Bionic Buzz® got to cover South by Southwest® in Austin, TX. SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW® is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.
There we interviewed Sal Velez Jr. (Executive Producer & plays “Ty” in Switch Up) and Larry Krask (Executive Producer and Plays “FBI”Agent” in Switch Up). Logline: One of the nation’s top talk show hosts finds himself stranded at a homeless shelter where he meets a young widow. He falls in love and realizes the path to happiness lies in helping others.
In SWITCH UP, Velez plays the character of Ty, the brother of Cassandra (portrayed by Julieth Restrepo). Marking his fourth feature film shot in Texas, Velez’s role in this particular film (filmed entirely in Brownsville, Texas) was one dear to him. Velez expressed his deep connection to Texas and especially Brownsville, stating, “Brownsville will always hold a special place in my heart, a city filled with cultured dignity and pride.” As a dedicated actor and storyteller originally from Chicago, Velez utilizes his talents to raise awareness of poverty, homelessness, and equality in America. Recognized for his impactful work, he was honored with the Chrysalis Award in 2013 from the San Jose Obrero Mission for his unwavering commitment to family shelters, abused families, schools, and youth.
Velez’s remarkable past performances have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him consideration for prestigious award shows, such as the 2019 Emmys for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” and the 2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards for “Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Drama Series” for his role in Netflix’s “Black Summer.” His portrayal of Miguel in the box office hit “The Way Back” with Ben Affleck was hailed by Screen Rant Magazine as one of the film’s standout performances. Beyond his accomplishments in film, Velez has captivated audiences with his roles in hit series like “Gentefied” and “On The Verge.” His versatility shines through in acclaimed shows such as “Mayans MC,” “Ten Days in the Valley,” and “Black Summer.”
Connect:
https://www.instagram.com/salvelezjr/
https://www.instagram.com/larry_krask/
https://www.facebook.com/switchupthemovie
Video & interview by Steve Sievers of Bionic Buzz.