Sharifin Shef Salah
He played in Matthew Maio Mackay‘s Dollar Baby A Tale of the Laundry Game as Young Rocky.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Sharifin Shef Salah: My name is Sharifin Salah & I’m 28 years old. I act, write scripts & lyrics, practice martial arts & play guitar.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Sharifin Shef Salah: Around 5.
SKSM: How did you become involved in A tale of the laundry game Dollar Baby film?
Sharifin Shef Salah: I inboxed Matthew an expression of interest that if he had any projects going on to let me know. Matthew asked for a head shot to which I then sent. He then mentioned he needed another bully for a film called ‘Smothered’ in which Matthew added that I had the look for a young Rocky for A tale of the Laundry game. I was grateful & surprised at the same time, not expecting to be asked to be a part of not just one, but two projects without auditioning.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Sharifin Shef Salah: Two friends reminiscing on the past until a dark part arises. Not to mention the back & forth between Rocky & Leo.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Sharifin Shef Salah: As I mentioned in one of the previous questions, no audition was required.
SKSM: You worked with Matthew Maio Mackay on this film, how was that?
Sharifin Shef Salah: Good. Had a lot of creative freedom & easy to work with. I think he’s well on his way to becoming a great film maker. If he continues to find the right people to learn from, he’ll go along way. Fortunate for him starting at 13 & now being 15, Matthew has much time to not only get the mistakes out of the way, but learn from them quickly. Be humble but realistic.
I strongly believe by the time he hits 21, he have that solid foundation, alternative style, becoming a high profile film maker. He’s already becoming well known in the Adelaide film industry. It’s only a matter of time before he’s known nation wide then world wide which by the looks of it, is already happening.
Happy to work with him again, provided that the story line is good & that whichever character Matthew has in mind for me will reflect well for future acting opportunities.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Sharifin Shef Salah: By far was when the young Rocky was stomping on Kenny’s face. We used a water melon for the splatter effect which ended up being cut. The moment I stomped on the water melon, it just went everywhere. Felt bad for getting it on the crew & camera though I swore I saw someone eating it off there face. Afterwards I said to as crew member, “Man, what waste of water melon.”
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Sharifin Shef Salah: I keep in contact or at least bump into them on sets as Adelaide is a small city. Several of them (Stefani Rossi, Marc Clement, Erynn King, Brodi Galletti) I had worked previously with on a TV series which Will hopefully be released this year, Warpath Chronicles.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Sharifin Shef Salah: Currently rehearsing for an Egyptian themed, Comedy Musical called, ‘Clone a Patra’ with CC Theatre CO. Also working on stand up material for when I make my return in March/April.
Training wise I’m about to begin; Stunt training, Medieval fighting (German Long Sword), Parkour, Acting workshops & continue with my martial martial arts.
Currently Writing a Dark Comedy but my main goal this year is to do a martial arts film as no one seems to be making them in Adelaide other than the Mortal Kombat film.
Before I forget, I’ve been working on a cartoon for the past 2 years called, ‘ Frank the Fallen’ Created by Kevin Blay, Myself, Daniel & Sam Massaci.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Sharifin Shef Salah: Yes I am.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Sharifin Shef Salah: Probably how active I am. Most people see me as a pretty laid back guy, assuming I don’t do much. What surprises people most though is my martial art background. Because I come across as calm & collective, they don’t expect it.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Sharifin Shef Salah: If this is the industry you want to get into, start now. Start filming or acting classes or better yet, both. It pays to have the actor’s perspective if you want to become a film maker. Vise versa if you want to become an actor.
If you’re becoming an actor, learn your lines, know your actions, & be in the best shape you can be.
Eat healthy, train hard, look after yourself & get a massage, see an accupuncturist, jump in a sauna or isolation tank. Prepare yourself to the best of your ability but most importantly, make sure you get Good sleep. As Ralph Smart says, ‘ Health is wealth’.
Check out my acting page to keep up to date, like & share posts. Check out the Warpath Chronicles Page, CC Theatre CO, I’ll be releasing a fight scene reel by the end of March.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Sharifin Shef Salah: This applies to film makers, actors & stunt people. Be able to adapt. Adapt to the weather changes, script changes, you name it. Last but not least, recharge your batteries. Can take that however you like ?
