For actors like Nicoye Banks, landing parts in big screen films is always a blessing. But to have two different, high profile films out in the same time period -- for different audiences-- is amazing.

The New Orleans native, whose previous films include 'G' with Blair Underwood, and 'Invincible' with Mark Walhberg, is currently in theaters with 'Brooklyn's Finest' opposite Wesley Snipes and Don Cheadle and will be featured opposite Matt Damon in 'The Green Zone.'

Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film centers on a U.S. Army officer (played by Damon), who upon discovering covert and faulty intelligence, goes rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region. Banks is an soldier in Damon's unit.

We caught up to the rising thespian this week...

Are you happy to have two films out in theaters at the same time?

Nicoye Banks: I am very excited that two very good films are coming out within the same month; heck, a week apart. How often does that happen? It has been busy, but worth every minute of the stress, worry, planning and re-planning that has occurred.

Tell us about the role you play in 'The Green Zone.'

NB: I play Sgt. Perry, an E.O.D specialist, in a special unit in Iraq. I'm with Matt Damon's unit looking for weapons of mass destruction. Ranking wise, I was third in command of this unit.

How did you get the part, was it a tough audition?

NB: I auditioned against real veterans who served at one time or another in the war, as well as other actors. It was very tough because there wasn't a set criteria they were looking for. We didn't even know the full name of the film project. There were no sides or a script, so normal preparation could not take place. It was improv! I love improv, but I kept saying to myself, "But this is a Matt Damon movie." Surely, they will be coming with something else, and they didn't. I don't know how or why, but I was selected. Besides Matt, I'm the only non-military person within our unit. "Wow,' is what I kept saying to myself the first three weeks I was in Spain.

How was working with Matt Damon?

NB: I learned valuable lessons watching Matt, speaking with him, as well as being assessible to his small inner circle. He is very smart, witty, open, and very down to earth. He's also personable and responsible.

Did you do any research for your role?

NB: My sister Naja served in the war, so I asked her for her input. I also read the novel, 'The Imperial Life in the Green Zone.' Since there was no script provided until weeks into shooting, I didn't know what to think. I didn't know who my character was.

What did you learn from the film, politically?

NB: That you keep cool about your personal politics. Try to know your stuf and don't take what someone, anyone, gives and says to you.

How much fun did you have working on 'Brooklyn's Finest?'

NB: Shooting 'Brooklyn's Finest' was surreal. I kept saying to my friends, 'I'm working right along with Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes. Antoine (Fuqua) is a general. He's very intense, focused and honed in.

How challenging has it been to land film roles?

NB: There is always a challenge as everyone goes for the same roles, but you must go in like you know your stuff and do your thing and just keep on doing it.

Since you're from New Orleans, were you happy the Saints won the Super Bowl?

NB: I'm thrilled!! This is monumental, and very similar to President Obama winning. All my young years, we just wanted to make it to the playoffs, so this is great indeed.

What's next for you?

NB: I'll be in an episode of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent.' I'm also in an indie film called 'Changing the Game.'