SACRAMENTO TALENT SHINES BRIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD

Martin Martinez was always a go getter from the start. Born and raised in Sacramento California, he was booking modeling gigs for print and runway as well as acting projects on his own, before making the move to Hollywood when he was 17. ​

Photographer | Miggs morales

​Martin has since grown his resume in a short period of time, that would take an average newbie actor years to accomplish. Within the first year of his move, he had booked a small role on the ABC network show “The Real O’Neils“. The following year things started picking up with a recurring role on Showtime’s “Shameless”, then ABC Family’s “The Fosters”. “Saving Flora” is his first major film role where he is a lead character.

IMDB | Saving Flora

​Saving Flora is a film about a circus elephant named Flora who is no longer able to perform the tricks that made her an asset to the circus. Her owner has decided to have her euthanized because she is more of a liability and expense, now that she can’t pull her weight in the circus.  Her fate is not a desirable one, so 14 year old Dawn, the daughter of the circus owner releases Flora and tries to save her. They bound  on a journey for the elephant preserve where Flora will be safe from harm, but they have to make it through the woods and the distance of over 100 miles. There are dangers on all sides, including two elephant hunters and a fast moving river.

IMDB | Saving Flora

​The cast of the film includes David Arquette, Leonor Varela, Rhea Perlman and Tom Arnold. In addition, Tai, the veteran film star elephant will play the role of Flora as well as Jenna Ortega as Dawn and Martin Martinez as Sebastian.

Photographer | Miggs morales

​“I had auditioned and fell in love with the script (Saving Floria) pulling many scenes from my personal life. My challenging upbringing has helped me make being an actor now a realistic vision for my family who didn’t think it was possible at the beginning.” Martin stated in our conversation. As for working with he’s fellow cast members? “It was amazing, such experienced actors I really was able to let loose and be myself in the scenes. Learning their cadences and positivity throughout the whole shoot was also something I’ll never forget.”

Martin plans to return to Sacramento in July and reconnect with friends and family as well as promote “Saving Flora”. The film is currently playing in limited release in select theaters across the country and producers have made a vow to donate a portion of the proceeds of the film among different organizations world-wide, that protect elephants.

Author | Duane Ram