In the wake of COVID-19, director JC Calciano found solace in penning a series of short gay romance narratives, a genre that resonates deeply with him. This creative pivot helped form a successful partnership with actor Ben Palacios (Steam Room Stories) on a new venture: the Steamy Stories podcast. With Palacios lending his voice to Calciano’s stories, the podcast soared to over a million downloads within its first year of release.

After the pandemic, Calciano sought to re-enter the world of film production, joining forces with actor Jack Turner (Hallmark leading man and The 10 Year Plan star), who had now become a close friend and trusted collaborator. Turner had dedicated the lockdown to honing his skills behind the camera, preparing for a time when stories could once again be told visually. Their shared vision gave rise to the production of a series of Steamy Stories short movies, with A Summer Surprise as the inaugural release in what is envisioned to be an anthology of romantic films.

Casting was the first step for Calciano and Turner. Ryan Bertroche and Brian O’Shea stood out during auditions, capturing the essence of the characters Calciano penned with an undeniable chemistry. Calciano saw in Bertroche a reflection of Kurt Russell’s youthful charm and charisma, while O’Shea brought a natural warmth and an infectious smile that was essential for the role of the awkward tourist.

Production commenced just a week later, utilizing a familiar and beloved location—friend Michael’s house, which had graced Calciano’s previous four films. Michael, a film producer himself, generously provided his home for this endeavor, recognizing its cinematic value.

Christopher Farrell, Calciano’s longtime composer, donated his talents to the project to lend a touching and sweet underscore to the film.

With A Summer Surprise now complete, the focus shifts to the festival circuit, where Calciano has previously enjoyed sold-out screenings. The objective is clear: to transition the loyal fanbase he’s cultivated through his films and podcasts into sold-out audiences at the participating LGBTQ film festivals.