Luis Alves is a Cape Verdean-Dutch actor based in Los Angeles. Luis was born in Cape Verde on the island of Praia, which is located right off the Western coast of Africa.He moved to The Netherlands with his family when he was very young where he was afforded more opportunities. He received classical training in theater while in Rotterdam, Netherlands. After completing his studies in Europe, he decided to move to the United States to further establish his craft. He studied acting at CSUN and UCLA.

Luis recently signed with the respectable management Coronel Group who only has a list of 50 clients. Too name few of their clients Eric McCormack, Aiden Gillen and Amy Mason.

He is fluent in three languages: Cape Verdean (Creole), Dutch, and English.

Website

Luis Alves

Social Media

@iamluisalves

1.) Tell me about your background?

My name is Luis Alves. I’m a Cape Verdean-Dutch actor based in Los Angeles. I was born in Cape Verde on the island of Praia, which is located right off the Western coast of Africa. I moved to The Netherlands with my family when I was very young and was presented with more opportunities over there. I received classical training in theater while in Rotterdam, Netherlands. After completing my studies in Europe, I decided to move to Los Angeles to continue working on my craft. I studied acting at CSUN and UCLA.

2.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do acting/performing for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

I grew up having a limitless imagination so creating worlds/characters and stepping into them came natural to me. I was always engaged in some form of storytelling whether it was on the playground, on stage, or at home. The process of creating something out of seamlessly nothing and then presenting it to others provides me with a sense of purpose. When I was 10 years old I joined a theater group, Youth Hofplein Theater in Rotterdam, which provided me with techniques to call upon and utilize my creativity and imagination. In terms of people that influence me, I would say there are too many to list. Honestly anybody who has went against the grain and who’s made the act of truthful expression center of their life/career has influenced my perspective and artistry.

3.) If you could compare yourself to an already established performer, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then when it comes to the entertainment industry, what separates you from other entertainers?

My idea of artistry is truthful of expression of all that you have become thus far. For example, an artist like Donald Glover is one that can’t be placed in a certain genre or group because he’s constantly evolving and presenting that newly discovered part of him to us through music, film and TV.

4.) Could you talk about a project you’ve worked on and how its been received? 

My favorite project thus far is “Gone With The Sin” it’s a horror film that follows a group of friends in a haunted house. The film premiered and screened at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, and I received a best actor nod at the festival. My most recent film is titled “Decomposition” in which I star alongside Monica Barbaro, who currently leads the Netflix show “The Good Cop.”

5.) Unfortunately the entertainment industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

Always work on your craft. Be consistent in the quality of work you deliver. Take risks. Build and maintain relationships with industry professionals. Focus on your art and not on being different.

6.) Would you rather work for a major company or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the entertainment industry itself, do you think that the traditional entertainment industry model as we know it is dead?

I love working on independent projects due to its commitment to authentic and raw storytelling. I feel that a lot of major studios nowadays are focusing more on quality content then simply entertaining material. There are quite a few major networks that have taken on certain elements of independent filmmaking.

7.) What was the process of getting representation? What was your experience? 

It can be a very difficult process to get proper representation in Los Angeles. Prior to getting representation I did as many independent projects as I could to build my resume and demo-reel. The more exposure your able to create for yourself the more reputable you become. In 2017, I was selected as a ABC-showcase finalist after a nation-wide search that garnered more than 7,000 submissions. Shortly afterwards I started getting approached by several agencies. I signed with the respectable management Coronel Group. Coronel Group is led by the veteran former Endeavor talent agent, Leanne Coronel. They represent actors who work consistently and who they feel have a legitimate potential to grow their career substantially over time and development. The management represents around 50 clients and to name a few: Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), Aiden Gillen (Game of Thrones) and Simon Quarterman (Westworld). I’ve been auditioning consistently for major networks and studios ever since I signed with them.

8.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Professionally, I see myself consistently working on films and TV in the U.S. and the Netherlands. I aspire to open my own voice/acting studio in the Netherlands.