B.C. 10-year-old makes his acting debut on hit Netflix show

A 10-year-old actor from Maple Ridge is making his television debut on season 2 of “The Recruit.”

Nicholas Pancine, a 10-year-old from Maple Ridge, is making his television debut on season 2 of hit Netflix show “The Recruit.”

Pancine plays a young version of the lead character, made famous by U.S. actor Noah Centineo.

“This is not normal. Nobody else in my class even had a job by then,” Pancine said. “I don’t think they expected anything like this.”

“The Recruit” was not only Pancine’s first role, but his first audition – with the show conveniently filming most scenes in Vancouver.

Omari Newton, head of the acting department at Vancouver Film School, said growing up in Hollywood North has many advantages for a young actor.

“If you’re going to be an actor in Canada, Vancouver would be number one, maybe Toronto number 2. Vancouver tends to get a lot of high-profile U.S. shows that a lot of people watch,” Newton said.

Threats of a trade war

There are concerns from film insiders that local productions could be impacted if U.S. President Donald Trump goes through with his proposed 25 per cent tariffs next month, triggering a trade war that could drive up costs for key supplies.

Trump’s “America first” sentiment could also lead to fewer U.S. productions shot in Hollywood North.

“They still want to film and produce here in Canada because its affordable – but they do not want to be forced to contribute to Canadian production,” said Gregory Taylor, an associate professor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Media and Film.

Taylor argued that Trump’s plan does not make economic sense, but added, “that hasn’t stopped him in the past.”

Vancouver is the third-largest film and TV production market in North America, according to the city.

Last year saw more than 1,000 days of filming at more than 1,500 locations within Vancouver, the city told CTV News in a statement.

For young actors like Pancine, the hope is for global opportunities to continue – keeping his dream alive.

“I am going to keep acting and you’ll probably see a lot more of me,” he said.