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Of all the people to be amazed by the scenery of the Universal Studios tour, none was more captivated then the 10 year-old boy who sat with his family and the rest of the tourists on the crowded studio tram. The young man is Jerry Turner and this day was the catalyst of his dream career.
Born and raised in San Francisco and growing up in a blue collar middle-class family, making a living in film was considered a "kooky" idea, although Jerry always stood out as a very creative and active young man. An artist by nature, he was very rarely seen sans pen, pencil, brush or spray paint can in hand. He would spend the week creating art then spend Friday night and all day Saturday at the small duplex theater down the street from his home, the SeaVue Twin.
Succumbing to a Catholic education, Jerry's film career started out in theatre. A favorable audition at the American Conservatory Theatre prompted him to try on an acting career.
Soon after starting classes at A.C.T. he auditioned for the traveling production of Tony & Tina's Wedding. Getting the part also landed him an agent in Los Angeles and off to Hollywood he went. The reality of being just another actor without any contacts in LA was a bit discouraging, and after a few bit parts here and there, it was time for a change.
Never giving up his relationship with canvas and paint, Jerry's artwork was being sold to some celebrity friends and a few prominent corporations. He started an art gallery in 2001 located on the Sunset Strip above the Whiskey.
The quest for movie-making was back on. Jerry took as many extension courses he as he could. He also studied with renowned directing coach, Dov S-S Simens. Looking for a project to shoot, Jerry came across the script for a critically acclaimed play he had done as an actor when first coming to town.
The only problem was the usual one, money. A popular hurdle in a "first-timer's" path. After a few discouraging meetings trying to obtain financing for a small film by an unknown director, he decided to take the gamble of re-financing his house. After some prodding, poking, pleading and a little Abu-Graeb type torture, Jerry's wife finally agreed to take the risk. With only $45,000 to use as a budget, Jerry started on the 10 day production schedule that was to be his first film. He collaborated with the original playwright, Travis Michael Holder, to turn the play into a screenplay using one setting. Doing what most film school teachers would advise against, he used half of the budget on securing the right home to shoot in.
With cast and crew in place, production on Surprise, Surprise began January 25, 2006 and ended exactly 10 days later, on time and on budget.
