Kyle Marvin’s journey from advertising to acting wasn’t without its challenges, but his leap of faith has been well-rewarded. His bold decisions, like leaving his steady job to pursue film, have paved the way for unique opportunities. This article delves into his experiences, exploring themes of love, lies, and even acting without pants, with an insightful look into his remarkable career journey.
The Leap of Faith
When Kyle Marvin embarked on his filmmaking adventure, he took a significant risk by leaving his day job earlier than practical. “I gave up my day job way before I should have,” he humorously admits. At the time, Marvin was working in advertising alongside his best friend, actor-director Michael Angelo Covino. They had dabbled in sketches and smaller projects but ultimately decided to create The Climb, a short film about friendship tested on a bike ride. Marvin recalls telling his wife about his plan to make movies, knowing it meant financial losses. His commitment went as far as selling the family car to fund the project.
From Sundance to Success
The Climb made its debut at Sundance in 2018, receiving such positive feedback that it expanded into a feature film at Cannes the following year. Marvin’s reunion with Covino in the film Splitsville marks another bold venture. The movie, backed by Neon and featuring stars like Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson, continues Marvin’s embrace of risky storytelling. “I have more stability now, obviously, but I still have that same ‘fuck it’ mentality,” he shares, likening it to the vulnerability of jumping into the unknown without pants.
Behind the Scenes of Splitsville
Marvin’s role in Splitsville is both physically and emotionally demanding, with nude scenes and chaotic slapstick comedy. The film opens with bombshell revelations, including infidelity and open marriages, spiraling into a comedic melee. “We really beat the shit out of ourselves filming that,” Marvin says of the intense scenes. The makeup crew worked tirelessly to hide the bruises and cuts incurred during filming.
Beyond The Climb
Since his indie beginnings, Marvin has diversified, starring in WeCrashed as WeWork’s co-founder Miguel McKelvey and directing projects like 80 for Brady. His trajectory, driven by passion rather than a master plan, exemplifies his approach to taking small steps and seizing opportunities. Looking forward, Marvin hopes Splitsville propels him further along this path. “It feels like bullshit when I say it out loud, but I really do just want to make things that reach a lot of people and yet still have that tone and potency I’m always chasing,” he reflects.
