Wilbraham native stars in ‘The Other Soldier’

Date: 9/19/2011

Sept. 19, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

WILBRAHAM — From an early age, Wilbraham native Kyle Nicholson has always been drawn film, and took any opportunity to act, whether it was story telling to friends and family or acting out different scenarios as a child.

Now in his mid-20s and living in Los Angeles, Nicholson has made the leap from acting out his childhood fantasies for anyone who would watch to acting in front of a camera so that the entire world can see and things are starting to take off.

Nicholson’s most recent film, a short entitled “The Other Soldier,” has been widely respected and as a result, is getting the opportunity to shine at several independent film festivals worldwide.

“The Other Soldier” has now been accepted into four festivals — the Other Venice Film Festival, Somewhat North Of Boston Film Festival, NYLA International Film Festival and Marbella International Film Festival (MIFF),” Nicholson told Reminder Publications. “We are still waiting on more festivals right now but the film is taking flight.”

Nicholson pointed to the MIFF, which takes place in Marbella, Spain, Oct. 14 to 16, as one festival that could garner him substantial notoriety and launch his career. However, as is the case with many actors starting their careers, money is tight for Nicholson. That is why he is looking for help.

Nicholson is seeking sponsors to help fund his trip to Spain through a Web site, http://www.indiegogo.com/Sponsorship-To-Attend-Marbella-International-Film-Festival. His goal is to raise $1,200 for the trip.

“As a recently transplanted actor in Los Angeles, times can be tough. However, no matter how tough, you need to always promote you and your work,” he said. “I strongly believe in myself and in this project. This opportunity could be a really important next step for me as an actor and getting myself out there.”

The road to acting stardom first began for Nicholson during his junior year at the University of Maine. Having been a soccer star at Minnechaug Regional High School and Wilbraham & Monson Academy, he went to Maine to play at the college Division I level. That was when he met acting professor A.J. Mooney.

“I was first properly introduced to acting my junior year at UMaine when I started to look for something more than sports and studies and I came across Theater 111,” Nicholson said. “It was a Meisner-oriented class, which I found very interesting and I had an immediate attraction toward [it]. This was when I realized that I truly knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

Nicholson left the university after three and a half years to pursue his other goals, but finished his studies through the school’s online classes.

From there, he moved to New York City, living with his uncle, sports anchor Duke Castiglione, the son of Red Sox radio play-by-play host Joe Castiglione, as he pursued an acting career.

While there, he performed in several independent films and off-Broadway plays and joined the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Nicholson described Stella Adler as a place “where the combination of emotional availability and imagination were picked apart, dug into, turned upside down and found again.”

“My experience at Stella Adler has played a role in creating who I am today as an actor. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study there in New York City,” he added.

Eventually, Nicholson decided it was time to look to the west. In October 2010, with $1,000 in his pocket, he packed his bags and drove across the country, arriving in Los Angeles with $150.

Working side jobs to keep him afloat, Nicholson has landed himself roles in independent films, including Gia McKenna’s “Poker Face” and Louis Silverstein’s “Jack Jimminy: The Story of a Pornstar Extra,” in addition to “The Other Soldier.

“Poker Face” was Nicholson’s first opportunity to play major role as he played the boyfriend of a woman struggling with a gambling addition.

“Poker Face was Gia McKenna directed short film [with a] running time about 20 minuets. She is very talented and that, mixed with her vision, she made this film come to life,” Nicholson said. “It was a great experience to be a part of this project. My character offered plenty of depth and I was able to connect to the characters struggles.”

In his next film, “Jack Jimminy,” Nicholson said he faced two distinct challenges — the subject and the genre.

“‘Jack Jimminy’ was different in the sense that it was the first comedy, besides the stage, that I was involved in,” he said. “I mean, it was about a porn star extra ... We all know there is no such thing. The set was really lively and we found ourselves laughing and enjoying the work on a level that was different than other sets. It was a nice change of pace.”

In “The Other Soldier,” Nicholson plays Sgt. James Carson, one of two U.S. Army paratroopers who land behind enemy lines in Normandy, France during the D-Day invasion.

“I was drawn to the story of ‘The Other Soldier’ immediately. It was a story that really spoke to me, especially growing up having relatives that have been in battle,” he said. “I know an extensive amount about D-Day and what took place during World War II. I owe this to my father, a world history teacher.

“It is a human story as it follows two soldiers and their journey to there rally point. It touches on a lot of emotions and an intense encounter with friendly fire, which I liked and felt it needed to be done,” he added.

Nicholson said the character, in addition to the story and plotline itself made the film one he wanted to be a part of and also presented challenges.

“This character was someone who had much strength, but at the same time, there was a soft weakness that we don’t see until the end, but it is very alive inside him. I was intrigued with his simplicity and complexity all in one. This was a character that was unlike any other character that I have ever played.”

He also said having Paul Hatzinicoletos behind the camera made everything come together for a great film.

“Paul is an amazing hands on director — an actor’s director you could say,” Nicholson said. “He knows how to communicate with everyone on set to get what is needed for the film.

“The preparation was intense with his expectations being high, which anyone could appreciate. He created something amazing with this film and captured a beautiful story within a short period of time. He has his own style and let’s just say I really like it and want to work with him again. He will be making great films in the years to come,” he concluded.

To see a trailer for “The Other Soldier,” visit http://vimeo.com/15210216.