Talking With Kevin Czako from ‘Expedition Unknown: Shark Files’

This edition of Talking With focuses on rising actor Kevin Czako, who is building a solid reputation for creating believable characters in period projects.

Kevin recently emerged in dangerous waters during a special Discovery Channel Shark Week episode of the docuseries show ‘Expedition Files’ hosted by Josh Gates. In the ‘@kevczako,’ investigated the tragic 1800’s sinking of the British troopship HMS Birkenhead. Torn apart on ragged rocks, Kevin appears as J.F. Girardot, a soldier plummeted into the shark infested waters and survived the bloody scene to tell the tale.

To learn more, we are Talking With Kevin Czako:

Why did you want to be part of ‘Expedition Unknown: Shark Files’?

Kevin Czako: Period pieces have always been my favorite genre. Period pieces within TV and Film are like a time machine that allow us to visit the past and see untold stories. Expedition Files is the perfect mix of the two, giving the audience insight into some of history's strangest mysteries.

Kevin Czako: From an acting standpoint you are not bringing a fictional character to life from the script, but rather a real person back to life. I did an immense amount of research on J.F. Girardot and the mannerisms of British soldiers within the time period. A specific example included how lots of soldiers in the British Royal Navy couldn’t swim during the 1800s. My role was highly dependent on physicality; I tried replicating this fear in my performance.

Where do you start when preparing for a role? And does that change depending on the genre or other factors?

Kevin Czako: When preparing for a role, I always start with the facts known as the “given circumstances” of a script. I then follow with the objectives, obstacles, and intentions. I do various exercises with other actors to get the blueprint of the character and try different intentions to see what fits like a glove. Regardless of character/scene preparation, you can never anticipate what happens in a performance. I always let my surroundings be imposed on me. No take is ever the same performance. As a trained actor, I have my performance tools that I can use from my trainings and techniques, but everything is also a reaction to what’s around me, whether it’s conscious or subconscious.

Have you ever seen a shark in real life?

Kevin Czako: I have seen a shark in real life! I love the ocean and enjoy swimming deep in it! That’s until I heard a lifeguard blow their whistle and saw a fin pop out in the distance! This was a couple years ago near the Newport Beach area in California. I see many videos online on what to do in a shark encounter, but I hope to never act it out.

What was your favorite moment from working on the show?

Kevin Czako: My favorite moment working on the show was definitely filming in the icy waters of the Pacific and filming with a LED screen. Working with a mechanical shark in the water made me feel as if I was working with Spielberg, which is a big career goal of mine. I had a wet suit attached under that heavy British uniform, and the beach was very muddy. So, I actually had a rough time swimming away from the shark which looked great on camera. We had an amazing safety team, so I always felt safe. We also had the opportunity to film on a period ship, miles off the shore surrounded by darkness in the nighttime! I’m a big Pirates of the Caribbean person, so the opportunity to film on a real ship and go miles out to sea was a fantasy come true for me.

Were you a fan of the show prior to booking the role?

Kevin Czako: Shark week is an iconic event, and I remember it airing on tv as a kid. I do watch period docuseries shows before I go to bed and am a big fan of Josh Gates and what he does. I mean who wouldn’t wanna travel the world, find treasure, and solve historical mysteries! I have a deep fascination for earth and all of our history in it.

What inspires you the most creatively?

Kevin Czako: I’m constantly inspired by our TV and Film and the greats such as Sir Anthony Hopkins. I’m always wanting to improve my craft and strive to try my absolute hardest at anything I do. I enjoy doing difficult things and am always up for a challenge. I always want to give any role I take my all and I’m able to do that through constant reflection and feedback. Even the acting greats are striving to improve their craft while being at that level. And that’s what inspires me to do the same. I love playing characters and understanding the inner workings of our mind, actions, and physicality. I see every opportunity as a chance to tell a story.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Kevin Czako: I’m looking forward to filming my upcoming roles I have lined up this year. I feel very excited and lucky to have these opportunities.

Keep up with Kevin Czako on Instagram: @kevczako