Newcomer Teo Halm lights us the screen in the recent Earth to Echo, and we got a chance to catch up with the young actor about that project and what’s next. Here he talks about the challenges of working on a film featuring a lot of CGI, and how scary talking to girls can sometimes feel.

photo credit: MICHAEL ROSEN

YOUNG ADULT: What is Earth to Echo about?
Teo Halm:Earth to Echo is about a group of friends who live in a small town. One day their phones start glitching out so they get suspicious and they decide to explore. At the same time the government plans to build a freeway right over the town where they live. That means them having to move out, so on their last night they bike out into the desert to find out what caused it all. Once they get out there they find something…and that something is an alien named Echo!

YA: Who is Alex? And what was it like playing lead?
TH: Alex is a foster child who’s now with his 5th family. He’s pretty shy and introverted. He observes everything without talking much. So for me playing that kind of character was super tough because I’m pretty loud and obnoxious. (he laughs.) To play him I had to convey everything I wanted to say with facial expressions. Playing a lead was really scary. At the time this was my first big project so I was intimidated. Even more intimidated by everyone wanting to get things done. There was a lot of pressure but I enjoyed feeling important to the film.

YA: What are Alex’s goals in life, and does he accomplish them by the end of the film?
TH: Alex of course wants to stay with his friends, and I don’t want to spoil anything so I’m gonna keep my mouth shut on that detail. But in terms of other things like being more social, Alex does accomplish that. He gets much better with coming out of his shell as the movie progresses.

YA: Is your character Alex based off of anyone?
TH: If I had to base it off anyone it would be director Dave Green. He wasn’t ever a foster child, but Dave isn’t as loud as most of the other people I know and he makes a lot of witty remarks just like Alex does. He also has some guts and comes up with cool stuff all the time just like Alex. 

YA: Have you seen the film in its entirety? What were/are you excited to see on the big screen? And what are you excited for the audience to see?
TH: Yeah I’ve probably seen the film enough times that I can recite each line off the top of my head! I was stoked to see all of the CGI come into play. Being on set I would sometimes have a model of Echo in my hands, or sometimes I would just have to be talking to the palm of my hand. So getting to see the final product was sweet. I’m excited for the audience to see a movie that sticks with the characters and never cuts off to what’s happening to the antagonist. It’s “Shot by the characters” and hopefully that will make the audience feel close to us.

YA: What obstacles does your character have to face?
TH: Alex is forced to deal with everything from running away from the government to talking to girls.

YA: Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
TH: When I filmed the project it was my first major production and it was also shot 2 years ago.  At the time of filming I gave it my all and hopefully the audience will recognize that. 

YA: Any funny moments to happen off camera? 
TH: Oh gosh…there was one day where Astro had to open a car door and get in. So we start filming and he walks over and opens the door. Sitting inside is his stunt double Dom, who is supposed to look a lot like Astro, with the same clothes, listening to music. I hope they show it in the blooper reel.

YA: If there was one thing you can take away from this film that you learned in terms of acting, what was it and how would you use it for a future acting gig?
TH: I learned to be mature. It affected my acting a lot. I would goof off on set, which is fine in moderation. I was the most unproductive actor. I would jump on the crew’s back and ask for piggyback rides and stuff, and it would get me out of character. It was fun but it is at the end of the day a job, so on set everyone is down to business. 

YA: What’s next for you? Does the film open up for a sequel?
TH: I have no clue about sequels. It all depends on the box office and how well we do, but the possibility is definitely there, so root for Echo 2! I am in a film called Bukowski directed by James Franco, which is probably looking at a release around next year. Also another film called Memoria which is set for around the same time, so keep your eye out for me.

YA: Favorite Young Adult role you would have loved to play throughout history?
TH: That’s a really tough question. It would have been so awesome to play “Peter Parker/Spiderman” in Spiderman 3. He was a bit older than a young adult, but come on–imagine being Spiderman!

 

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