Juanes Searched YouTube on How to Make a Casting Tape Ahead of His First Feature Acting Role (Exclusive)

The Colombian musician makes his feature film acting debut in 'Pimpinero: Blood and Oil,' which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on Sept. 9

Juanes is finally making the leap to the big screen!

At the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Colombian musician 52, told PEOPLE that he utilized YouTube as a resource while honing his audition for his new movie Pimpinero: Blood and Oil, which made its world premiere on Sept. 9.

Juanes tells PEOPLE he fondly remembers first hearing filmmaker Andrés Baiz wanted to speak with him about making the movie and felt honored. "I say, 'Andy, are you f------ kidding? I really admire your work and love your movies,' and I love movies in general, so I say, 'I mean, let me try, I'll let you do the casting and see.' "

"So, he sent me the text and then I [went to] YouTube, like 'how to do a casting tape.’ [I had] like a ring light and then the back white wall and everything," he adds. "I did actually do castings for two characters and then he choose me for Moises."

Related: Nicole Kidman Misses Babygirl Toronto Premiere After Her Mom's Death, Director Says Actress Had Been 'Excited' for Event

In the new movie, which marks Juanes' first feature film acting role — he's otherwise contributed his voice to roles in the past and cameos on television before — the musician plays the oldest of three brothers who work as gasoline smugglers in the desert that borders Colombia and Venezuela. Pimpinero: Blood and Oil follows the brothers as they work under treacherous and deadly conditions. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer??, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

"And for me, it was an amazing experience," Juanes tells PEOPLE, recalling that he and his brother used to make homemade films as children. "I just love movies and when I watch movies, I say, 'Hmm, I think I can do that.' I feel I can do it. I really love it. I never thought [I'd do it], because I'm always sticking to music but this is definitely something amazing."

Related: The Best Photos from PEOPLE's A-List Portrait Studio at the Toronto International Film Festival

Off the big screen, Juanes is a majorly popular musician known for his work with the band Ekhymosis and 10 additional solo records. Comparing live performance as a musician to film character portrayal as an actor, he notes, "When I'm singing with my guitar in my band, I feel like a superhero," he says. "But not like a character."

Pimpinero: Blood and Oil does not yet have a release date.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.