Who is Alex Cubis?
Alex is still figuring that out. One oxymoronic phrase that seems to suit is a Cynical Pollyanna. Otherwise Alex is an Australian actor, writer, podcast host and university lecturer.
What would you do di?erently to what you do now?
Worry less. Be more generous, more often.
Who inspires you and why?
My grandfather, mum, friends, family, manager and agents (the last two could be grouped with friends or family).
What would you do to make a di?erence in the world?
Make everyone feel like they’re good enough and capable of doing great things (whether it’s in their emotional, spiritual, personal or professional life) and help them realise that potential.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m going to say Hawaii, but I anticipate that answer will change on my next trip. To be honest I’m going to hold off on traveling and holidaying for a while – I want to ‘earn’ it for when I’m in my late 20s. I also am very grateful for my current life, so never feel in need of a holiday.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Sydney? I’d probably show them the University of Sydney campus (where I went to university), and the suburbs of Kirribilli (where I went to high school) and Haberfield (where my grandparents live). Obvious but not obvious tourist destinations. In LA? Huntley Hotel Penthouse bar in Santa Monica or Hotel Irwin near Venice Beach for the views, a Korean spa for the chilled times, and maybe Six Flags for the roller coasters.
What are you currently reading?
I generally don’t read books, but I do have Aristotle’s Poetics for Screenwriters on my list and am currently dropping into A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren every other day. Otherwise I read the news (online), and really enjoy long-form feature articles. Character profiles (especially those ‘how did it all go so wrong’ stories) are the most fascinating.
What are you currently listening to?
Spotify Discover playlists, top-10 radio, movie soundtracks, Tim Ferriss’ podcast, or my own podcast, Honest Conversations with Alex Cubis (well, not actually, only while editing), sponsored by Celt-X. I interview creatives to unpack their point of view as a means of understanding the genesis of their ideas; I’ve interviewed producers Michael Schwarz (Deadline Gallipoli), Megan Doneman (Yes Madam Sir) and Emmy-nominee Stephanie Meurer (Documentary Now), filmmakers Marc Furmie (Terminus) and Peter Cornwell (The Haunting in Connecticut) and actors Jeremy Luke (This is Us) and Peta Sergeant (The Originals) among many others.
Happiness is?
Unconditional love
What does the future hold for you?
Life wise? Hopefully not being a complete embarrassment and awkward person. Career wise? By the time this is posted, my new series shot in Los Angeles, Unverified may have already started screening on the new online YouTube channel Cube TV. It’s a mockumentary satire and I’m the main character; it was a little outside my wheelhouse so I’m angsty for how people will respond to that. I’m performing in a key role in National Theatre of Parramatta’s production of The Incredible Here and Now with Bardiya McKinnon and Caroline Brazier, and have a feature film shot in the US with Estella Warren called Just Within Reach coming out later in the year. I also am developing two series to be filmed in Los Angeles for online distribution in the next 6 months – details under wraps.
National Theatre of Parramatta’s production of The Incredible Here and Now plays the Riverside Theatres: 13 – 22 July 2017. For more information, visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au for details.
Image: Alex Cubis