On-Set with Jared Allman and Rodiney Santiago

The forthcoming queer film, “More Scenes from a Gay Marriage,” by writer/director/star Matt Riddlehoover, continues the story of Darren (Riddlehoover) and Joe (Jared Allman) and how their relationship changes while a film about their coupledom is made. Allman and co-star Rodiney Santiago (who plays a sexy masseur in the film) chatted with Out Front about making the new movie, as well as their bodies and their boyfriends.

Jared, you’ve reprised your role of Joe. What appealed to you about playing this character?

Joe is such a relatable character. I grew up on a farm; it wasn’t a huge stretch. Who hasn’t fixed something for Grandmother or the sexy boy next door?

Was the part written for you?

Yes. I had seen some of Matt’s films, reached out, and said I loved his work. We got to know each other over coffee, shooting the shit, and our stories were very similar. We’re passionate people who love with all our heart and have been heartbroken. People asked us at festival how long we’d been together. We never dated, we just are good at playing boyfriends.

Can you talk about making the transition from reality TV to acting? 

For me, it’s easier to create drama in a [film], than it is in real life. On a reality show, there’s alcohol and people you don’t like, so you’re going to get a reaction because those emotions are real. It’s fun, but I prefer creating an emotion when it’s not yours in real life.

Do you want to only work in queer projects?

I won’t only take gay roles. If it’s a challenge, I want to do it. I don’t have a problem with it, [but] I want to play different roles. I don’t like labels.

The trailer shows you have several shirtless and/or nude scenes. How do you feel about being objectified on film?

I don’t have a problem being naked in the film — I’m full frontal for a bit. I used to shave my [body] hair; I thought it was dirty. I never let it grow, but now I’m comfortable in my own skin. It’s all about growing as a person and loving yourself and not thinking about what other people think. I’m a hairy naked beast. I was showing my ass too, but the cameraman never got a shot of it.

What can you say about the massage scene with Rodiney? Did he rub you off the right way?

He did! Rodiney’s a sweetheart. Someone asked, ‘How did you not get hard [during the massage scene]?’ I was comfortable. It was work for me — a great day of work, don’t get me wrong! Anytime you get a back rub and you don’t have to pay for it, it’s great, right?

What is your relationship status these days?

I’m dating for the first time in a while and it’s good to have some fresh air in my life after some toxic relationships. I had to take some time to figure me out. There’s a fine line between jaded and educated.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a big nerd. I like “Star Trek” a lot. I love Taylor Swift and country music. I’m pretty boring in real life. I don’t like clubs so much. I’d rather stay home and watch TV and read. I’ve been reading crazy books about the French Revolution. I go to Goodwill and buy all kinds of books for $20.

What is next on your agenda?

To get out there and do more mainstream roles. I’ve been working and travelling a lot, so I want to do different roles and not play a version of myself. I want to keep working and chase that neon rainbow and live that acting dream, before I get all these
gray hairs.

The interview shifts to Rodiney Santiago

Rodiney, you came to prominence on
“The A-List: New York.” What can you say about how that show affected you positively and negatively?

What I can say is that it wasn’t fun doing it, but it was good for me after. What sells in the show was drama. I had no idea there would be so much!

Can you talk about making the transition from reality TV
to acting?

On the show everything was true; the storyline was real. The guys were mean, and that’s why it’s reality. People ask if it was scripted, but it wasn’t. Sometimes, the producers would [suggest that] if we had problems, we should talk about it. I wasn’t acting on the show. With “More Scenes from a Gay Marriage,” it was totally different. I got the script and Matt asked if I would like to do it. I liked the story. When you know what you’re going to do, it’s much easier. Jared helped me rehearse and it
was easy.

Did you expect to have all
this success?

I came to the United States six years ago with a dream to work for myself. Everything I wanted to do, I [could] do here. I have done a lot in the six years I’ve been here. This makes me proud and gives me more energy to do it.

How do you feel about being objectified for your body?

My ass pays my rent when I’m modeling. I have to take care of my body, and not be too hard on myself. I do work out. I’m 32, and I’m very happy with my body.

What research did you do to play the role of a masseur?

None. They told me what I was going to do and that I am free to work on [Jared’s] muscles. I had to do the scene in small underwear, but I’m Brazilian, and we’re very comfortable with our bodies. It was not difficult for me to do this.

What is your favorite body part to rub?

If I am getting a massage, my neck and feet. That makes me feel so good. If I am giving a massage, the guy’s back and his butt.

What is your relationship status these days?

I am single and happy! It doesn’t mean “poor Rodiney.” After Reichen [Lehmkuhl], I didn’t have a real relationship for a while. For me to date, I have to be in love. That’s very Brazilian. I need more from a guy than for him to just be hot. I don’t want to date just to date. Breakups hurt, and I don’t want that.

Keep up with Jared, Rodiney, and the rest of the cast by visiting ScenesFromAGayMarriage.com.