Dialogue:
Sebastián Zurita

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Actor, Producer, Writer • How To Survive Being Single • Addiction House • @szuritaoficial

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Photography: Antar Hanif Raina Silberstein Stephanie Hobgood

Tell Us About Your Next Project

"Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero"/"How to Survive being Single" is an edgy sometimes dark comedy that reflects the reality of relationships in the era of the "swipe right" and how maybe old-fashion love has run its course. We use different points of view and we tackle the taboo issues with sarcasm and irony. It's amazing to have created the first scripted Spanish Amazon Original series to air worldwide. We believe that, in Latin America, we are used to getting this type of content from our neighbors here in the States but we hadn't seen these subjects tackled with a Latin flair. It's an easy cross over due to the subject matter.

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What drew you to the role?

It's a different take on love stories, if you want to put it that way. "Sebastian" is still looking for the love in a world that might be moving a bit too fast for his own taste. I find the character refreshing and we shine a light on a different archetypes of male characters.

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How did you prepare for the role?

Being the creator of the show, let's just say that I know the character inside out! Also because some of it is loosely based on my life and my experiences as an actor and a single guy. We had a lot of time for rehearsals and creating the chemistry with the other actors was essential. I do create the characters from within. The interesting thing was how to create this insecure guy that, seems completely out of sync without making him stiff or cliché.

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Has this role changed you or your perspective on things and how?

Yeah I think the show puts a bit of a mirror into what we think of relationships and how open minded we truly are to everything that is happening around us. Also to enjoy life even if we're not experiencing the best moments.

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What was your experience working with the cast and crew?

It was an amazing experience to be honest. Being able to create something from zero and developing that idea to become a full-fledged show is something spectacular. Especially because this also marked my directorial debut. So I was wearing a bunch of different hats on this one and it was a lot of work but I had an amazing crew and they made it so easy to go to set every day. I can say the cast became really close after shooting.

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How do you approach projects you get?

First it has to be something that surprises me and that I would actually sit down and watch if I was in it. It has to represent some type of challenge. I mean, if it doesn't feel like you will possibly screw this up or if I'm not ready for the challenge then it doesn't move me at all. Once I see that I fully commit to whatever we might need to happen to achieve the best character yet physically and mentally. Also, I use a bunch of different approaches to create characters. A great book I use for that is "The Truth" by Susan Batson.  

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What kind of role/challenge would you really like to take on in the future?

I would really like to do some action stuff. I love films about war and the humanity behind it. Of course doing a project here in the States would be amazing too!

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What has had the biggest impact on you recently?

Well right now the pandemic. I mean I think it has shaken reality for everyone so at the end of the day, it has made me a more creative person. I've been working more than before in a crazy turn of events. So in a way this whole experience has been a good creative challenge.

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What is next after this, can you give us a hint?

I'll resume shooting a film for Netflix but I can't really say much about that just yet!

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If you wouldn't be where you are now, what would you be doing?

I would probably be trying to be a musician haha.

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What is your latest obsession?

I've been reading like crazy and I went back to university so I've been doing that lately.

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What is the childhood memory you think back on often?

Traveling! I used to always travel with my family. Given that we are really locked up right now I've been reminiscing about that a lot.

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If you could trade lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Tough question, maybe Carter Beauford on a massive concert night. Seems like it would be fun!

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What song is on repeat in your playlist?

Flashing Lights- Glass Cristina

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What are you most proud of in your life?

I'm just proud of who I have become. I have done everything on my own terms and even though I still think I have a long way to go, I'm proud of how I've gotten to be who I am now. This show has been maybe one of my top 5 things that I'm proud of.

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In your industry, who have you always admired?

My family for one. Outside of that I really like what Donald Glover is doing. I would love to have that type of career.

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How do you think we'll go from here, post-corona?

The world is definitely changing. I just hope this opens our eyes to a planet that is asking for us to change our ways and hopefully this will help us understand that no one is special and we should all play for the same team.

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Have you lost someone to the coronavirus?

No

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How has it changed you?

I just concentrate in the now. I've realized there are a lot of things that I thought I needed that I don't need.

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Have we progressed since the start of the debate?

I mean I can't really express what I think in just a couple of lines. All I will say is that the debate is a step forward, but not enough. I'm Mexican and I see a lot of injustice in so many ways. We need to educate people way better on how we need to change. We need to act. I hope that, as I said before, we can come to realize we are in this together.

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What do need to stop doing for the debate to really progress?

We need to start listening and not just reacting.  We need to help those who need our support. We need to understand the we are only as strong as our unity as a society.  

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What is still left undiscussed in the debate that we need to discuss?

Oh man! There are way too many things I feel like we are still pretty far behind on. There are so many channels that haven't been discussed that are more complex than just a couple of laws, or seats in board rooms or Congress. Society as a whole needs to reeducate itself and understand we still have so much to work on.

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What changes do we need in society?

The first thing I would say is we need to stop thinking that someone else will do all of this for us.

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‍How do you feel about 2020 so far?

I mean it's a weird year but I can't complain. I'm here. I'm alive, and I'm doing what I love.

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What are the good things that have come out of 2020?

Lots of work things have come to pass. It's been one of the most creative and entrepreneurial moments of my life.