Winnipeg actor Aleks Paunovic on why he is loving his role in "Arctic Air"

A brand spanking new episode of Arctic Air airs tonight, Tuesday February 7 at 9 p.m.. In the episode we get to know character, Jim McAlister, a bit more, played by the gentle giant Winnipeg's own Aleks Paunovic.

Normally known for his action work, the chiseled Paunovic is a guy's guy. The former amateur
boxing champion has made a name for himself on numerous sci-fi series', having been a regular on Battlestar Galactica, Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis, and Smallville. He's also been in numerous feature films with the likes of Michelle Pfieffer and most recently Dolph Lundgren     

This past week SCENE caught up with Aleks to ask why he is relishing his role. 
 
You play Jim McAlister on Arctic Air, what is that guy all about?
Jim is a fun-loving best buddy with a big heart. He's stoked to have Bobby (Adam Beach) back in town. He's a prospector and trusts Bobby to the fullest. He'll do anything to protect his friends, family and the North.

What is it like working on a all Canadian production as opposed to a U.S. production that is being filmed in Canada?
I love home grown projects. Most of the U.S. projects are about situations, not about where they are shooting.

Knowing that we are making a show about our land, and showing it to the people of the land, gives us a warm feeling knowing we are connecting with people that know our culture and country.

Plus the cast and crew are amazing! So I love coming into work.

Any on-set secrets that you have discovered while working on Arctic Air?
Well, I guess I'm gonna have to let the cat out of the bag. Even though I'm a Winnipeger just like Adam, we had never met. We actually wonder how that never happened.

Adam's character on the show is a little bit of a romancer -- now I'm not sure if he's a method actor or that he loves getting deep into the mind of his characters -- but it's been kind of off-putting getting to my trailer for work and finding it covered with flowers and love notes. I keep telling him I'm a little uncomfortable with it but he keeps on wanting to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I kinda have to take it cause he's the lead of the show. Maybe I'll go out for coffee with him. Who knows (ha ha).

What has been your favourite role to date?

Well, not because we are talking about it, but I'd have to say my character on Arctic Air. I usually play guys that are ass-kickers, with Russian accents, who die half way through the film. Or sometimes I'm the one killing people. So it's kind of nice just being a normal guy. A guy who gets to be funny, goof around, have fun.  

So does being 6'6, often dictate the roles you are cast in?
I'm actually only 6'5, and yes it does play a role. It's a Catch-22; some gigs I get because of my height and others I lose out on because of it. But it's all good. As Popeye says, "I yam, what I yam."

SCENE notes: Winnipeg is well represented in tonight's episode of Arctic Air with Aleks, Adam Beach and writer Jordan Wheeler.