“Better Call Saul” has been one of the hottest series on cable for the past five years. It is on the network, AMC. The co-producer of the current season of the show is a former Williamsport area woman, Trina Siopy.

Trina is the daughter of Sophia Daskalakis and Chris Siopy.

Webb Weekly interviewed Trina about her background and her experiences with “Better Call Saul” and other television and film work that she has done.

Tell me about your family and educational background, and what experiences may have shaped your life?

My Mom and Dad are both Greek and moved to Williamsport when my brother and I were both very young. I graduated from Williamsport high school in 1994 and then went to college at Bloomsburg University. All my life, I’ve always had the urge to perform. That showed in my many years as a competitive gymnast and dancer. I also always loved to act. The acting is what brought me to New Mexico, where I reside now.

What prompted your interest in theatrical things?

I have always loved performing and bringing an audience to a special place or feeling. To create something like that is one of the best feelings.

How did you get involved in the work you are doing presently?

When I moved to New Mexico, it was just as the film industry was really starting to take hold here. I signed up to do some background work on a Tony Hillerman movie.

On my second day on the show, I got hired as a stand-in for Alex Rice, one of the lead actresses. I remember the feeling of awe and interest for all of the moving parts and people it takes to make a film. From that moment, I was hooked. I got an agent and started doing some acting for various projects. After a year or two, I needed more and wasn’t really getting enough acting jobs to pay the bills, so my thought at the time was to get a job in a crew for extra cash and more knowledge on the workings of a film set. From there, I started working in any department I could get a job but eventually stayed with the prop department. Along with that, I also found myself doing stunts. A stunt coordinator saw me doing gymnastics and approached me to join his team. What fun!!

Tell us about that work and the various shows and movies you have been a part of.

One show I’ve been a part of is “Breaking Bad” and the “Better Call Saul” series. I’ve been with them since the very beginning and had various jobs on the shows.

I was the assistant Prop Master on all of BB and Saul until last season, where I got hired as a producer. I also did some stunts and acting on the show. You’ll have to watch it and see if you can find me! I’ve done stunts on some big films like “Terminator 4,” “The Space Between Us,” “The Avengers” and so many more. If you are interested in seeing all my credits, you can look me up on IMDB.com.

What have been some of the highlights of that work?

I would say I’ve had a few highlights in my career so far. First being my first speaking role, which was on an ABC family show called “Wildfire.” That event really set a lot of things in motion. The same goes for my very first stunt, which was in a movie called “Love Lies Bleeding.” I got to double Jenna Dewan. That set my stunt career soaring!!

What has been the most notable experience you have had in this work?

My most notable experiences? I think I have two that really stand out to me. First, having my first reoccurring role on a medical drama called the “Night Shift.” I played a paramedic named Sarah. The second happening more recently is being hired as a producer for “Better Call Saul.”
What was your worst experience in doing your work?

I can’t say I have any bad experiences because even on the tough days, you look back and laugh because I do really enjoy my work. This business will eat you alive if you don’t really enjoy the process and the job. The hours are grueling, and some think cruel. We work all night, sometimes only to start at the crack of dawn the next morning. We work on the hottest days and the coldest days. It’s not for the faint of heart that is for sure. People think what we do is so glamorous, and I will be the first to say it most certainly isn’t.

I will give you some of my hardest experiences. On “The Space Between Us,” I did a stunt where I shimmied out of a crop duster airplane onto the wing and then jumped off to a roll on the dirt, all while cruising at about 35. Super fun until you have done it 15 times!! The pain never hits you that day because your adrenaline is going. I couldn’t walk for a week!!

My hardest acting day was on “The Night Shift.” My character, as I said, was a paramedic who would bring the patients in and give the doctors the details on their injuries. Medical lingo is so hard. One particular day it was like the tongue twister of all medical twisters!! It took me so many takes to get it right. So frustrating!! Although I will say, it happens to all actors at some point. The only thing that helped me was to talk to our Medical Tech and learn exactly the meaning of what I was saying. You know, put a picture to my words.

Who have been some of the notable people you have worked with, and what have they been like to work with?

I’ve worked with and for so many notable actors, but the one who sticks in my head is someone who was one of the most professional, kindhearted, brilliant actors I’ve ever met. That person is Bryan Cranston. Seriously, he is the best person/ actor. He is so professional, and he genuinely cares about everyone on the set. Wants to know everyone’s name and about their families. Not to mention a brilliant actor!! I learned so much from watching him.
What kind of work are you involved with now?

I have a new project I just signed on for but unfortunately can’t tell you what yet. You’ll have to wait and see. I’m always acting and auditioning, hoping for my next role. I will also be joining the Better Call Saul team as a producer again for season 6.
What advice do you have to those who want to take a similar career path that you have taken?

Never give up!!! Get to know people and talk to them about opportunities. Like I said, it’s a tough business, but if you work hard and show your love and passion, it will pay off.

What do you see in your future, and what would you like to do in that future?

I hope in the future to continue acting because I really do love it. I also want to continue producing. Because of my love and knowledge of all parts of this crazy business, I want to continue creating things for the world to see.

Who has been the most influential and helpful person for you in your career, and what did they do?

My boss in the prop department because he always gave me the days off to act and do stunts. That doesn’t happen very often in this business. And our executive producer on “Better Call Saul.” She gave me the opportunity to be a producer on the show, and for that, I am so grateful.