Eduardo Verastegui is one of the most sought after film actors and producers currently working in Latin America. He rose to fame with his film "Chasing Papi" and quickly switched gears to produce movies with messages that touch consciences. Since founding his production company he made "Bella," an award-winning film, and acted in "For Greater Glory." This year the actor and producer has two movies, "Little Boy" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2."

Verastegui had a chance to speak to Latin Post about acting in a comedy and about producing "Little Boy."

Latin Post: How did you get involved with "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2?"

Eduardo Verastegui: It all started on the set of "Little Boy" because Kevin James played a role in the film. We became very good friends and I admired him very much as a comedian. When "Little Boy" was finished he called me up and said that he had written a role for me in the new film. I was not sure because I don't do comedy but I took the role and really had a lot of fun working with Kevin. I learned so much from and from being on set.

LP: Does comedy come naturally to you or was it the biggest challenge?

EV: No, I haven't really worked on a comedy. If you look at my filmography, I have done "For Greater Glory," "Bella," and "Meet Me in Miami" These are all melodramas. "Chasing Papi" is the only real comedy but that was such a light work. Paul Blart has themes of family and it is heartwarming. And yes it was the most difficult part because I am not a comedian. It was also difficult because English is not my first language.

LP: What were some of the most memorable moments of working on this film?

EV: Honestly, the whole thing was so much fun to do and it was wonderful to work with a friend like Kevin, who is just so good at what he does. He also a great guy with a great heart and a great soul. He is always looking to help someone.

LP: What do you hope audiences take away from this film?

EV: I hope they can enjoy this film because it is so funny but it also has so many great themes. I mean there is the whole story of Paul Blart and his daughter. It truly is a family movie and a movie all audiences will be able to enjoy.

LP: You also have "Little Boy" this year. Can you tell me what the differences are between this film and "Paul Blart?"

EV: "Little Boy" is an Independent film but it really feels likes a studio production. We had a $20 million budget and it is most expensive production ever shot in Mexico. We had to build a whole city for the movie and we had stars like James, Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson who usually work on studio films. The only thing independent about the film was that it was not done under a studio. But it was so beautifully done and that is the reason we got distribution immediately. Open Road is releasing it and I am happy about that.

LP: Can you tell me about your relationship with Alejandro Monteverde?

EV: He is my "compadre." We have a production company together called Metanoia and we have worked on many projects together. He directed "Bella," which was our first film together.

LP: Do you think "Bella" and "Little Boy" have anything common?

EV: "Little Boy" is a much bigger film that obviously is about hope but it is not similar to "Bella." "Bella" is a much smaller film that had very little money to it. It went to the festival circuit where it did very well and even won the prestigious People's Choice Prize at the Toronto Film Festival. "Little Boy," on the other hand, has bigger sets and bigger sequences that are in no way similar to "Bella."

LP: What do you hope audiences get from "Little Boy?"

EV: The film is about hope and faith. It is about overcoming obstacles and bringing happiness and love. When you leave the theater, I want audiences to not only be entertained but also to come out loving more, judging less and being more forgiving. I want audiences to feel better about themselves and I want the movie to touch audiences' hearts.

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" opens on April 17 while "Little Boy" opens on April 24.