Jovan Adepo on Babylon’s Wild Naked Party Scene, Embarrassing Biker Moment & Working with Brad Pitt

TL;DR

Giovanna Depo discusses his role in Babylon and shares insights on acting and his experiences on set.

Transcript

our next guest is a talented young actor you know from the leftovers and Watchmen next he plays the fictional Jazz Trumpeter Sydney Palmer alongside Margo Robbie and Brad Pitt in Babylon it opens the theaters December 23rd say hello to Giovanna Depo [Applause] how are you great great it's been a long time I haven't seen it in a while it has it's al... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Giovanna Depo's role in Babylon illustrates the challenges of portraying complex characters with skills he doesn't fully possess.
• 🎥 The filming experience highlighted the chaotic nature of the entertainment industry backdrop during the iconic 1920s and 1930s Hollywood era.
• 💁 The camaraderie formed between actors can enhance the on-screen chemistry and overall experience in production.
• 🙂 Depo's humorous perspective on lying about his trumpet skills sheds light on the common struggles many actors face during auditions.
• 🧑‍🏭 The mix of professional musicians and actors in a film scene can create unexpected moments and dynamics that enrich the storytelling process.
• 🥳 The extended duration of the party scene filming added layers of complexity to the actors' performance amidst the extravagant distractions.
• 👰‍♀️ Riding motorcycles serves a dual purpose for Depo, as a personal passion and a relatable aspect to his character's persona.

Questions & Answers

Q: What can you tell us about your character in Babylon?

My character, Sydney Palmer, is a fictional jazz trumpeter set in the vibrant yet tumultuous era of Hollywood in the 20s and 30s. He embodies the essence of jazz music during a crucial period of cultural shift. My portrayal intends to capture the flair and challenges faced by musicians within that exciting but challenging environment.

Q: Did you have any prior experience playing the trumpet before this role?

My experience was quite limited. I played the trumpet briefly in middle school for about two weeks before realizing I preferred sports. I humorously admitted to having stretched the truth about my skills while auditioning, as I had to learn how to convincingly portray playing the trumpet for the role.

Q: How was it filming the party scene where you play the trumpet?

The party scene was intense and chaotic, filmed over 12 days, featuring around 200-300 people, a significant portion of whom were nudity. It was surreal to maintain focus on playing while being surrounded by such a wild atmosphere. There was a fascinating dynamic with the musicians who were oblivious to the craziness, adding humor to the already wild experience.

Q: Did you bond with your co-stars during filming?

Absolutely! I bonded well with the entire main cast, especially during our first day together. Brad Pitt and Flea both share my passion for motorcycles. We exchanged stories and even considered a motorcycle trip together, which sadly didn’t materialize due to everyone's packed schedules but definitely added to our camaraderie.

Q: How do you approach playing a character that requires a skill you don’t possess, like playing the trumpet?

In acting, it's imperative to convey authenticity, even if you're not completely skilled at something. My approach was to focus on the physicality and mood of playing, letting my body mimic the motions, rather than mastering the actual skill. It's about the illusion of authenticity rather than just the technical side.

Q: What were the reactions of the musicians during the filming?

The musicians were initially taken aback by the nudity and wildness in the scenes as they were mostly focused on their music responsibilities. One trombone player, who was quiet throughout filming, was particularly shocked when the robes dropped, illustrating a humorous side to the experience that we all shared.

Q: How do you feel riding motorcycles contributes to your character in Babylon?

Riding motorcycles represents a sense of freedom and ruggedness, qualities that resonate with the character of Sydney Palmer. It also connects to my real-life experiences, as these moments off-set enhance my understanding of the character’s lifestyle and mindset, bridging my reality with his 1920s world.

Q: What's next for you after Babylon?

Post-Babylon, I am looking forward to diving into new roles that challenge me further as an actor. I hope to explore more diverse characters that allow me to showcase different facets of my abilities and engage with various genres that intrigue me.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Giovanna Depo portrays a trumpet player in the film Babylon, which depicts Hollywood during the 20s and 30s. His preparation for the role included a humorous admission about his minimal trumpet-playing experience.

• Depo shares experiences from the chaotic shoot of a significant party scene, highlighting the mix of professional musicians and actors amidst nudity, which added complexity to filming.

• He reflects on his bond with co-stars Brad Pitt and Flea through their shared interest in motorcycles, illustrating the camaraderie formed during production while sharing laughs about planning a ride together.