Margaux Susi – The Sperm Bank

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) What was it about Rob Scerbo and Jeremy Culhane’s story The Sperm Bank that made you want to direct it?

A) When I hear something is based on a true story, I immediately lean in. Life is real and messy and when I get to see that portrayed on screen, it’s my favorite. When I first heard that Rob was told to go masturbate right after being told he had cancer, I initially asked if he was okay – he was, phew – and then I said, “I’m sorry but that’s really funny.” Cancer stories are a dime a dozen, but I had never heard of one being told through this absurd, comedic lens. I wanted to be part of it.

Q) During production what kinds of conversations did you have with the writers, and especially with Rob Scerbo, as the film was based on his own experiences?

A) I sat down with Rob, and we started from the beginning. He was an open book. He was vulnerable and open and he shared all of his thoughts and deepest feelings he had during this time in his life. We talked about what it was like when he first found out, what treatment was like, what his relationships were like during that time, etc. Jeremy Culhane, the co-writer and one of our brilliant actors, is best friends with Rob and was by his side during his treatment. It was really listening to two best friends talk about this very specific moment in time together.

Q) In The Sperm Bank I found Rob’s scene where he is speaking to his cancer-riddled self to be such a heartbreaking but poignant moment. Looking back, what scene would you consider the hardest one to film?

A) First of all, thank you! I love that scene. We knew the real heart of the movie was there, so it was really important to me that we got it right. And I feel like we did.

The hardest scene to shoot was actually just a very small moment you see in one of the montages. It’s with Rob’s mom when she finds out he has cancer and says it’s her fault and she’s so sorry. Our actress, Susan Ziegler, is so heartbreaking. She was able to go to this deep emotion so quickly. I don’t think any of us were expecting it. We got a ton of variations of this line. Rob was in this scene, too. He had been so strong throughout the entire shoot and this scene was really hard for him. Thinking of a mother dealing with her own son’s mortality and not being able to do anything about it is just the stuff of nightmares.

Q) I would love to know, was mixing real footage of Rob’s journey with cancer with the film part of the original concept or was that decided on later?

A) We knew we had all these images of Rob going through cancer, but we didn’t know if we wanted to include them. We were toying around with putting them in the credits, but we realized we would really hit the audience in the gut if we put it in the middle of the last montage when you aren’t expecting it. You get lost in this story and you almost forget it’s based on a true story. Then all of a sudden you see the pictures and, bam, you remember and it’s really moving.

We also use Rob’s real scans and medical records in the second montage. That was never part of the plan but our genius editor, Michael Scotti, Jr. asked if Rob could send them to him and just played around. He came up with something we were all floored with. It was eerie and impactful and visually stunning.

Q) Since its release at Tribeca, what was the audience’s response to watching The Sperm Bank?

A) The response has been overwhelmingly positive! I think people expect this really broad comedy and then we take them on a whole other journey. Yes, our movie is very funny at times, but we really straddle that line between comedy and drama.

After every screening people would come up to us and tell us their personal story about going through cancer themselves or about watching their friend or family member go through it. They relate to it. They feel seen. And they laugh! What’s better than that?

Q) What message do you hope people will take away from watching The Sperm Bank?

A) Life is messy and complicated and absurd. And that absurdity is sometimes funny! It’s okay to laugh at it! Process however you want. Grieve however you want. It’s all part of the human experience.

Q) In addition to directing, you have also had acting roles in such shows as “Dear White People” and “Central Park.” How has your experience on both sides of the camera helped you as a director and an actor?

A) I feel like being a director makes me a better actor and vice versa! When I’m directing, I know how to talk to my actors. We have a shorthand that allows us to be really direct and makes collaborating not only easy, but really fun. I can leverage our shared vocabulary to excite them and make them feel safe making bold choices.

When I’m acting, I know where my part in the story lies. It’s never really about me, I’m just a cog in the machine. I also now respect the hell out of the director and know that they have a million things on their mind. And they need to make their day! I try to be super-efficient. I come prepared and do my job. That’s the best thing you can do for another director. Basically, don’t be the problem. Do your job well and let everyone move on!

Q) After The Sperm Bank are there any upcoming projects you are working on that you can share with us?

A) I’m currently in post-production on my next short, Unt. MEAL SUPPORT FILM, which stars Kate Burton and Angela Giarratana. The film is inspired by the writer’s own experience in eating disorder recovery and the kindness of strangers (IE guardian angels) who have helped them stay on the beam. Recovery is not linear, and no two people have the exact same experience, but anyone who has time away from the cruel, frightening and dangerous illness will tell you that their worst day in recovery is better than their best day when they were sick. We hope the film inspires hope.