Justin Sorvillo – Surprise!

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for the upcoming film Surprise!

A) Ethan (Bryce Harrow) throws a surprise birthday party for his girlfriend Jane (Melanie Thompson), with plans to propose later that night, but despite all his careful planning, things quickly go awry.

Q) How was your character Roger originally described to you?

A) Roger was derived from the time the director, Nate Hapke, and I were at a party. We kept bumping into each other at the food table to get chips and guacamole. This birthed a bit where whenever we would find each other dipping the chips in the guac, he would go, “Chee-yups!” And I would repeat it back to him, “Chee-yups!” That’s essentially how Roger was born. Regarding the film he said, “Remember when we were at that party, and we had that bit the whole night?” I said, “Yeah! Chee-yups!” He said, “Yup! What if that was basically your character in this?” I was automatically in.

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t on the page for him?

A) I didn’t, actually. There was improv I did on set, but Roger had a great story and character. Every character in the film does. The table read was actually a cold read for all of the actors. We went into it with no contrived ideas. So, I just completely let go and had fun with it. That table read was the most laughs I’ve ever gotten. And I hadn’t even read it before! So, ultimately, I knew the writing didn’t need anything.

Q) How familiar were you with your costars on the film?

A) I had the lead actress, Melanie Thompson on my podcast, Rough Day In Showbiz. She is really cool and a phenomenal actress. The episode is called “IMDB Impossible” and she tells some great stories. It was fun to actually work with her as an actor. She killed this role.

Q) With your comedic skills, was there much room to improv in scenes? (Chips!)

A) Fortunately, Nate let me play. I had a whole rant talking about the state that chips are in now and how it’s a travesty that they’ve been taken over by corporate greed. It got captured on film and it was funny. But, with improv in films, you have to accept that it won’t be used. It’s just for shits and giggles, really. However, there were many times during scenes when I would think, “It would be fun if I did _this_ here” and create non-dialogue moments. It turns out pretty much all of those moments ended up being used in the film. So, I’m happy about that. Ultimately, Nate is a hardworking guy who cares about the details and wants everyone to look good and be good. So, that was joyous for me. And the film is great because of it.

Q) I have to ask you about the handshake between Roger and Steve. How did you and costar Javier Prusky work that out? Were there other versions not used?

A) We had an entire rehearsal for that handshake. We meticulously choreographed it. At one point, Javier and I would be hopping on one leg, or picking each other up. The result ended up being an amalgamation of Rosie’s [Grace], Nate’s, Javier’s and my ideas. Every part of that shake is one of our best ideas. So it’s magical.

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film? 

A) My favorite scene to film was Roger’s ending monologue to Ashley, played by the wonderful Charlie Carr. Not many people know this but, in our first round of filming, the set caught COVID. A handful of people, including myself, became ill and we had to postpone the production for two and a half months for recovery. I had filmed one scene so far – the kitchen scene. The day we broke for COVID was the day I was supposed to shoot that monologue. The night before I was nervous as all hell. THIS was my moment! THIS was the demo reel clip. The OPUS of this character! But ultimately, it didn’t happen. I even tried practicing it with COVID. All I can say is I’m very glad they decided to take the hiatus. So, the monologue stewed in me for two and a half months. I had COVID for three weeks and watched the entirety of Apple TV. Then, we went back to film and by that point I wasn’t nervous anymore. My first day back was literally doing that monologue scene and I was ready. I was confident. Something about the time off just worked. It allowed the smoke to clear. And it happened. As I was doing it, I felt good. It felt real. And I remember after I did it, Rosie came up to me and told me I did a great job. That meant so much. I told her I was actually relieved we filmed it when we did because, originally, I was so nervous to do it. For whatever reason the time off cooked the character more. 90% of my scenes were shot after the COVID break. And for whatever reason, that’s when the character really HAPPENED.

Q) What do you think it is about Surprise! that you think is going to make it a fast fan favorite rom-com?

A) Surprise! Is a GREAT movie. It’s funny, it’s real, it’s quirky and cartoony. It tugs at your heart strings. The cinematographer Nick Ferreiro made it look beautiful too. During the table read, when we were reading the ending, everybody was crying. That’s how I personally knew THIS WORKS. It’s a classic romantic comedy with a lot of heart.

Q) We loved your podcast Rough Day in Showbiz. Who were some of your favorite guests?

A) Thank you!! I would say my number one favorite was of course Jamie Steinberg from Starry Constellation Magazine! She got brutally honest about working with publicists and it was amazing. [laughs] Hard to pick favorites, I’m always blown away by the content that comes out of doing the episodes. One that comes to mind is actress Candice Kita. She had wild stories about being typecast as an Asian person and I also told a story about a culty-acting class that I have been holding onto for literally years. The show is an alternative form of therapy for me, really. Also, Vico Ortiz’s episode comes to mind. I remember before we recorded it, they messaged me asking if it was okay that their stories weren’t funny. And I went, “Yes! Please! I want the real.” Their episode is very raw and many of their stories were about being carelessly misgendered on film sets. I like that that episode (among many others) speaks to social and cultural issues that are happening outside of showbiz. It was actually a privilege to have them be as open and honest on my show as they were. I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community so I really appreciated their candidness.

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on? Any plans for a new podcast?

A) I just recently changed my look, so I have been taking a lot of photos and putting more edgy content out. I am working on a short film with a very talented DP friend of mine that we are both writing and producing. I will be acting in it as well. It’s fun. At this point I just want to make good content. I am done asking for permission.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the wonderful work you do on our screens?

A) If you like my work? Thank you!! Send me a DM or follow me, I will follow you back. Let’s work together. Let’s make something. The industry is the Wild West and there are no rules. Let’s do it. Sidebar, I got a DM from a performer the other day saying how they loved my podcast. I promised her a shoutout, her name is Taylor E. Brummet, follow her on IG! It literally means the world to me. Reach out! I am here. Also, I would like to thank you Jamie, and Starry Constellation Magazine for having me on your illustrious platform.