Jaime Zevallos – ME YOU AND FIVE BUCKS
Actor, writer and blossoming filmmaker Jaime Zevallos is currently promoting his new feature film, a romantic comedy/slice of life type indie called Me You and Five Bucks, which he wrote, directed and starred in. The film is set in NYC and chronicles the lives of several believable New Yorkers, one of whom is a charming waiter (Zevallos) shopping his 7-step self-help book inspired by a broken heart. Always a fan of the premise of lovable losers who might make it, IFQ’s Briege McGarrity was intrigued.
Zevallos partnered with producer Shahrooz Nateghi of Zoor Films and Michelle Gracie of Gracie Casting to make the indie, which co-stars unusual-looking actress Angela Sarafyan of Armenian descent as the girlfriend who dumps him and then comes back into his life much to the annoyance of his buddies.
Latino Leaders Magazine recently named Zevallos as one of its 25 Most Influential Latinos in LA, he won an award at The Long Island International Film Expo and the film is playing at select film festivals on both coasts to positive reviews. It looks this hard-working down-to-earth actor/director/writer with a flair for understanding people, is finally getting the attention he deserves.
Independent Film Quarterly (IFQ): Romantic comedies are always a good bet in terms of audience appeal. Were you thinking about that or you just wanted to make an indie love story?
Jaime Zevallos (JZ): Yes, romantic comedies are awesome. But no I wasn’t thinking of what had audience appeal. I don’t think true art is created that way. It sort of just happened. I was watching a lot of Woody Allen films and was truly inspired by Annie Hall one night. I kept thinking of the love stories and the New York that I knew. I was inspired to write this genre that was very personal to me. I certainly respect all those NYC based romantic comedies but I wanted to make something that was sincere to me. The film isn’t typical in the sense of plot points and stuff like that. It plays with a lot of fantasy and gritty style filmmaking.
IFQ: How was the creative process of crafting, directing and starring in your own film? Did you enjoy your experience as much as Double Down?
JZ: The process of making Me You and Five Bucks was exhausting and joyful at the same time.
Double Down was great but dreadful. I literally had no help on that show. It was just me by myself doing everything. That really made me learn that you can’t do it by yourself, especially on a feature film. On Me You and Five Bucks I had a strong team of producers. But the strongest element was Shahrooz Nateghi. This guy really kicked some ass. He had my back the entire time and made the filmmaking process much easier. We really did this together and am thankful for such a strong producer. Again we can’t ever take the credit alone. I had a lot of help along the way. He was my partner in crime on this one.
IFQ: We’ve all been dumped and ended up broken hearted – but only fantasize about celluloid dreams – How did the film come about it and how did Zoor Films become involved?
JZ: So the film was written over the course of three years. I was kind of lonely in Los Angeles and found inspiration and comfort writing this film. I had gone through many relationship struggles and I guess my imagination was yearning to create a love story. ZOOR FILMS involvement on this film was very organic. Me and Shahrooz Nateghi, the owner of ZOOR worked together as actors on Heartlines. It was an indie we did with Steven Bauer. We bonded as artists and realized maybe we had some of the same Hollywood goals. We always went to sleep late and rapped about life and movies. Long story short after discussing Me You and Five Bucks for several months. We moved forward with this film. Let me be the first to say when pre-production started I think we both were on the same level of “artist” and “producer” insanity. We secured all the needed funds and team players. We both lived, ate and slept Me You and Five Bucks. This wasn’t a ten million dollar movie where we could goof off, we both wore every hat to pull this movie. I think ZOOR and Shahrooz stand out to me because of this simple thing. 100% passion and detail.
In this town passion is hard to come by.
IFQ: I liked the kind of documentary feel – was that intentional?
JZ: Yes, I wanted the look very super 16mm. Gritty and messy for say 70% of the film. The rest I wanted very elegant.
I remember being unhappy because the film was looking TOO GOOD. [smiles.] Go figure. The film is a throwback to Mr. John Cassavetes.
IFQ: NYC was featured heavily – god job. What were some of the challenges of the shoot?
JZ: Thanks. NYC was the real main character of this film. It would’ve been so weird shooting this in LA. It’d be another movie. Challenges??? Huh let’s see… Not enough money. No permits. Freezing climates. No rehearsals and limited takes. But on the flip side these elements made this film a success. It makes you think, it’s all on your attitude facing the challenges.
IFQ: The acting was very solid with the cast seeming to collectively “get it.” How was the casting process? Angela Sarafyan in particular, was very believable actress showing how love can be complicated.
JZ: The casting was very last minute but Michelle Gracie of Gracie Casting was great. She found Angela at the last minute. She sent me her pic at like 3 am. I knew she’d be perfect. The next day me and Michelle had breakfast with her and she was hired. Angela had this awkward sadness to her that I felt the role of Pam needed.
All I have to say is thanks on the acting note. Everyone seems to love the acting. I feel very fortunate that everyone brought their A game to the set. We all knew something special was happening. It really showed in all the performances. The entire cast blows my mind. As you can tell the film is multi-cultural and talented. I’m truly blessed to know all these people.
IFQ: What kind of character do you most enjoy playing? I know you like material with at least a bit of depth.
JZ: I enjoy playing roles that are difficult to pull off. I really dig getting into other people’s shoes. I like comedy a lot because besides the emotional truth it requires technique.
I like to play against type a lot. A few days ago I went in to read for a kids show and then for a killer hit man role. Both were extremely fun to do. It’s all about playing.
IFQ: How did you get into acting and how has your experience been in NYC? I am sure you have endured the inevitable hustle and rejection that comes with the industry.
JZ: I got into acting at 19. I was in community college and questioning my life’s purpose. I had dabbled in street art but something inside me said to go for it. I had no actor friends and no help as I knew no one in the “Biz.”
I enrolled in acting classes and got an agent. My skin is so thick from all the rejection I faced but I’m glad because it made who I am today. You must be tough to make it in this business.
IFQ: What is it like living in Hollywood now are you still a New Yorker at heart?
JZ: I think it’s the same. I’m still auditioning…learning about acting and practicing my craft. The main difference is the pace and scenery. I don’t hang around many HOLLYWOOD folks so I stay planted. I’m a New Yorker at heart. I’m actually planning a trip right now to get my needed dose of NYC. There’s no place in the world like New York. I grew up in Queens and Long Island so I miss the sense of community in LA. But it’s really where you are internally that counts to me these days.
IFQ: Are you pleased with festival circuit and press reviews so far?
JZ: Yes, everyone seems to love this film. We’ve won some awards and were nominated in every film festival we’ve been in thus far. We just won best feature at the LA Art House Film Festival. We all are very pleased. Shahrooz and I spoke about getting so many laurels on the poster that you can’t even see the images. We’re on our way.
IFQ: What is your idea of success?
JZ: Being content with yourself as a person. Having a loving family, friends and being spiritually fulfilled. The rest is just the icing on the cake.