Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2023
Lauren Buglioli has filmed on many locations, but she said shooting “A Jazzman’s Blues” in Georgia was one of her favorites. “I had an incredible experience working on (that film),” she said. “Savannah was a very idyllic setting. I was lucky enough to explore (the area) and I really got a sense of the city by riding the hop-on/hop-off trolley and walking around as much as possible.” Buglioli, who now splits her time between Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, has two series out this year – Netflix’s “Florida Man” and “Bad Monkey” on Apple TV+.
Q: What are some good nearby trips?
A: My favorite short road trip to take is to the North Georgia Mountains to stay at Getaway cabins. It’s a wonderful way to escape and get out of your bubble. I also love going on walks and hikes with my dogs.
Q: A lot of people may have preconceived ideas about what “Florida Man” may be about, just because that phrase has become a meme.
A: I think those preconceived notions will be spot on! (He) is an ex-cop who travels to Florida to find a mobster’s runaway girlfriend. Criminal behavior, drama and hilarity ensue from there! We filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it was absolutely beautiful. The beaches in Wilmington are incredible and I hope to go back to visit soon.
Q: How long did you live overseas during your childhood?
A: I moved to London with my family when I was 10 years old and I attended middle and high school at the American School in London. It was an incredible experience that definitely changed my life for the better, thanks to the people I met and experiences I had living there. I hope to go back to visit soon and for work one day.
Q: You’ve played so many interesting characters. Is there any one in particular that you think would make a great travel partner for you?
A: I love this question! I would love to travel with Ms. Holt – the rapping teacher from “Young Dylan” – because I feel like she’d be a party. Otherwise, I play some really tricky and sometimes evil characters whose company I don’t think I’d enjoy very much.
Q: And speaking of traveling, what is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I love Lake Como. It’s absolutely stunning and very special to my family. We used to go when I was in school and we have wonderful memories there.
Q: Do you like revisiting favorite places or do you prefer taking trips to some place new each time?
A: I love visiting new places, but I really enjoy revisiting Spain. I spent a lot of time studying and vacationing in Andalucia when I lived abroad and I hope to go back more. I minored in Spanish in school and I love to be able to speak the language and enjoy the culture.
Q: Some actors have told me they sometimes pick their projects depending on where it will be filmed. Have you ever done this?
A: I was lucky enough to film “Labor, Lies and Murder” in Bermuda. I was very fortunate to have that opportunity. It’s absolutely incredible and I hope to go back more often. My dream is to fall in love with a man from Bermuda. I’ll report back and let you know how it goes.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: Hawaii. I was a baby so while I don’t remember it, the photos make me believe that I had a fabulous time.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: I’ve learned how large the world is, which gives me perspective. Traveling reminds me of the importance of zooming out and creating a life you don’t yearn for a vacation from.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I recently went to New Orleans for a weekend and it was wonderful. I also love going to the Blue Ridge mountains for the weekend. I hope to visit Charlotte and Nashville soon. Another great spot is St. Pete Beach and I have family and friends to visit there, which is a bonus.
Q: Do you have any trips lined up for 2023?
A: I’ll be going to Scotland to attend a friend’s wedding. I can’t wait. I hope to stop in London after the wedding.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I’m proficient in Spanish. I haven’t tried to pick up any more languages, but I’d love to learn Italian.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: London, New York, Madrid, Rome and Prague.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: The Maldives and Bali.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I love to bring a journal. A lot comes up for me when I travel and I like to give myself the space to process and write all my thoughts down.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: I would love to do theater in the West End and live in London again during the run of the show.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: I love to do the hop-on/hop-off tour bus to see a city from a bird’s eye view and then decide what areas I’d like to explore.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I always ask for recommendations from friends and then try to befriend locals, who always know the best spots.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: My best memory was staying in a house in Andalucia with childhood friends from Ireland for two weeks when I was in seventh grade. We had such an incredible trip and made memories that made me fall in love with Spain. I’m lucky that I don’t have a worst vacation memory!
© 2023 JAE-HA KIM
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