Syd Wilder – Laid In America

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) How did you become a part of the movie Laid In America?

A) I met Sam Milman and Peter Vass through Funny Or Die because they both had messages on the homepage around three years ago. They messaged me and we ended up doing a sketch together about hot girl problems. It was black and white and melodramatic and a parody. It was hilarious! Working on this movie was like being in high school and I never really got that high school experience. I was excited because I was home schooled. There was a bunch of YouTuber’s running around set, with the exception of Bobby Lee. It was so much fun to get to work with my friends, Sam and Peter. There is nothing like making art with two of your friends and I’m so grateful to be in their movie!

Q) How was your character Scarlett described to you?

A) My character is named Scarlett and she is an online sex coach. I’ve never been an online sex coach before and I had to do some research. I think I did a pretty good job. [laughs] I did the read through at Sam and Peter’s apartment in Hollywood when they were working on the first draft of the script. I was presented this role when Sam was at my house and he said, “I want you to play this sex coach.” I was like, “What?” He said, “You’ll be fine. It’s an online sex coach.” I said, “Is there any more?” He said, “She’s really hot.” I asked if she keeps her clothes on and he said yes – enough. It looks like I’m topless in the trailer, but it’s just my back.

Q) How does the movie mirror these other great teen movies that we love?

A) I think this movie mirrors it whole heartedly. I think this is going to be the American Pie of our generation. I think that the guys did a really good job with casting this movie because it will hit the demographic of young teen males. Maybe I’ll have some new fans because my character is kind of like the Shannon Elizabeth of the movie. So, maybe I’ll have a bunch of dude teen fans because that’s the demographic I’m missing. Hey, you never know!

Q) What was it like working with the cast of Laid in America?

A) I was honored to work with Olijade [Olatunji]. He was a great scene partner and it was his first movie and Casper’s [Lee] first movie. I was blown away by their natural talent because they had never done anything like this before (except for their YouTube videos). They kind of got to see what it was like to be on set for all of those long hours, but they were so entertaining and so kind. They were really easy to work with. They are pros!

Q) How was it working with comedian Bobby Lee?

A) I love Bobby Lee. I used to do standup and he was always at the clubs. He is one of the most genuine, down to earth, really funny people. I was honored to be part of this movie with him. I just think he was a genius. We had no scenes together though. He was a really big influence when I was doing standup. He was always so supportive and kind. He was never pretentious or judgmental. He was the real deal and he is very focused on his career. He’s just a really cool guy.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is that something that has come naturally to you or have you had to work at it?

A) That’s a really great question. Thank you so much for asking it. I went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and I have always had a sense of humor growing up. I was kind of the ugly duckling in my family so I needed something for me to stand out. My sister was the Prom Queen and it was like, “I’m going to have a personality. I’ve already decided that.” It stuck with me and I studied traditional comedy at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and then I did standup for three years. I went to Second City training school, the UCB and Groundlings, which are all esteemed comedy schools. I did the writing program at Second City – the same one Tina Fey went into. I studied really hard and watched a lot of sitcoms and movies. I try to add comedy into all the roles I do because I feel like if your character can be funny or have a sense of humor you can use that for the audience to fall more in love with your character. I just love to do that. I love to make people laugh. I always try to incorporate comedy into all the roles I do. It makes you feel good to smile. It makes you feel good to laugh. Making people laugh is the best feeling in the world and the best gift.

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from behind the scenes on the film?

A) I loved my parking spot. It was really close to my trailer. [laughs] It was a very big deal for me. It was fun to take all the behind the scenes selfies with everybody. I learned how to Snapchat. We were on set for a really long time for a night shoot and Olijade taught me how to Snapchat, which I think was one of the best lessons I’ve ever learned. I love the filters because they are so much fun. I’m starting to get more into Instagram video because that’s where more of my audience is and followers are.

Q) What do you think it is about Laid In America that will make people want watch it?

A) The sex therapist role was done really well and was really funny. It is hard to find a cast like this. Working with Peter and Sam I feel was literally a once in a lifetime experience, but I know it is going to happen for them again and again. It was very well done and it is hard to do, unless you are someone like Judd Apatow.

Q) There has been a movement towards creating your own projects and support for women in film. What does that mean to you?

A) I’m actually a member of Women in Film since 2009. It has really helped me foster a bunch of relationships with other female filmmakers. I actually just shot a project with Zoe Quist who is a female director/writer/producer and she did Mining For Ruby. We just shot a sizzle for the upfronts for the Women In Film that they will present next year. I think it is very important for women to empower other females because we really are such a small demographic and the business is a boys club. So, we really need to stick together. There is no room for pettiness or be vindictive. The type of person I am, I’m here to help inspire and help us all rise above. I’m actually producing a project with my sister, Skyler, who has been a filmmaker for many years. It is called Reckless Juliet and it is a coming of age web series about four females. It is about what is like growing up and what it is like to become a woman. I think it is very important for us to stick together. I’m a girls girl and we have to learn to play hardball with the boys and stay together. That’s very important. The more we talk about it the more it is going to change. I was really impressed with Jennifer Lawrence talking about that. I think with social media and the way the world works now it is going to continue to get better. You have to use your voice.

Q) What would you say has been the highlight of your career?

A) Directing Sam belly dancing for an Instagram video! When the tables turned it was hysterical! I think that is his biggest career highlight, if you ask me. [laughs] I think he might disagree.