Allius Barnes is booked up and busy with starring in the first season of 'Cruel Summer' produced by Jessica Biel. We got to chat to Barnes about his upcoming projects and his recent release of his Amazon show 'I'm A Virgo'.

Hi Allius. Congratulations on all your upcoming projects. We’ve got so much to talk about but first … how has this year been? Can’t believe we’re nearly half way through the year!

Thank you thank you, yes. It’s been truly Blessed man. Nearly halfway through and so many things to be thankful for.

You’re starring in ‘I’m A Virgo’ which aired on Amazon June 23rd. How excited are you with people seeing this show? Can you tell us a little bit about this show and who you play?

I’m actually genuinely excited man. I mean I always am for the most part, but to be a part of a project as heavily as I am now, and for this be the project has me so excited, and thankful for my journey. The show is about “Cootie”, a 13 foot tall black boy In Oakland who comes to understand the magnitude of his existence through life experiences. By the time he jumps off of the porch he’s kind of grown, and you’d have to imagine how crazy it might be to literally watch someone , a grown man, experience the outside world for the first time. I play “Scat" one of those witnesses to Cootie’s new life. Scat’s the youngest and more free spirited of the group. He’s happy to be there and kind of coasts through life. Everyone definitely has a friend like Scat. He’s a symbol of youth and allows room for childlike playfulness in everyone else. 

The trailer looks great! How was it to film? 

Everyday was full of new surprises. Not just saying that, with a mind like Boots’ you kind of never know what to expect. I think he knows exactly what the story is and how it needs to feel and be conveyed but had moments where he may have even surprised himself in a visual sense. It’s shot so beautifully. Everyone is so talented too. I love this cast. This is probably the most connected I’ve felt to a group of people in a “work” environment I guess. Felt like summer camp. Boots is the Camp Counselor you hope to get. You just know you’re going off script and going to have a good time.

You’ve done a lot thriller shows. Are there any other genre of shows you would like to try? 

I guess I have, I didn’t realize that. I’d like to do more comedies. Comedy is hard man. I’m shooting a comedy with right now and I swear it’s so hard not to laugh during every take. It’s so genius and hilarious. And everyone is so good at making it real and grounded it’s like… I don’t know, it’s hard. That and something with romance. I like romance a lot.

Lastly, is there any messages you want to say to your readers?

Yes. Gratitude is important. Know your worth. Give thanks all day everyday in different ways. Believe in yourself. Trust yourself. Keep your family close. Be kind to people. See people, truly. Speak to people; at work, at home, at school, in the park, in line, wherever you find yourself. Everyone is so disconnected. Outwardly appreciate things. Stand behind it 100%.Many more things but that’s all for now. Mention all of that please. 

I'm A Virgo is now streaming on Amazon.