It's not often that a Kenyan actor makes it into a Hollywood film project. Edi Gathegi, Lupita Nyong'o, Benjamin Ochieng' and Mary Oyaya are among the few Kenyans who have made it to the global film making scene.

Recently, Kenyans have been glued to their screens watching Sense8, Netflix Original series partly short in the country. In the series, familiar scenes of the typical hustle by Nairobians is explored.

I personally love high concept films. Initially, I was a science fiction writer who had a penchant for deep space travel and astrophysics. I really loved developing my own concepts of hyper-efficient space travel. I recently rewatched Matthew McConaughey's Interstellar...I felt reconnected to my other creative side.

So, when it comes to a Kenyan actor starring in Sense8, a sci-fi flick, I wouldn't be more proud about it. The series is about 8 strangers from different parts of the world who become mysteriously interlinked...both mentally and emotionally. Season 1 of the production is already out and has gotten critical acclaim.

Renowned Kenyan actor Paul Ogaoa plays the role of a tout alongside British thespian Aml Ameen (who played a role in the 2014 blockbuster Maze Runner.) Aml played Capheus, a matatu driver who's really trying to get customers to make ends meet. His mum has been ill for days, something that seemingly stresses him all the time.

Sense8 was directed by the Wichowski brothers, who have worked on massively successful films, including The Matrix film series, Jupiter Ascending and Cloud Atlas.

How did Paul Ogola get the chance to be part of a large franchise like this? The Nairobi Half Life actor reveals that it's more than a dream come true. I had an exclusive interview with him and here's what went down:

Harun: Tell us about how you got the Sense 8 gig and how it came to settle down in you that you're part of a hit series that's gotten great reviews worldwide.

Paul: It was through auditions brother. My beautiful friend Nini Wacera tried mailing me a couple of times to tell me to go and audition but by then I never used to check my mail ‘cause nothing good was ever coming. So, she went ahead and called me to go audition. I went there, did my thing and boom! I got it. Hahaha man I was told of so many big names that tried that role...I was like man this is big!!!

Harun:  That's something big you know. So, how have you been dealing with the attention that the film has brought?

Paul: Attention...the best attention I am yet to receive is a mail, a call from casting agents telling me of more jobs. The film got me friends from all over the world; I love that.

Harun: You acted alongside Aml Ameen, an accomplished actor who played a role in The Maze Runner, one of the best sci fi films  of 2014. What was your experience working with an international star? What's the best lesson you got from him and what did he feel about your work ethic?

Paul: It was one great time working with Aml, I experienced professionalism and gained a lot of skills from him. We use to meet up before the shoot just to rehearse our scenes and help him with some Kenyan accent lesson...About what he said about my work;

“Charismatic, powerful ,authentic, natural and brother you should start learning American accent."

"It was through auditions brother. My beautiful friend Nini Wacera tried mailing me a couple of times to tell me to go and audition but by then I never used to check my mail ‘cause nothing good was ever coming."

Harun: That’s dope man. Which is your favorite scene from season 1? How do you find working with the Wachowskis and which theme in the story blew you away?

Paul: I love the part where wolf gang is on the floor and cannot reach his gun then sly litto has to step in with his acting lying skills to throw away attention then wolfgang riches the gun and kills the villain and of course Mr. F**k off scene.

Wachowskis, first things first these are the makers of the Matrix Trilogy, Jupiter Ascending...This are big names ok?! I  did my job and then when they came to direct a particular scene in Kenya,they met me and said "great job, you have given us more than what we expected" ...Man no cheque could buy that moment.

All the themes were top notch man, great stories executed perfectly.

Harun: That's brilliant. So now that you've worked with top Hollywood directors, has your outlook on the local film industry evolved?

Paul: I do not want to sound like I am comparing but this is what I have to say. We need to know that this industry is a very rich investment; let us plant seeds of success and wait for them to germinate, uproot bad weeds by vetting quality, be persistent by telling good stories and practise specialization, with PATIENCE we shall harvest. But if we continue writing scripts overnight shoot in the morning, edit by noon then air after the 7 o'clock news then wait for your money...We ain't going no place but surviving. We will lose great people to other countries like Nigeria and South Africa.

Some filmmakers are doing a great job, like the movie "Watatu" … you guys should go watch that movie and some stories are coming up that will change TV...Crossing fingers they go through. We are headed somewhere.

"Man no cheque could buy that moment."

Harun: Wow. Suchs an insightful approach to such subjects. Talking about money, how much were you compensated for your work into the film?

Paul: Not much than the exposure it has given.

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Harun: Is this the best role you've ever gotten? What should your fans expect from you?

Paul: Jela is my best first role simply because it gave me that "show me what you got" platform... I tell you, people out there are not aware of the talent in Kenya. Sense8 was the ticket to just sell 254 talents in capabilities...Yes, with the love of God we got their attention.

My fans will get all the love, I will always give my all and do justice to my work, we will always talk.

Right now, he’s getting ready for the next big blockbuster so that he delivers to the utmost. Do not be surprised if you see Ogola on the poster for the next Marvel film. Or the next Terminator film. He’s basically your ultimate go-getter.