1. What’s your role on the project?

— I’ll play the “Gustavo” character and also serve as Senior Director by writing and directing episodes and helping with other, creative initiatives.

2. Where have you been along the way? In the place you are now, where would you take someone who’s never been?

— I was born in San Antonio, TX, then moved to Rocky Mount, NC, as a kid. I grew up there, then after college, I lived in New York City and Los Angeles for around a decade in total. I’ve been back in North Carolina (Raleigh) for a few years now. … If someone new were visiting, I’d pull around the car and drive to DC and — just kidding. I love my home turf, quaint as it is. I think for the greatest cultural experience, I’d take them to Chapel Hill and tour around the university’s campus. It really does have some beautiful, historical buildings and neatly designed greenery. We could catch a basketball game if it’s in season and then have dinner somewhere on Franklin Street. Then, if the person is a little older like me, we can cosplay as college kids late into the night. I know a few spots that have lasted.

3. What movie and series have you seen more than any other?

— For movie, it’s The Apartment by Billy Wilder. It’s just *chef’s kiss* structurally, with great line after great line and two, perfect reveals. I love Mr. Baxter’s utter admiration for Ms. Kubelik and her roundabout route to admiration for him. Also, few (if any) people can end a movie better than Billy Wilder. … For television, it’s probably Martin but it’s close. To be honest, I don’t laugh out loud that often, in regards to what I’m watching, but damn if this show doesn’t get me going. From a pure, comedy standpoint, the show is one of the most underrated in television history. Sincerely, I think Martin Payne’s performance is on par with Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy. That’s king and queen (of TV comedy), for me.

4. Pick a scenic road from anywhere. Picture yourself driving. It’s night time; the weather is warm and the windows are down. What song are you cruising to?

— I’m gonna go with “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s funny; in many ways we stay who we were as teenagers. I discovered this song around the time I learned to drive. I can see my friend Lewis and I, at 16, cruising down Highway 64 on a summer night to Tarboro to see a girl we both liked, listening to this song. It was nice; neither of us got the girl.

5. If you could build a hotel anywhere in the world, where would you put it? Briefly, what’s the size? The style? The vibes?

— For placement, I’ll say the Mediterranean or Canary islands of Spain. Listen, there’s no doubt that Italy is prettier but Spain, para mi, is The Motherland and I want to speak Spanish fluently. So, let’s say the spot is on Mallorca, elevated, on a hillside with views of the ocean. The hotel is pretty big, with about 250 rooms. I like a buzz in the air. The structure - like the walls and the floors - have ancient or indigenous influence; they’re very rock or cave-like with jungle-ish greenery throughout. I want to feel like I’m living on the earth, you know? The decor on top of the earth, though, is abundant. It’s mid-century(ish) but more cozy and eclectic. … The hotel’s gotta have a niiiice pool, open at night. Swimming at night is on the top ten list of my favorite things. The hotel is varied, meaning you can party, get buck wild over here; and you can relax, get your calm on over there. It’s all accessible - won’t cost you a goddamn arm and a leg to have a great experience. Oh, and there’s a giant water slide that goes from the side of the hotel, down the hill, and straight into the sea. We have fun like that. *