If Vinicius Machado looks familiar, it’s most likely because you’ve seen him some place before. The versatile actor has been gaining a solid reputation within the film and entertainment industry. Machado’s credits include being cast in films like the Golden Globe award-winner, “Monster”, “The Celestine Prophecy”, “Get Smart” and “Sunken City”. He’s also appeared in numerous hit television shows like “The Shield”, “Cold Case”, “Flash Forward” and “NCIS”. Machado is now set to star in the highly anticipated STARZ Original Series, “POWER”.

From executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and show creator Courtney Kemp Agboh, “POWER” follows the life of James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), the owner of a popular New York City nightclub. In addition to his role as club owner, Patrick is also a major player in one of the city’s biggest illegal drug networks. Machado plays Nomar Arcielo, a Latino member of the Soldado Nation gang. Having been blackmailed by the FBI, Arcielo becomes Counter Intelligence in their pursuit of their most wanted “Lobos” (Boss of my Boss). As he straddles those two worlds and walks a fine line, danger ensues and the threat of his life is inevitable.

“POWER” premieres Friday, June 6th on STARZ. I spoke to Machado about the show as well as some of his other upcoming projects.

How would you describe “POWER”?

The concept of the show is that it’s based around a New York club owner who’s living a double life, but there’s so much more to it than that. If I could describe the show in one word it would be – meliorism. The idea of pursuing something that’s bigger and better. We all have that natural desire, but then there’s also the price that you have to pay for it. What price are you willing to pay for whatever it is that’s bigger and better for you? That’s the overall premise of what POWER is all about.

What attracted you to the script?

It’s not your typical crime drama. This is beyond that. There are elements of humanity that you don’t always get to see within the characters and it was something I definitely wanted to be a part of.

What can you tell me about your character, Nomar Arcielo?

He’s a human being with faults just like everyone else. He’s a gangster but deep down really cares about the people that he attaches to.

What was the filming process like?

It was intense but such a great experience. I learned so much from everyone that I worked with. The whole cast and crew was on point — emulating and embracing the heart and culture of New York City. Every step that you take in the city is a whole new world and that’s what we tried to get across.

What was it like working with “50 Cent”?

It was amazing. He’s a busy guy but very much involved in the project. He had nothing but encouraging words to say. I’ve always been inspired by his life and the choices he’s made about his career. It was a privilege to get to know him and be a part of his show.

Was there a particular moment when you decided acting would be your calling?

I don’t think it was necessarily one specific moment. It was more a part of just accepting the process of the calling. Originally I was going to be a soccer player, but once I got into high school I was cast as the lead in the school play and from there I started getting into it more and more.

What other projects are you currently working on?

I’ve just completed a feature called “Misfortune” and have another one called “Sunken City” which is available on pay per view and digital download. I also have a horror film that I’ll be self-producing called “Abandoned”. It’s the story of an ex-marine who was supposed to have been left for dead in the war but who’s spirit is very much alive and pursuing the people of the town.

What do you enjoy the most about acting?

I love everything about it. From the waiting at the audition to preparing for a role and the transformation into character. It’s a world that I love to dig into and discover.

POWER – a STARZ Original Series Premieres Friday, June 6th