Dom Olivo

He played in Dana Moe’s Mute Dollar Baby film as Cowboy Bob.

SKSM: Tell us about yourself, who is Dom Olivo and what do you do or have you done?

Dom Olivo: I am an actor, comedian, producer, and musican based in California. I love the outdoors, beatboxing, general hijinx, and I have worked on a variety of films, commercials, and comedic shorts.

SKSM: When did you start acting and where did you train?

Dom Olivo: I was a musical theater kid growing up, and always wanted to perform. I went to UC Santa Barbara and studied acting in the BFA program. I have since studied standup comedy, voiceover, movement, and improv. Right now, I am taking some writing classes so that I can dive deeper into creating my own films and expressing my own quirky sense of humor. 

SKSM: What else do you do besides acting?

Dom Olivo: I just got married this year! So, I am starting a new life as a husband to a wonderfully creative and inspiring wife. We are starting to surf, camp, and explore nature a whole lot more, and will hopefully get a cat and dog pretty soon too – if the landlords will allow. I love live music, gardening, and traveling! My wife and I just finished our three month honeymoon to Vietnam, Philippines, New Zealand, and Japan, and are already drafting our list of places we’d love to visit next! 

SKSM: How did you become involved in Mute Dollar Baby film?

Dom Olivo: I saw the casting notice for Mute and immediately submitted my self tape. A Stephen King short film?! It was a dream project, and I rehearsed as much as I could to nail the audition. I auditioned in person at the Mission Station in San Francisco, and returned for a callback a few weeks later. I am so glad I got cast in this film, and am grateful that production invited me aboard the team! 

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Dom Olivo: Stephen King always has a remarkable twist for readers/audiences, and Mute is no exception. Reading the short story and the adapted screenplay had me spinning. The story sweeps us off our feet as we try to figure out which characters to trust, which narrative is accurate, and how we would react if we were personally in this story. I love the magic of this style of world-building, and I wanted to be a part of it! 

SKSM: What was Cowboy Bob like on set when he wasn’t in front of the camera?

Dom Olivo: Dancing. I had to practice for the bar scene, and wanted to come off as a convincing, genuine cowboy in this troubled story. Hopefully my two-step was believable and not too cringy to watch!

SKSM: You worked with Dana Moe on this film, how was that?

Dom Olivo: Dana Moe stands out as a remarkable director, renowned within the Bay Area film community. Her patience and inspirational approach to guiding actors made me feel supported throughout the entire process. With her clear creative vision and effective communication, I felt empowered to take risks and make bold choices. Working with Dana and the entire team was a pleasure, and I would eagerly welcome the opportunity to collaborate with them again in the future!

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Dom Olivo: I’ve been a huge fan of Stephen King’s work since I was a kid – ever since I got ahold of his books at the Scholastic book faires. I mean, who isn’t, right? His stories have this way of pulling you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat. His writing is so captivating and his characters are always so well-developed, you really feel like you know them.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Dom Olivo: Currently, I am in Switzerland shooting a feature for Something 2 Say Productions, titled Blessing & True. I’m here for another two weeks and then I return home. It’s been a blast and is so remarkably beautiful here in the alps!

Once I get back to California, I have a motion capture production I am working on, as well as a webseries, and a few more comedic sketches I have been writing. In addition to filmmaking and commercial acting, I am trying to expand into the world of voiceover and podcasting/audio theater. Excited for what the rest of the year will bring and what’s in store!

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Dom Olivo: I am grateful for all of the Stephen King fans out there who took the time to read this interview and to watch Mute! Your interest and excitement motivates and inspires the team and I. Thank you for your unwavering enthusiasm and support. Hopefully, I will get another chance to work on a Stephen King classic!

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Dom Olivo: If you want to keep in touch, feel free to follow me on social media and to check out my website for updates! You can stay in the loop with all my latest projects, performances, and behind-the-scenes antics at linktr.ee/domolivo and domolivo.com. Your support means the world to me! Thanks ya’ll!