Interview of Cover Model/Actor Andrei Claude

Today it’s my pleasure to present an interview of multi-talented, European International model and actor, Andrei Claude! His career encompasses many avenues; bodybuilding champion at age 18, international fitness model, youngest and actually the only European to ever win the title of “Mr. Romance”, romance novel book cover model and actor. His resume lists a variety of items to include television/film, commercials, health and fitness magazines, etc. Definitely a man of
many talents!

Where to find information about Andrei Claude:
http://www.andreiclaude.com http://www.itsallaboutromance.com
http://www.vimeo.com/myfilms

Q: You started out as a bodybuilder. What got you interested in doing that? What was your daily routine like?
A: Well, from a very young age I was fascinated by muscular film stars such as Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Lee and many others. So I began lifting weights at 15 years old, and a year later I was on stage competing for the national championships. I was still a student so of course I lived a typical student’s life but instead of hitting the clubs in the evening I would spend a few hours in the gym, and instead of beer I drank milk! : )

Q: With all the directions you’ve taken with your career, is there one job you’ve thought about trying but haven’t attempted?
A: That’s a good question. Yes, I have thought about different things, but of course if I never attempted something it’s because I didn’t find the passion or the drive to go ahead with it.

Q: How do you prepare for a romance book cover “shoot”? Do you ever get the opportunity to reject a cover you’ve done?
A: I basically just try to show up at the studio on time. There’s not much preparation done before the shoot itself, unlike with fitness modeling. I used to go through 24 hour dehydration process which helped with the muscular definition. With romance novel covers it’s good to maintain a somewhat achievable look.

Q: If a woman will be photographed with you for a cover, do you meet before a “shoot”?
A: No, that’s never happened to me before. We normally meet at the studio around half an hour before the shoot begins, that gives you enough time for a brief introduction which is really all you need.

Q: Congratulations on your “Mr. Romance 2005” title. Tell us about the competition and what one thing you remember about the convention.
A: Oh, thank you. The actual Mr. Romance contest is normally held on the last day of the convention. I believe it’s usually a Saturday night. I had absolutely no clue about romance novels or anything connected to the business before I arrived in St. Louis, MO in April, 2005. As things started to unfold I began to understand what this industry was all about, and what those 1,500 women who attended the convention were seeking. I’m sure the grin on my face when they announced the winner said it all, it was the highlight of that experience for me. But of course I
made many new friends during that week, which was really great.

Q: You have a wonderful and long resume of your fabulous career. What will be added next to your list of accomplishments?
A: I wish I knew that, but then again I’m probably in this business because I like the element of surprise and not living like a mechanical being, doing the 9 to 5 routine every single day.

Q: You’ve appeared on TV and in films. What has been your favorite experience?
A: I’m in this business because I enjoy it. So every time I’m on set it’s a great experience for me, and it’s hard to separate the better ones.

Q: You list stage combat and firearms as performing skills. What exactly do you do, and how did you train for these?
A: It’s basically having the knowledge to handle, load and operate firearms. I was given basic training in that, which is probably not enough to be in the US military but it works for film and still photography.

Q: There’s a long list of athletic skills listed for you. What’s your favorite and why?
A: As a kid I was always involved in athletics and sports. I was actually quite good at 60 and 100 meter sprints.
Q: Favorite food?
A: I hope not many vegetarians will read this, but I really enjoy a great steak!

Q: Favorite drink?
A: Since I’m not big on alcohol I quite enjoy freshly squeezed fruit drinks.

Q: What would you consider to be the most romantic place in the world…just so we might get some travel ideas?
A: I find Rome very romantic, but I couldn’t say it’s the most romantic place in the world, because any exotic beach to me can be a romantic setting. It all depends on what you envision as romantic.

CONTEST: Leave a comment (more than "nice interview") for a chance to win two decks of Ellora's Cave playing cards! Contest ends midnight, 10 November ET. I'll choose one winner from those who comment!