Kevin Sizemore – Woodlawn: Dare to Believe

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on?

A) Earlier this year I finished the film Domain, a thriller set thirty years into the future that we shot in Los Angeles and it was directed by Nathaniel Atcheson. Less than twelve hours after we wrapped, I was in Hawaii prepping to producing a TV pilot with my friend Dave Ohlson called “The Shift” that my wife Gina Lombardi is a part of. After wrapping, I went straight to Austin, TX to work on the Sci-Fi film Sightings directed by Dallas Morgan.  And a couple weeks ago, I just finished production on the comedy Trew Calling in Buffalo and was directed by my good friend Greg Robbins.  The film was also produced by Robbins, myself and Kimber Eastwood.

Q) Please tell us the premise for Woodlawn and about your character Jerry Stearns.

A) Woodlawn is a film that is based on an inspiring story of football player Tony Nathan from Birmingham, AL. This true story of Woodlawn takes place back in the early 70’s and it shows the love and unity in a school that is torn by racism and hate. My character, Coach Jerry Stearns, is the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant to Head Coach Tandy Gerelds (played by Nic Bishop). Stearns was not only Gerelds’ assistant coach, but he ended up becoming his best friend.  If you haven’t seen the trailer, visit http://www.woodlawnmovie.com and you’ll be hooked!

Q) What was it about Woodlawn that made you want to be a part of the film?

A) First and foremost it was working with The Erwin Brother (Jon & Andy).  Secondly, it was being able to take part in a movie that was dealing with football. Last, it was shooting in Birmingham, AL where my son was currently shooting the ABC series “Nashville” and we would only be two and a half hours away…instead of 2,500 miles away.

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) You do your best to make sure that you honor the character to the best of your ability, but I added in a lot of clip board throwing, (Ha!) which I found out after we wrapped, that Jerry did when he coached also so it worked.

Q) What did you find challenging about your role?

A) There is no perfect way to play Coach Jerry Stearns.  He was such a unique individual and had so much passion for what he did.  When we spent time together, we went through photos and he told me stories about Tony Nathan back in the day.  Taking in that information allowed me to channel what he would have done when put in those situations and not have to think about it.  My role as Stearns was to be there to assist Gerelds in situations when needed.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together or did it take some time to develop?

A) I was fortunate that all cast members were a blast to work with, but Nic Bishop and I had chemistry from day one.  Bishop’s role of Tandy Gerelds is assisted by my character of Stearns and we spent a lot of time together when not filming, which proved to benefit us on screen and we became great friends as well.  It was also fun to work with Caleb Castille who portrays Tony Nathan because this is his first role. Nic and I had a blast coaching him on and seeing him develop as an actor.

Q) There are a number of amazing cast members like Jon Voight, Sean Astin, Nic Bishop & C. Thomas Howell. What did you learn from working along such talented actors?

A) With Jon, I learned to just be in the moment. With Sean, it was just how much fun he had and the joy of acting. With Nic, it was sincerity.  I don’t think I’ve worked with a more gracious and giving actor! With Tommy, seeing how detailed his character was….so detailed.

Q) What advice did directors Jon & Andrew Erin give you during filming that you really took to heart?

A) Have fun! I knew going into the role that the story is dear to their hearts because of their father Hank Erwin, who is portrayed by Sean Astin in the movie. It is a story that they have heard for over forty years and to see it coming to the screen has to be amazing.  They knew that when I came into Birmingham that I would be spending time with Jerry and they just wanted me to enjoy the process.  When Jerry suddenly passed away three days before we wrapped production, it hit me and the production hard.  Jerry was a fantastic person and a wonderful coach/teacher! I am fortunate to still be in touch with his wife Diane and his kids on a regular basis. They have embraced me and we will forever be connected due to Woodlawn.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Woodlawn?

A) So many! Getting popped in the face during football practice with a tire on the first day of shooting and Jon and Andy calling me “Tire Track.” Seeing the football players work so hard on the field with stunt coordinator Mark Ellis on a game changing film and loving every minute of it.  The friendship I created with Nic Bishop, who gives an amazing performance as Tandy Gerelds.  Being able to see Caleb Castille get cast in his first role and watch him flourish into a very good actor.  I think another was throwing football at Legion Field with Jon Voight who was dressed as Bear Bryant.  The whole visual was really cool. This film is special.

Q) What message do you hope people take away from seeing the film?

A) People need to treat people the way they would want to be treated! What you focus on is what you get!  If you believe in anything strong enough…it can come true.

Q) You are a part of social media on Twitter & Instagram @kevinsizemore and on Facebook @kevinsizemorepage.  Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive?

A) It’s not the reason why I do what I do, but it’s always great to be able to connect with fans via social media or the old fashioned letters in the mail.  If people are taking the time to contact me because they enjoy my work, that’s a good feeling. Being a story teller is what I do and to be recognized for something you do is always nice.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure people know about the movie or your role?

A) I’ve never experienced getting so close to a person I was portraying and then they pass away before the production ended.  My heart melts for his wife Diane and his entire family for their loss. I feel fortunate that we have kept in touch since we finished filming. For more info on my work, visit http://www.imdb.me/kevinsizemore