A Cal State Long Beach alumna has moved into the horror movie genre after playing a feature role in “Bloodline,” a new fantasy thriller.
Former communications major Gina Comparetto has played roles in multiple TV shows, including “How I Met Your Mother,” “NCIS,” “Parenthood,” “Dexter” and “The Mentalist.”
Now, Comparetto plays the leading female role in “Bloodline” alongside director and leading actor Matt Thompson.
The film is about Brett’s (Thompson) horrifying self-discovery after he strays from the church. “Bloodline” was originally released as a short film two years ago but is now making headway in Northern California as a feature film and is expected to premier later this month.
Comparetto plays Chelsi, a somewhat naïve girl who, despite the horrors she experiences throughout the film, remains steadfast and strong.
The movie was the first that Comparetto filmed outside of Los Angeles, and she said that the cast was very talented and got along handsomely.
Although Comparetto didn’t major in theatre while at CSULB, she has wanted to be an actress since childhood. She said that she discovered her passion in elective acting classes while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communications.
Comparetto said she is grateful for her experience at CSULB, where she said she found a stimulating environment and opportunity for students to discover who they truly are.
“[CSULB] has helped me in so many ways in finding my path,” said Comparetto. “I actually started working behind the scenes before I started acting on the production sites, and my degree gave me the perspective on … more than I would have if I would have just started the acting.”
Through her studies in elective acting classes, Comparetto said she gained a broad understanding of the movie business, an understanding that opened doors for her down the road.
Comparetto said that she had a very fortunate start to her career in the make-it-or-break-it film industry.
She had many opportunities to co-star and guest-star on television shows, beginning with “Entourage,” her first appearance on a TV show. She continued to progress by acting on iconic shows.
Aside from dipping her toes into television and feature film, Comparetto said she has most recently done commercials.
Comparetto said she feels gratified that she followed her dreams to act. She said that if a person finds what he or she loves to do without a doubt, work won’t really feel like work.
“Whatever drives you is what you need to follow,” Comparetto said. “If you feel passionately about something, it will keep you coming back.”
“Bloodline” will show in Regal theaters in the Sacramento area later this month. While most CSULB students may not be able to make it to theaters for this one, they can keep an eye out for the film in Redbox or Netflix within the next few months.