New York Has A Fresh Acting Face: Sonny B. Svanidze

New York Has A Fresh Acting Face

New to the New York scene is Sonny B. Svanidze, who originally hails from Georgia. His home state has a history of providing fine education to its future filmmakers. However, it is the lack of financial resources there which prevents directors from doing high quality productions. That can translate into much wasted time waiting for opportunities in the industry. Sonny realized his chances for getting cast or seen were significantly higher elsewhere in the United States, and that was the catalyst for his choice to part ways with the Peach State.

Sonny’s experiences have been split between the small and sizable screen, as in small stages and tall theater screens. Many hold this belief that all actors do is practice lines, read scripts, and film audition tapes. While Svanidze does agree that these are ongoing parts of the acting job, something was still missing. He found his answer through a meeting with Actor Chazz Palminteri on this said subject. To quote him: “meet as many people as you can. Talk to people, go to events, and find the right ones. Your network is your net worth—and that’s a big win if you have it.” Since that time, Sonny has focused on putting this concept into regular practice.

Over many years, I have heard actors share their sincere admiration for the performers before them that shaped the industry. When it comes to influences for Sonny, he freely shared his absolute admiration for one of the greatest of all time – Charlie Chaplin. He describes Chaplin as a disciplined and dedicated performer with a remarkable work ethic and commitment to creating meaningful cinema. These are some of Sonny’s very same goals as he evolves within entertainment.

Now, when asked who he aspires to work with one day, that answer is easy: Denzel Washington and Spike Lee.

He views Denzel as not only a powerful and intelligent actor, but also someone who uplifts humanity and brings forth hope, wisdom, and healing. He adamantly admires his courage to stand up for what he loves and to fight for his people. He represents strength, integrity, and purpose, and is a great force of inspiration. When speaking on Spike Lee, Sonny deeply admires his cinematographic style, his use of vibrant colors, and the sharp humor that he carries throughout his work.

Those outside of the film occupations may not know this, but there are a few negatives to this field. Actors can struggle with lack of support, unstable income, erratic hours, and continual rejections. Sonny himself has used rejections as a means of motivation. A no pushes him to learn more, grow, and come back stronger – so that next time, people will recognize his efforts and want his participation.

One also cannot forget the latest challenge to the acting community: humans being replaced by AI actors. While he is concerned, Sonny believes that this does not signal it is time to give up acting. Moreover, what makes him more of an overall catch to casting directors is his level of enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion. His conscious choice to be an actor comes from the heart. Artificial intelligence can never possess those traits.

While acting serves as Sonny’s main focus, he holds a second love – music. This art form gives him a different sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. He sees song as a language of both words and emotions.

Writing music lyrics is a form of personal liberation, while the recording of these words releases those feelings into the world. This process lifts a proverbial weight from him, thereby allowing Sonny to feel lighter, cleaner, and more focused. His musical sessions are a means to create his own adrenaline, whereas while acting, there is a pause for the director to give you the state so as to create that same rush. Quite a mental workout, mixed with a deep expression of the soul.

Looking forward to the future, Sonny is actively involved with a pilot project initiated by two visionary student filmmakers from Long Island. The film is entitled Secret Affairs and is currently in pre-production.

Turning towards the theater stage, director Terry Lee King has cast him in his play, Beauty Bites, which shall be performed at the Theatre for the New City. This is not Sonny’s first go around at this Theatre, as he recently wrapped on the production of Detonation Rat Cabaret in October. This was a hugely hilarious show about New-York, New-York rats that was well received by audiences for weeks. At one time, he had also played a part in the production of The Ancient Nubia at the Black Spectrum Theatre, which was just a joy for him as well.

To conclude, Sonny B. Svanidze is an actor full of charisma and character who is trying to find his own path while still paying homage to his predecessors. He holds a strong love for the characters he creates that float across screens and stages, hoping to leave a lingering impression on audiences. He may still be finding his footing here in NY, but has a strong foundation started. Further information on Sonny can be found at: Instagram

Sonny B. Svanidze and cast. Image Credit – Cindy Mich