A letter written by Lightning Films director Nick Pavano nominating Joe Sernio for the 2009 Garden State Film Festivals Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award.

My name is Nick Pavano, I wrote and directed “The Roadhouse”, which I hope to have in this years Garden State Film Festival. “The Roadhouse” tells a powerful, character-driven story. I knew immediately that I would need a strong lead actor to deliver a believable performance, someone that can convey all that the story has to offer directly to the big screen. I had met Joe Sernio at a networking party in NYC and learned of his dedication and passion for independent film. Three months later, I cast Joe as the lead, Joe Nuzzo¸ in “The Roadhouse”. Six months later, I’m sitting on my first completed feature film, starring a man who deserves recognition beyond belief.

I’m submitting, with great pride, my nomination of Joe Sernio for the 2009 Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award. Joe Sernio has a lot to offer. His dedication is one to be appreciated by any director and his true passion for acting shows in his performances. On top of his ability to deliver powerful performances time and time again, he has become a good friend of mine. Joe does what needs to be done for the shot and consistently delivers solid takes. Failure is not an option in Joe’s eyes. I recall him and I shooting one particular scene from “The Roadhouse” in which he had to lay on the ground in 40 degree weather for fifteen minutes at a time, in a tee-shirt, take after take. I later learned his motivation was to constantly visualize the end result, allowing a pure sense of excitement to take over, battling the desire to shiver or crack from the extremity of the scene’s elements.

Joe Sernio is a humble man, the last person to pat himself on the back and the first person to speak highly of a friend or colleague. It brings me honest joy when I say that Joe is practically entirely to credit for where I am today. He taught me to go for the gold and accept nothing less than my true vision. When you look at a guy like Robert Pastorelli, born and bred in New Jersey to an insurance salesman and an artist, and you follow his career all the way to Los Angeles, with an impressive resume of film and T.V. under his belt, it makes me think of Joe’s career to date and how he’s almost following in Robert’s footsteps. The only thing he needs is that one big chance, that big break, that golden opportunity. I believe he is destined for success and deserves more recognition than any award can ever offer. It has been a true honor and pleasure to work with Joe on this project. We often joke about director/actor relationships like Ridley Scott & Russell Crowe, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp and all I keep saying is as long as your passion to act continues to burn, you’ll always have a role in my book.

Nick Pavano