Eva Victor | "Sorry, Baby"

Summary

Summary of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" Episode Featuring Ava Victor: "Sorry, Baby"

Release Date: June 16, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes Ava Victor, the multifaceted writer, director, and lead actress of the acclaimed film "Sorry, Baby". The conversation delves into Ava's journey in filmmaking, her experiences in improv, her educational background, and the intricate balance of addressing heavy subjects with humor in her work.

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Introduction and Background

Stephen Colbert opens the episode by introducing Ava Victor, highlighting her recent success with "Sorry, Baby", which garnered the prestigious Waldo Salch Award for screenwriting at the Sundance Film Festival.

• Stephen Colbert [00:01]: "Folks, my next guest is the writer, director, and lead of the new film Sorry Baby, which won the Waldo Salch Award for screenwriting at the Sundance Film Festival."

Ava shares a light-hearted moment about her long-awaited appearance on a late-night show, mentioning her previous attempt to connect with the show in 2019.

• Ava Victor [01:39]: "I have been trying to be here for years. I actually submitted a packet to you in 2019. Still waiting to hear back."

Colbert reassures her with humor about reviewing her submission, establishing a friendly rapport.

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Journey from California to Northwestern University

The conversation transitions to Ava's origins and education. Both Ava and Stephen are from California and attended Northwestern University, creating a common ground.

• Stephen Colbert [02:02]: "But we both went to Northwestern University. Go Cats."

Ava humorously recounts her struggle with Chicago's infamous winters, highlighting the challenges of adapting from California's climate.

• Ava Victor [02:23]: "I was like, I'm going to get a fancy coat for college and look gorgeous at college. And it had, like, a cinch waist and I was too cold and I couldn't leave the..."

Stephen echoes the severity of Chicago's weather, adding a touch of personal experience.

• Stephen Colbert [02:37]: "My first winter in Chicago was the coldest in Chicago's history. Yeah?"

Their shared nostalgia for Northwestern fosters a sense of camaraderie.

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Improv and Creative Endeavors

Ava discusses her involvement in improv during her university years, mentioning her participation in groups like Fun Mud Piranhas and Titanic.

• Ava Victor [03:06]: "Oh, by the way, no Fun Mud piranhas. I did that."

Stephen relates by sharing his experience with founding Fun Mud Piranhas, leading to a humorous exchange about their contributions and eventual departures from the group.

• Stephen Colbert [03:16]: "You killed my impromptu."

Ava candidly talks about the challenges of maintaining creative groups over time.

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Overcoming Rejection in Children's Theater

The dialogue shifts to Ava's experience with a children's theater storytelling project, where she adapted a child's story into a play. She shares a poignant moment of rejection that left a lasting impact on her.

• Ava Victor [03:40]: "And I go. And I'm French fries. And they all go, boo."

Stephen empathizes, playfully teasing her about the rejection based on her portrayal.

• Stephen Colbert [04:22]: "Sure. And that to reject Frenchness."

Ava reflects on the emotional difficulty of being rejected, pondering its causes humorously.

• Ava Victor [04:25]: "We don't know why, except for it must be how I look, because it's just."

The conversation highlights Ava's resilience in the face of creative setbacks.

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Deep Dive into "Sorry, Baby"

The heart of the episode centers on Ava's film "Sorry, Baby", which masterfully intertwines the serious subject of sexual assault with elements of humor.

• Stephen Colbert [04:54]: "It's about sexual assault. And yet at the same time, even though it deals with that, it's also very funny at the same time."

Ava explains her approach to balancing the film's heavy themes with comedic relief, emphasizing the importance of moments that uplift amidst sadness.

• Ava Victor [05:12]: "I think it's like you write something sad and then you're like, well, I need to pick me up. So I'm gonna write a pick me up for a minute. And then you go back to sad thing."

She shares an anecdote about filming cat scenes, drawing parallels to the Olsen twins in terms of coordinated performances.

• Ava Victor [05:36]: "And one of the cats was named Bebe, and one of the cats was named Evan."

Stephen humorously categorizes himself and Ava based on the cats' personalities, adding levity to the discussion.

• Stephen Colbert [06:12]: "I did this. The other one, Bebe works longer."

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Directing and Self-Perception as an Actor

Ava delves into her experience directing herself in the film, discussing the challenges of balancing control and creative expression.

• Ava Victor [06:49]: "It was like this really special thing to get to do."

She admits her discomfort with watching her own performances, revealing a vulnerable side to her creative process.

• Ava Victor [07:25]: "I honestly stopped. I got kind of busy and I stopped, like, sending emails, and I don't. I think it's probably back maybe. Sorry."

Stephen acknowledges the complexity of her role, commending her ability to wear multiple hats successfully.

• Stephen Colbert [06:24]: "You are an Evans."

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Closing Remarks and Film Promotion

As the conversation winds down, Stephen congratulates Ava on her film's success and provides information on its release dates.

• Stephen Colbert [07:47]: "Sorry, Baby is in select theaters June 27th and in theaters everywhere July 25th."

Ava expresses her gratitude and reflects on the emotional investment she poured into the project.

• Ava Victor [06:37]: "I'm very tired, but I'm happy."

Stephen wraps up the episode by directing listeners to additional content and thanking Ava for her participation.

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Key Takeaways

• Ava Victor's Multifaceted Talent: As a writer, director, and actress, Ava demonstrates a profound ability to handle complex subjects with sensitivity and humor.

• Balancing Heavy Themes with Comedy: "Sorry, Baby" showcases the delicate interplay between addressing serious issues like sexual assault while maintaining comedic elements to provide relief and depth.

• Personal Growth and Resilience: Ava's experiences in improv, theater, and filmmaking highlight her resilience in overcoming creative challenges and rejections.

• Collaborative Spirit: The friendly banter between Stephen and Ava underscores the importance of camaraderie and mutual support in the creative industry.

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Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Ava Victor's creative journey, her approach to storytelling, and the impactful themes of her film "Sorry, Baby". Stephen Colbert's insightful questions and humorous interactions create a warm and engaging atmosphere, making the conversation both informative and entertaining for listeners.

Transcript

[Stephen Colbert]

It's the Late Show Poncho with Stephen Colbert. Welcome back, friends. Folks, my next guest is the writer, director, and lead of the new film Sorry Baby, which won the Waldo Salch Award for screenwriting at the Sundance Film Festival.

[Ava Victor]

Hi. Okay, I'm going to get coffee. You want me to pick you up?

[Stephen Colbert]

Well.

[Ava Victor]

This is really nice, I guess. Yep. I love you. You want to come get coffee?

[Stephen Colbert]

Please. Welcome to the Late Show, Ava. Victor. Hi.

[Ava Victor]

Hey.

[Stephen Colbert]

Nice to meet you.

[Ava Victor]

Nice to meet you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is this true that this is the first time you've been on a late night show?

[Ava Victor]

Yes. Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

How's it feel so far?

[Ava Victor]

Well, it's amazing. So you guys are really nice, but I will say I have been trying to be here for years. I actually submitted a packet to you in 2019. Still waiting to hear back.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm going to take a look at it any day. I promise you.

[Ava Victor]

The jokes are relevant. Yes, they are. You'll love the jokes.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're from California, right?

[Ava Victor]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

But you.

[Ava Victor]

You too.

[Stephen Colbert]

Big fans of California.

[Ava Victor]

It's amazing there.

[Stephen Colbert]

But we both went to Northwestern University. Go Cats.

[Ava Victor]

What do you have wounds?

[Stephen Colbert]

I have wounds from being from South Carolina and going to a Chicago winter. You had to have had the same thing. Going from California. Were you prepared at all?

[Ava Victor]

Oh, I had a coat. I went to Nordstrom Rack and got a coat. It didn't work.

[Stephen Colbert]

And what if that coat didn't work?

[Ava Victor]

Well, it was like a fashion coat. I was like, I'm going to get a fancy coat for college and look gorgeous at college. And it had, like a cinch waist and I was too cold and I couldn't leave the. But, you know, I heard it was, like, really cold when you, like, the coldest winter ever.

[Stephen Colbert]

My first winter in Chicago was the coldest in Chicago's history. Yeah?

[Ava Victor]

Yeah. That's amazing.

[Stephen Colbert]

Not that anyone here would care, but what was your dorm, Willard? I was. Willard.

[Ava Victor]

No, really, get out.

[Stephen Colbert]

I was first floor, Willard.

[Ava Victor]

I'm second door on the right. I was second door. First door on the right.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, my.

[Ava Victor]

It's like, by the way, it's the nerd dorm.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's the best dorm.

[Ava Victor]

It's the nerd dorm.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's 100% the best dorm.

[Ava Victor]

Yeah. Sorry. Yeah, best.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. Okay. You did improv?

[Ava Victor]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. What were you.

[Ava Victor]

Oh, by the way, no Fun. Mud piranhas. I did that.

[Stephen Colbert]

You did no fun.

[Ava Victor]

And then I did Titanic.

[Stephen Colbert]

Cause I was one. Me and swimmer and a couple other peoples founded no Fun.

[Ava Victor]

I actually, like, drove into the ground.

[Stephen Colbert]

You drove?

[Ava Victor]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

I, like, you killed my impromptu.

[Ava Victor]

I'm sorry. Like, I honestly stopped. I got kind of busy and I stopped, like, sending emails, and I don't. I think it's probably back maybe. Sorry.

[Stephen Colbert]

A lot of comedians work some hard rooms when they're starting out, even when they've established themselves. But what is the. Do you have any hard rooms that have scarred you?

[Ava Victor]

Yes, of course. I mean, honestly, I did this story, children's theater storytelling thing where you adapt a story that a child wrote into a little play for them. And so we visited a school, and it was two of my friends next to me, and one of them was a hamburger. One of them was a hot dog, and I was French fries. And my friend.

[Stephen Colbert]

That was part of the story, the character the child wrote.

[Ava Victor]

Yeah, it was written. Yes. That was adapted. Yes. And the first kid or my friend turns around and she's like, I'm hamburger. And everyone's like, yay. And the next one goes, I'm hot dog. And they go, yay. And I go. And I'm French fries. And they all go, boo. In sync. It's like they planned it. And I was like, there's something about me that is genuinely being rejected by hundreds of kids. That's the hardest room, for sure.

[Stephen Colbert]

Sure. And that to reject Frenchness.

[Ava Victor]

We don't know why, except for it must be how I look, because it's just. Anna. French fries. I don't know. It's hard. I think about it.

[Stephen Colbert]

You are unconvincing. You are unconvincing as potato.

[Ava Victor]

And I'm French fry. I don't. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Rye. Roy.

[Ava Victor]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wait.

[Ava Victor]

Now, you see, I made them do that. I know. I'm so desperate.

[Stephen Colbert]

So your new film, Sorry Baby.

[Ava Victor]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is getting rave reviews. Congratulations on that.

[Ava Victor]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's about a heavy subject. It's about sexual assault. And yet at the same time, even though it deals with that, it's also very funny at the same time, which I really admire the ability to do that. I like things that are both sad and funny. And funny about being sad.

[Ava Victor]

Me too.

[Stephen Colbert]

And I'm curious how you balance that in your writing.

[Ava Victor]

It's hard. I don't know. I think it's like you write something sad and then you're like, well, I need to pick me up. So I'm gonna write a pick me up for a minute. And then you go back to sad thing. It's just like, how we do it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, like, you picking up the cat is a pick me up.

[Ava Victor]

Yeah. The cats. Let me tell you about the Cats. Two kittens played one kitten. Cool. That's normal in, like, movies. I found out.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's like Olsen twins.

[Ava Victor]

Yes. It's a lot like the Olsen twins.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Ava Victor]

And one of the cats was named Bebe, and one of the cats was named Evan. And Evan was like, star power. He looks at the camera. It's like breath taken away. But he was inconsistent. He could only do, like, a couple takes. He would, you know, not be able to continue. So Bebe would come in. Less star power, but a real workhorse so she could get the job done. So you'll see in the film there's sort of a beautiful balance of.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, I got a question for you. Do you see yourself more of a BB or an Evan?

[Ava Victor]

I'm a bb.

[Stephen Colbert]

I did this. The other one, Bebe works longer.

[Ava Victor]

Bebe's busy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Bebe works longer.

[Ava Victor]

How about you?

[Stephen Colbert]

What, me?

[Ava Victor]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, I love being a bb, but I end up being an Evans.

[Ava Victor]

You're an Evans.

[Stephen Colbert]

I know. You are.

[Ava Victor]

You are.

[Stephen Colbert]

You not only wrote it, the film and acted in it, but you also directed it.

[Ava Victor]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's a lot. That's a lot. Yes.

[Ava Victor]

I'm very tired, but I'm happy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Must be very tired. Why did you take on all of those? Had you done a lot of directing before?

[Ava Victor]

No, it was my first time.

[Stephen Colbert]

First time right out of the gate, and people like it.

[Ava Victor]

Ah, that's awesome.

[Stephen Colbert]

How did that come about?

[Ava Victor]

Yeah, I mean, I honestly was writing about this thing that was really personal and hard. And the experience I was writing about is about this time when you feel, like, really unheard and that someone decides where your body goes when you don't get a choice. It's like this very, very absurd sense, sad experience. And being a director who directed, myself as an actor was this real special thing of telling myself where my body went, and then as an actor, letting go of control, but in safe confines. So it was like this really special thing to get to do.

[Stephen Colbert]

Did you, as a director, think you're a good actor?

[Ava Victor]

Of course not. Whenever I watched Playback, I was like, without sound, and I would blur my eyes to be like, it looks okay. Let's keep going. No, I can't look at myself. There's even a camera of me right there. I'm like, ah. Like, I can't. No, I can't. I can.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, it's so lovely to meet you.

[Ava Victor]

So nice to meet you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thanks for being here. Sorry, Baby is in select theaters June 27th and in theaters everywhere July 25th. Ava, Victor, everybody. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.