Turkish ‘Love Is in the Air’ Star Kerem Bürsin on Starting His Career With Roger Corman and Why New Comedy ‘Son of a Rich’ Will ‘Break Some Barriers’ (EXCLUSIVE)

In this captivating account, Burak Deniz, a versatile actor hailing from Turkey, vividly recounts his journey into the world of film and television. Starting with humble beginnings working with the legendary Roger Corman, he found himself in the realm of B-movies like “Formus” and “Palace of the Damned.” Despite a rocky audition, Corman’s kindness and encouragement set the stage for Deniz’s budding career.

Kerem Bürsin never planned to be a Turkish megastar.

Despite being born in Istanbul, his early life was spent abroad and he completed high school in Texas. It was here that he started acting on stage. Later, he moved to L.A., working under the esteemed Roger Corman. However, he continued to grapple with questions about his nationality, as he himself admitted to EbMaster.

He recounts some individuals saying to him, ‘It’s necessary for you to alter your name,'” he explains. “I would inquire as to the reason, and they would respond: ‘Because you don’t appear Turkish, you don’t sound Turkish, and you’re predominantly American. Consequently, it’s simply not feasible.’

In due course, he went back to his native land, a move that proved to be wise as he gained prominence, becoming one of the nation’s top sought-after actors, thanks to starring roles in internationally successful TV series such as “Waiting for the Sun” and “Love Is in the Air.

Lately, Bürsin has appeared in Prime Video’s romantic drama “The Blue Cave”, a Turkish original that he himself penned. This production was released on the streaming platform in October.

Coming next is the quirkily named comedy “Son of Wealthy,” which is a Turkish adaptation of the popular Russian comedy “Holop.” This film follows the story of a privileged young man named Mete, who is deceived by his father into thinking he has been magically transported to the 15th century Ottoman Empire.

The film titled ‘Son of Rich,’ currently being marketed by Kunay Film from Turkey at the American Film Market, represents a daring endeavor by Turkish filmmakers to create a big-budget, globally appealing comedy in the vein of Hollywood productions, as Bürsin shares in an uncommon interview with EbMaster.

Tell me about your role in “Son of Rich” and why this might be a timely film.

In simpler terms, this story shares similarities with William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” but it’s set in modern times, where self-centeredness driven by social media is prevalent. My character embodies that self-absorption, flaunting wealth and privilege without restraint. However, what makes this story intriguing is that he gets transported to the 15th century as part of a grand plan designed by his father.

So it’s basically a concept movie?

Absolutely, and regarding comedy, it’s not a common genre here in our region. To put it into perspective, think of it as having elements similar to “The Truman Show.” However, we are more accustomed to American movies exploring such concepts. But with this film, we’re stepping out of the norm, since it’s a Turkish production. Comedy often relies heavily on cultural context, but I believe this movie could challenge those boundaries because it doesn’t rely on inside jokes. Instead, the humor stems from the protagonist’s confusion and belief that he’s living in the 15th century, which is just hilarious!

I read that you went to high school in Texas. How did your acting career get started?

Indeed, my educational journey unfolded in Texas where I immersed myself in theater. However, during those early days, it wasn’t my primary focus. I’d participate in musicals, often playing minor roles, and revel in the joy they brought me. Music was the heart of my world back then.

Later, you found yourself in Los Angeles working on two films by Roger Corman: “Sharktopus” and “Palace of the Damned.” Let’s discuss your experience collaborating with Mr. Corman.

A friend shared news about an audition, leading me to visit his workplace near Beverly Hills. Upon arrival, I found no other actors present, leaving me puzzled with the situation. Upon entering, Julie Corman and her husband were there. At that moment, I didn’t appreciate his significance, so I casually agreed to proceed with the audition. Unfortunately, my performance was subpar, filled with errors. However, he maintained a friendly demeanor throughout. Afterwards, I left feeling remorseful. Later on, I received a call and was told that Roger had been impressed by me, thus marking the start of my acting career. He was indeed a kind and considerate person.

2009 marked a memorable year as Corman received an honorary Oscar, a moment I felt incredibly honored to have been associated with. Fast forward to 2010, the radio buzzed with excitement about “Sharktopus”. The mere mention filled me with pride, knowing that this project was now a part of my professional journey.

What was the turning point in your career that took place in Turkey through the series “Waiting for the Sun,” where you portrayed Kerem Sayer, a rebellious high school student? How did you secure this role and what impact has it had on you?

I had to go back to Turkey for some things. So I thought I would shut down L.A. and come back here for a while, where I had never actually lived before. In L.A., I kept coming across the matter of my nationality. Some agents were telling me, “I have to change your name.” I would ask them why, and they would say: “Because you don’t look Turkish, you don’t sound Turkish and you’re pretty much American. So it’s just not going to work.”

Upon my return to my homeland, Turkey, serendipity struck. I encountered a casting director who became my guiding light. She candidly informed me that my Turkish wasn’t up to par, revealing an overly American accent, but saw promise in me for a flourishing career if I honed my dialect skills. She walked with me every step of the way, yet I yearned for Los Angeles. Just as I prepared to embark on my journey back, she unexpectedly called one day, “Hey, there’s this show titled ‘Waiting for the Sun,’ you should give it a try.” So, I did and landed an audition. The producers sought a big name from Turkey, but the director, he declared, “This is who I want!

Could you share some details about another significant achievement in your professional journey, specifically the show “Love Is in the Air,” where you portrayed the character of the wealthy architect, Serkan Bolat?

At its premiere, the show coincided with an exciting era following Instagram’s latest update. I believe we utilized it effectively. It shattered “Game of Thrones” records on Twitter, leaving us astonished and bewildered. The phenomenon was unprecedented. Traveling to Spain would find airports overflowing with fans, the same in Italy, even remote islands were not spared as airport-goers recognized my character. This experience underscored the vast influence this nation holds.

So is that your hope for “Son of a Rich,” to tap into that potential?

Across the globe, there’s been a substantial surge in the popularity of Turkish dramas. However, Turkish comedies are relatively new and exciting. Here’s my take: Just like I appreciate French comedies without being French myself, or Spanish comedies despite not speaking fluent Spanish, this film intrigues me because I’m hoping it will elicit responses like, “That’s a great Turkish comedy!” from viewers.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Turkish ‘Love Is in the Air’ Star Kerem Bürsin on Starting His Career With Roger Corman and Why New Comedy ‘Son of a Rich’ Will ‘Break Some Barriers’ (EXCLUSIVE)

2024-11-06 18:47

Turkish ‘Love Is in the Air’ Star Kerem Bürsin on Starting His Career With Roger Corman and Why New Comedy ‘Son of a Rich’ Will ‘Break Some Barriers’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Read More

Minority Mindset