We present the Silverstein Family, who live in Surprise, AZ. Believe it or not, they are a modern-day ``All in the Family,`` with Archie and Edith Bunker…except Mom is Archie and Dad is Edith.
Nancy and Brian are a loving couple who are determined to weather every dark storm that hits their family’s ecosystem.
This could be complicated, but the TV pilot, in its simplicity, gives a rare glimpse of the parents’ experience in embracing their child’s ‘coming out,’ and in later episodes they work through him becoming transgender.
Client: Picard Productions
Category: Short Films
Date: 2020
Santa Monica Shorts
SURPRISE! Trailer 2021.mov from Nicole Picard on Vimeo.
Discover The Story
SURPRISE! TV PILOT PREMIER 2021
Screening privately for film festivals
We present the Silverstein Family who live in Surprise AZ and believe it or not, they are a modern day All in the Family with Archie and Edith Bunker… except Mom is Archie and Dad is Edith. Nancy and Brian are a loving couple who are determined to weather every dark storm that hits their family’s eco-system.
This could be complicated but the TV pilot, in its simplicity, gives a rare glimpse of the parents’ experience in embracing their child’s ‘coming out’, and in later episodes works through him becoming transgender. There is their rogue son who’s troubles are looming and a community that presents a wide range of very relevant social issues. A perfect setting for a sitcom!
Nicole PIcard is the writer/director/producer/lead actress and she is always keeping high standards of creative and technical services. I love what I do, and my passion for film content has shined through in all of my work since I first began my own production company in 2019.
Cast
Nicole Picard as Nancy Silverstein wrote this character with herself in mind and willingly worked on set in the mind boggling roles of director/DP and lead actress. She found herself directing while acting and running the camera and it works…the character of Nancy is just that. A bossy, close-minded matriarch who wants to run the show. “It was a bit disconcerting jumping in and out of roles so I just tried to meld them and often found myself improvising to help find my center.”
David Edelstien as Brian the ever so quirky and understanding Dad really keeps the whole family grounded.
Abigaill Thomson as Lisa/Liam is amazing in her transformation and so committed to portraying this character with forthrightness and compassion.
Jason McCrite as Joey has just the right naive snarkiness to pull off all the terribly misogynistic jokes and is still lovable.
Logan Laurel as young Lisa was a natural and perfect for the role. She had just the right amount of tomboy and gumption to pull it off. Logan actually replaced the young actress who was originally cast, she had to cancel because of a positive Covid test. Logan was cast the day before filming, she jumped right in and was a real pro. Much of her work was improvised, even speaking in French!
Logan is a professional model as well and you can see her on the pages of magazines and catalogues. A true beauty inside and out!
Jake Getman as young Joey was cast immediately and when he met the actress playing his sister, Logan Laurel, they immediately started doing improv. Their looks, demeanor and talent made this casting so easy. Jake can be seen on the Disney Channel and in local theatrical productions.
You can see him on TV now in a national Liberty Mutual commercial…
The Silversteins posing in their Surprise, AZ backyard. Nancy, the Mom, insists that they have to join in the fun for their holiday card photo.
This is a fictional family, living in the real world of today. David Edelstein is the goofy dad Brian and there’s Nicole Picard as his wife Nancy. He’s Jewish, she was raised Catholic. That’s the easy part. Nancy is the conservative, judgmental but lovable gadfly and Brian is quirky, cute and always accepting.
Let’s tell you about the kids young Joey and young Lisa…
David Edelstien (left) as Brian Silverstein has the best plausible fun and the genuine fatherly presence that brings warmth to the proceedings.
Abigail Thomson (center) as Lisa/Liam, exudes the perfect combination of sensitivity and defiance as she boldly goes through a difficult transition in her life.
Jason McCrite (right) as Joey is wonderfully smarmy as the womanizing jokester. He lands his jokes with real aplomb!
SURPRISE!
Additional Cast Members…
Laura Walker as Betty, Miranda Wynne as Vicky, Alaska Jackson as Tanika, Sheila Corsi as Althea, Melody Parra as the Party Popper with Gender Reveal Party Guests: Cat Healey, Piper Major, Kelly McDevitt, Cassie Carpenter and Pretty in Pink Party Guests: Liv Schechter, Willow Hunt, Georgia Arnold, not to forget the ladies at the Inez Cafe: Paula Achter and Ellen Burr with the waitress Melodee Piper.
Scenes from SURPRISE!
News and Updates
Filming During The Covid Pandemic
This production had real challenges. We succeeded through sheer determination, focused on details and filmed 2 hours of great story time in 5 days in 2 different locations. Many scenes had groups of actors working together and with the help of Camille Dupin, our very conscientious Covid Compliance Officer, we were all tested, wore masks and kept our distance as much as possible…even while filming. Aaaah! the magic of camera angles. We had open aired rooms with easy access to great fresh breathing room with multiple open windows and doors for flow.
The actors were very well prepared and everyone handled themselves so professionally. Even though they had to do their own makeup and hair as well as bring their own wardrobe. We managed just fine.
Big thanks go out to the Camera Assistant, Laura Walker and the magnificent Associate Producer, Paula Achter, you were amazing!
WOMEN ARE ON THE SET
Both in front and behind the camera
A PRODUCTION STAFF WITH REAL TALENT!
We have an all woman crew!