Personal experiences: Get to know ‘Breathing Happy’ star Owen Atlas

If your career in Hollywood began with a blue Power Ranger noticing your talent, it seems all but a certainty that you are destined for great things. Indeed, the star of Owen Atlas is rising up the ranks from Disney to Netflix and beyond. 

Their latest outing is Breathing Happy and social media is already up in arms as each character becomes a household name. The newest film was released on June 24th at the Chattanooga Film Festival and will virtually allow all of Owen’s fans to also see this summer flick. 

We were lucky enough to sit with the young uprising star and see what’s next up his sleeve.

Tell us about your history as an actor. How did you start your journey?

I started acting in school plays when I was three or four. When I was six years old I was discovered at a martial arts seminar by Master Mike Chat who was a child actor himself. He played the blue Power Ranger.

Who were your biggest acting influences growing up?

My biggest acting influences were Johnny Depp,  Keanu Reeves, and Tom Cruise. Also my coaches John D’Aquino and Shane Brady who was also my first Writer/director.

Tell us about your upcoming film, Breathing Happy. What initially drew you to the project?

Breathing Happy is a film about struggles with addiction, and family dynamics. I loved the story of Dylan, the lead character, who I portray as a youth. I love that the film sees him in good times and bad times. It was a  very serious drama and I learned a lot as an actor by being in this film.

Do you find that you’re drawn to playing characters that you have a personal connection with?

I am drawn to playing characters that are interesting, but of course it always helps if you can find a personal connection with the character I’m playing.

You’ve done dramatic work as well as comedy work on shows like I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. How does drama differ from comedy as an actor?

Drama is actually much more difficult than comedy for me as an actor. With drama you need to pull from something to get the emotions that you need to portray. So you have to use your own personal life experiences. Whereas comedy can just really be fun.

Actors can often be their own worst critics. Do you enjoy watching your earlier performances?

 I do enjoy watching my earlier performances Such as the short films that I did before being in Netflix’s show Little Evil. I understand I was not as good of an actor as I am now, but I do enjoy learning from the experience.

You’re an accomplished martial artist who received your first black belt at age 9. Are you interested in seeking out film roles that allow you to utilize your martial arts skills?

Good question and I absolutely am excited to seek out and play martial art roles. I have a great love for martial arts and that will always be my background from day one.

You’ve worked with numerous stars, including Adam Scott, Evangeline Lilly, and Sally Field. Are there any other actors you’d like to work with in the future?

Yes! The top of my list is Johnny Depp for sure. I would also like to work with Stephen Amell- let’s bring back Green Arrow. I would love to play him as a youth! I would also like to work with Keanu Reeves, Kevin Costner, and Timothée Chalamet. Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown would be a dream come true as well.

Do you have any routines or to help you get into character?

I include every detail that I can think of, even what the characters’ home would look like, what their family would look like, even what their pets would look like. It really helps me get deep into the character.

You work with various charities like The Wounded Warrior Project and Puppy Up. Do you feel a responsibility to use your platform for good causes?

I absolutely do. I think that all public figures should be using their platform to help others. I especially love helping others. I love to give back. I was born into a family that loves to do philanthropy work.

What has been your greatest professional success?

I still think my greatest professional success  was the first real SAG job that I booked, little evil on Netflix. I will be forever proud of that and will forever consider myself a little evil.

What has been your biggest failure? What did you learn?

I have some regrets about some roles that  I decided not to audition for. I learned that you should always take a chance. 

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?

I will be shooting a short film this summer. It’ a fun kitschy space movie. I have some other things in the works but I cannot mention yet but would love to share in the future.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

Dream big! Follow your dreams. Work hard, know your  craft, take classes. But most of all have fun and enjoy what you do.

Lastly, what is your favorite film of all time?

My favorite film of all time is the first Pirates of the Caribbean. I could watch it 100 times and I probably have. I feel like every time I watch it I discover something new about it. Johnny Depp amazes me as a character actor. The whole cast is awesome. I love the rest of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies  as well. The Harry Potter series is another one of my favorites.

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What other roles would you like to see Owen take on next? Let us know in the comments!