Seeing his star rise, 9-year-old Mateo Ray, an Orcutt native that attends Ralph Dunlap Elementary School, received the ‘Best Young Actor in a Short Film’ on the 43rd Annual Young Artist Academy awards gala in Hollywood final month.

He received the award for the quick movie ‘The Daily War’, which aired on PBS final 12 months throughout Hispanic Heritage month.

Even although he’s appeared on the silver display screen, Mateo says his life is that typical of a mean child. One main consider his early success is having his mother and father concerned in supporting his inventive imaginative and prescient, resulting in alternatives within the leisure trade.

Mateo’s mother and father, Christopher and Sarah, of Orcutt, say their son is an instance of a inventive child exploring his skills and is an instance that onerous work pays off.

“Even if you think you don’t want to get it done, do it,” Mateo mentioned. “You can still get the job and it can be very fun. You could even get nominated for it, so take opportunities and always try your best.”

Even at his younger age, Mateo has already networked with many individuals on film units and likes to make new associates. “I love to meet new people, it’s my favorite thing,” he mentioned.

The common week for the younger actor is filled with studying. This includes piano, faculty, karate, soccer and appearing lessons, each on-line and in particular person. His organized schedule nonetheless permits him free time to chill out and discover his thoughts.

“His friends will come over and they will do YouTube videos, they work together and he creates characters. I think one day he could be a director,” mentioned Christopher, Mateo’s father.

A movie set has a variety of alternatives for Mateo, there was even a time when he and his sister, Kylie, ended up on the identical set. He was appearing and she or he was part of the crew. Mateo’s mother and father have been happy with their children.

When requested what’s coming subsequent, Mateo mentioned, “You’ll have to wait and see,” although he shared some particulars of the initiatives he’s concerned with.

“A game show, a commercial for a store that everyone likes and I am waiting for a call-back on a movie,” Mateo mentioned.

When speaking to the teen, it’s clear he has a real ardour for appearing and movie. He plans to proceed his profession for a very long time. Throughout his younger profession he is had a supportive household by his facet that prioritizes his security, creativity and happiness.

“My family inspires me and I love to do this, my parents help me with my auditions and they believe in me,” he mentioned.

April Chavez is the Santa Maria City Reporter for the Santa Maria Times. If you could have data, or a narrative concept that you just want to share, ship her an e-mail at AChavez@SantaMariaTimes.com.