‘Filmmaking is my sickness, success is my painkiller’

An American Carol written by David Zucker is due to be released on October 3rd, 2008. The leading role is played by the Turkish actor, Serdar Burhan Kalsin. He plays a terrorist filmmaker.

When David Zucker cast his newest film, An American Carol, Kalsin was the obvious choice for one of the leading roles. Kalsin had already been collaborating with Zucker on a series of commercials. Kalsin’s success as both a Turkish actor and a Turkish filmmaker make him a formidable Turkish talent both at home in Turkey and at home in Los Angeles. So I had a chance to have an interview with him about himself and his role in American Carol for Turkish Journal…

Could you talk a little bit about yourself?

I am a Turkish guy working hard to achieve my dreams. It doesn’t happen quickly. Filmmaking is my sickness, success is my painkiller.

What’s the strongest memory that comes to mind of growing up in Turkey?

The last big memory I have is the earthquake. I saw so many people in need and felt helpless. Outside of my career goals, I want to learn how to help people in this kind of situation. I owe it myself.

What is it about American Carol and the director interests you? 

I grew up watching David Zucker comedies. He was, and still is, the most important person in Hollywood for me. I feel extremely fortunate to be in his movie, An American Carol, and to have a leading role. This is a major milestone for my career.

When the director offer you the part, what was your first feeling?

I actually said, “Is this really happening?”

Could you talk a little bit about working with David Zucker?

He is a comedic genius and he is also very honest about his work. He actually searches for jokes and finds ways to make them work on the set. As actors, we are part of that. We become his tools. I’ve tried to learn as much as I can from him. He is amazing.

What was that experience like?

Surreal. To be working with your childhood filmmaker, as a major talent on his pet project. It is living the Cinderella story.

How do you keep up your enthusiasm for acting?

I find it challenging. Every day I am faced with another challenge. I enjoy overcoming each day’s obstacles. It gives me self confidence.

What are the advantages and disadvantages that you have experienced as a Turkish actor?

I am too busy to think about negativity. I don’t want to concentrate on the disadvantages. I can’t do anything about them. What I can do is try to use my differences to my advantage. Time keeps going. Life has no pit stops.

Do you bring your life experience to each role?

I played a terrorist in this movie. I don’t think I can bring any life experience to the role.

Hollywood?

Has traffic I rather live in Santa Monica. Seriously, Hollywood is where the movies are made. That is exciting. But make no mistake; there are plenty of hard working geniuses living here. The competition is very high.

What’s the best piece of advice you will give to young Turkish actors who have plans of going to Hollywood?

Give yourself time, as much as 10 years, to just break even. Invest in a second career on the side. But, be ready for the chance when it happens.

Who’s the most famous person in your contacts book?

My mom. I don’t think there is a way to answer this question intelligently.

How are your intuitions? When you were in Turkey, could you think you will be in that position? 

Not at all. If I had even a daydream like this I would slap myself.

How do you want to be remembered?

A nice guy who helps Turkish filmmakers make it in Hollywood.

What’s next?

Don’t know…

Serdar Kalsin was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. From a young age, movies were his passion. Today Kalsin is an established Turkish actor and filmmaker in Hollywood. After completing his formal education in Istanbul, Kalsin left Turkey for New York and then Los Angeles where he attended film school and mastered the craft of cinematography and lighting. Kalsin was selected as the Director of Photography for the short film Diminished Fifth. The film went on to win several awards. His expertise landed him a number of camera jobs with established directors such as Roger Corman and he was soon hired as the Director of Photography for two full length feature films including Down and Distance with Gary Busey. Acting was always more of a hobby than a career goal for Kalsin, until the day he was hand-picked by Steven Spielberg for a role alongside Tom Hanks in The Terminal. The floodgates opened. Kalsin has appeared in a number of feature films, with stars such as Al Pacino. Particularly memorable, was his role as a tall and very angry Russian in “Be Cool” staring John Travolta. Kalsin has had a number of TV appearances as well, acting in short skits for Late Night with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live! These appearances led him to a fortuitous meeting with his comedic hero, Producer David Zucker. Kalsin is now working on several projects in both Hollywood and Istanbul. In the rare moments he’s not working, he enjoys riding his BMW motorcycle, gardening and Turkish style Barbecue.