What things do you and Finn have in common and how do you differ?
Well, I like to think I’m super logical, but I don’t know how many people would agree with that. Finn and I have the same dry sarcastic sense of humor. I am definitely a lot more social than he is. I love meeting and talking to people.
What do you hope viewers take away from the series?
People have to learn to forgive themselves. Holding on to our past mistakes makes it harder for us to forgive other people for their past mistakes. If we can’t forgive ourselves, how can we forgive someone else?
What sets this show apart?
There is so much truth. The chemistry in this show is so real, to the point where so much of the show felt more like an experience rather than acting out a scene. I love Delroy because he’s one of those actors who won’t do it if he doesn’t believe it. There is so much honesty in his performance that I hope to achieve someday.
What are your goals for the next five years?
I hope to work with the amazing "UnPrisoned" cast again and attend another award show, but this time for a project that I am attached to. Overall, I want to be financially stable.
Social Media.
Instagram: @falyrakotohavana
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Directorr: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Bret Lemke
Talent: Faly Rakotohavana
Fashion Stylist: Sky JT Naval
Groomer: Raquel Moreno
Editorial Assistant: Skylar Elizabeth
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Gabriela Gonzalez, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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