IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM NIVOLA
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actor Sam Nivola is starring in Netflix’s hit series ‘The Perfect Couple’, which released on September 5th. Next up, Sam will also star in the new season of HBO’s highly successful series ‘The White Lotus’.
You’re starring in Netflix’s new series 'The Perfect Couple', a murder mystery alongside Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber and Dakota Fanning, which just debuted as the #1 show on the platform. What are you excited for viewers to see?
All of it. I think the world has been waiting for a show like this. A murder mystery is always so interesting to watch because it really makes the viewer feel involved personally with the characters. Also, what setting could be better than sunny Nantucket?
Tell us more about your character Will and his role in the whole story.
Will is the youngest member of the Winbury family and consequently, the most wide-eyed and innocent. Aside from Amelia, he is the only one who hasn’t yet come to terms with the life he lives and the cynicism and darkness that comes along with it. His reaction to this is simple frustration and anger with his family and his surroundings. I think that’s what drew me to the character. The contrast between his visually stunning surroundings and his inner rage felt like a fascinating conflict to try to explore.
The series is an adaptation of the New York Times best selling novel. Did you read it before filming started, and how do you think the series differs from the novel itself?
I didn’t read the novel. When I act in films or shows that are based on written source material, I tend to try not to read it until after I finish shooting. This script is a standalone piece of work, something which Jenna did so beautifully, and I really wanted to try to do that justice. I have heard that Elin Hilderbrand’s initial take on the story is amazing though, so maybe I’ll give it a read in the coming months to pull my mind out of the zero-degree New York winter.
How did your career in acting begin? What made you passionate about the craft?
When I was 16 or 17, I was in a drama class at my high school taught by Sharon Lamazor. She was an amazing teacher and I think she saw something in me during those years. When an open casting call went out to New York high schools for Noah Baumbach’s film 'White Noise', she put me forward to the casting director to send in a tape. After a long process, I was very fortunate to get the job, which was an absolute dream come true. Since then, one thing has led to another, and I have been extremely lucky to keep working consistently.
I get this question a lot and I’m not sure exactly what drew me to it. I was obsessed with movies from a young age and getting an audition for 'White Noise' was an amazing opportunity to be on a set and see how it’s all done and feel that intoxicating, collaborative energy. That helped me truly witness how simultaneously beautiful and difficult acting is, which encouraged me to try and improve my ability. I think that has launched me to the point where I am right now.
In your career so far, you’ve gotten to work alongside many acclaimed actors, directors and producers. How do you approach a new project when you know you’ll get to work with such high profile talents in the industry?
The roster of people I’ve been able to work with at my age is ludicrous. I went straight from high school into acting and didn’t have formal drama education, so every chance I get to work with such experienced actors provides such a worthwhile opportunity to learn and grow in my own abilities. The same goes for directors, writers and producers with whom I have been fortunate enough to work, as those are all career paths that I am also pursuing separately. When I hear who is attached to a job, I always go to the store and buy a few notebooks because I know they will fill up quick.
How do you generally prepare for each new role?
I often try to get in the headspace of the character through third party source material. When I was preparing for 'The Perfect Couple', I tried to do as much research as I could about what it is like to grow up in that kind of community. For example, I bought a book called 'The Preppy Handbook'. However, oftentimes the only thing that can give you the answers you need about your character, their background, their world and their surroundings is the script. I really like to absorb everything I can from it as a primary source before going to real world examples. Even though 'The Perfect Couple' is set in Nantucket, Jenna Lamia’s version is going to be different, even if subtly, from the real Nantucket.
When you’re not filming or preparing for a new role, how do you love spending your days off?
In addition to acting, I am passionate about directing, writing and producing. I co-founded my production company Cold Worm Productions with my two best friends about a year ago. At the moment, we are shooting our second feature film in the Welsh countryside on a tight budget where we are working crazy hours, so right now, my time off from acting really doesn’t feel like time off. There’s also something truly special about indie filmmaking and low budget productions. There’s a certain creative energy that springs up that can sometimes feel elusive when you have more money involved.
Next year, we’ll be seeing you in the highly anticipated third season of ‘The White Lotus’. How exciting was getting cast on it for you, and what can you tease about the upcoming season?
I was not expecting to get cast in it. It’s one of those shows where when the call goes out, you know that literally everyone and their mother is going to be auditioning for it. I sent in my tape and chalked it up to another good bit of practice. I really was certain there was no way I could land that job, so when I did, I was beyond thrilled.
I cannot say anything about the show itself, but I can say that it was the most incredible and unique shooting experience. Mike is a good friend and a creative genius, as are the cast who are some of my favorite people. Thailand is so beautiful and the script is perfect, so I really can’t wait for everyone to get to see it. It’s a wild one so get ready.
Besides ‘The Perfect Couple’ and ‘The White Lotus’, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?
I’ve been working a lot over the past few years, so after this, I want to take a few months to reset, go back home to New York and see my friends and family. However, I can never really do nothing because it makes me go insane after a few weeks, so I’ve also been in post-production with Theo Quantick, an incredible filmmaker. I’m also currently working on funding a film I wrote, called 'To Die In Spring', which I plan to shoot in Hungary next year. Keep an eye out.
photographer SHAYAN ASGHARNIA
photo on the boat SEACIA PAVAO / NETFLIX
