BRIAN LUTES - INTERVIEW

For you a Film is...

To me, as a guy, the filmmaking process is the closest thing I’ll ever experience to creating life. Not in an egocentric way… but with reverence and respect for the process. We write a

story then set the stage for actors to come in and literally breathe life into the project. Long after we’re gone and forgotten, these stories and worlds we’ve created will still exist for others to see and enjoy. That actually blows my mind. To me that is magic.

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?

My writing is very reflective. I tend to write about what I know and include elements of my life growing up. My films are often filled with a lot of pain and struggle. They’re underdog

stories where there are no true heroes or villains. I tend to lose myself in the characters I create and as an actor the process is often exhausting and sometimes painful. The goal is

always to create absolute realism. I’ve been known to go to extreme lengths and put myself in harm’s way to get ‘the shot’ . I’ve been shot off a horse at a full gallop, suffered a shattered orbital bone being

beaten up and actually broke my neck being slammed through a table. I ended up paralyzed on the right side and undergo intense therapy to regain the use of my arm.

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're going to whatch it?

To be honest, I’ll just say whoever directed the last film I happened to see. Every time I go to the cinema it's like being pulled into a new adventure, whether it’s with Nia DaCosta and

the new thriller, “28 Years Later” or with Leon Prudovsky who directed “My Neighbor Adolf” a quirky film about a grumpy old holocaust survivor who moves to Columbia and is

convinced the man living in the house next to him is Hitler. Not normally a funny topic, but the writing and performances are brilliant and funny.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?

Well, knowing where Audrey came from and all she overcame in life to achieve what she did, how can I argue? We do tend to set our own limitations in most areas of our lives. I

think in most cases it’s all about self-belief, energy and work ethic, wouldn’t you say? Not everybody’s 100% is equal.

Can you live just off your passion?

 I think passion is what drives and motivates us all, from relationships to the food we eat. Pretty much everything we do throughout our lives is to satisfy our own desires. I think when the passion dies, so do we.

What's more important talent or luck?

I think neither. I’ve always found if you do something long enough, you’ll get good at it. And if you refuse to go away, you’ll eventually be noticed… and that becomes your audience. I met Tarantino a few years back and he gave me that exact advice. “Just keep

making films no matter what. If you keep producing new material you become undeniable.” Not exactly in those words, but I think that was the point.

You must go to a desert island, but you can bring with you just one movie...

"Cast Away" just for the sheer irony.

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?

Yes. It’s never a good experience.

What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

“I believed you.” If people think my scripts or performances or films are honest and believable, that’s all I need to hear.

Are you satisfied about your career?

My first reaction to that question is, yes… of course. Being able to create a film and see it through from beginning to end… well, there’s no more “impossible” task than that. Most

never even make it to the shooting phase, so yeah, for sure, I couldn’t be happier to be doing what I’m doing. We recently signed a new distribution deal and will be releasing 4 titles this year, so to be

reaching more than 70 countries, is a huge milestone. We also signed with a new PR firm to handle the marketing campaign. So, on the surface, I couldn’t be happier. But you know

with each goal achieved, five more pop into your head. I guess the secret is to truly aappreciate the life you’ve got and to be thankful to be doing what you love to do… but to always want to take things a little further… just to keep life interesting. I appreciate and feel

blessed to be doing what I do.

Do you have a good luck charm?

Not really a good luck charm, per se. I have built a team that’s become family to me. I couldn’t do this on my own and I couldn’t imagine doing this without my team. So, I guess you could say they are my good luck charm?

Which is the worst moment on set?

Not sure what you mean by that. What was the worst moment I can remember? Like off a highlight reel of disastrous moments? Probably while shooting one of the final sequences to “One More Time Before I Die”. My character had to be tackled off a cliff… which

happened to be a hundred-foot drop. And I’m terrified of heights! We were landing in a river and had 7 cameras rolling. You can hear my blood curdling screams over and over and

over as we did multiple takes. I’ve been injured multiple times in my career, but the prolonged agony and fear of being tackled over and over again was the worst. Now, my least favorite moment on any set would have to be the first and last day. The first

being the table read. No one knows anyone and you still aren’t sure who’s staying and who’s going to have to be replaced. The rhythm and pacing is so bad that I begin think the script actually sucks. I start second guessing myself about the entire project. “Is this going

to be the project that will end my career?” LOL. And of course, the final day. You’ve built so many wonderful relationships and finally got into a groove and realize just how lucky you

are. You’re living the dream! And then it’s over and you’ll probably never see most of those npeople again. Yeah… the first and last days on set are always the worst.

How do you feel when a job you've been part of its ending?

I guess I’ve already answered that one. Of course, I’m speaking mainly about those personal projects… the ones I’ve written and produced. When it comes to hired gigs, well, those tend to have a different vibe for sure. Relationships are still created, but maybe not

quite the same. I don’t know.

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

All the time. With every new project I manage to convince everyone around me that I actually know what I’m doing.

If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…

The team… period. I’ve got people who’ve been working with me for over 15 years. They’ve stuck with me from the days when I was beg, borrowing and stealing just to get a project started. I can’t imagine doing what I do without them.

Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…

Films have always had a positive impact on me.

The first one you already know from what I mentioned prior….Sergio Leone’s films have had a great and powerful influence on my life.

The second film along with the music a profound impact on my morality and spirituality is The Mission and the only film where DeNiro was not him he was the conflicted Roderigo along with Jeremy Irons Father Gabriel.  If this film does not move you then your lost.

What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

They are essential since I attended one that is now a part of history U Arts of Philadelphia. To me it is where you hone your skills and improve.  There is a double edge to them even now.  They need to go back to when I was in to a limited number of students not become a mill that produces trash.  Also teach them proper business and protocols and break their egos. Listen I was asked to leave school because I was a working professional and the school did not approve of it….

Have you ever hated your ambition?

No my ambition is healthy and for the team.  No me without the we.  A lot of talent , studios, and filmmakers forget that part.   Money becomes the problem along with avarice and greed.

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?

I think the quote is out of context and not the what he meant.  I can not speak for him since he is dead and I am not.  What I think the intent by his statement was that people obsess and marbleize the myth, latch on to things that truly have no real value.  

The value is us and the spoken word.  Not things. The only physical entity in a pine box or a urn is you and how you leave this world.

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?

Always Black & White….contrasts, flickers, dark, light, close up…..tension and release.   To me as with food it is all a visceral, sexual, expressive experience.  It hits all the senses. Think about it.  We put things in our mouths(popcorn and such),  eye stimuli , sound and smells.  

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?

Well my parents first and foremost. Paul Wagar, Cicilie Berry, Gregory Doran(RSC), Camille Paglia, Dr. Jane Goodall…Nancy Contra(Dance and body), Manfred Fischbeck(movement), Dr Urqhart (children’s theatre), Lee More, Ray Napolitano, John Hobbs, Walter Dallas(Mask), Susan Sulby (Voice and Breath) and Mrs. Hern my 11th grade English teacher who gave me F++ very good made me work hard even with my severe dyslexia and then she had me come back and teach Shakespeare to my younger brothers class.

They all saw something and that gift will never leave me and that is something I can give back. I can never thank them enough.

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare:

To keep the team working and feed.  The industry is in flux and disharmony due to all things I mentioned above.

I am always haunted and sleep poorly due to imposter syndrome as well as other trauma. That my life’s work is in vain and was never able to deliver 

How important is it to have a good Cinematographic Culture?

Very important and the cinema as well as theatre are key to a healthy society and civilization. If we remove those elements and principles with other lesser priorities we become a shell of humanity and then all is lost

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?

Great question and we will need at least two books and thirty more interviews to cover that. In short first me and make me a better version of me always. I try and do that every day I wake up but very poorly since to be human is the fatal flaw . Choices and consequences 

A big producer gives you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white Movies (if you have one)… what film do you choose?

Requiem for a Heavy Weight: To play Mountain Riverd (Anthony Quinn’s role) because I am a big guy and know heart break of playing sports and then being sidelined due to aging out.  Again I thank mom and dad for turning me into this long ago and to appreciate Rod Serling and his style..

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you motivated?

Me and then my family as well my inner sanctum Santorum of people: Larry Gress, Vanessa Thorpe, Michael Sean McGuiness, Kelley Poling, Theresa(BatSoll),Doug Marcaida, Eli, Lomax, Travis M,  Chad, and Craig my two younger brothers.

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him?

Yes in part but you also need the rest from editing (which a lot of film makers forget about), then a DP and a talent pool you trust to lead.

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

THE GIANT TV Show and to get the funds now!

We need 3.5 million to shoot six(6) episodes and honor my agreements and distribution deal.

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let you be more creative?

They help but can hinder you.  Humor is the key and the secret to youth and longevity.

What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

A better me always.  To beat and best my last work.  Growth within and without.  Playing the chess game of life and being a blew moves ahead can’t hurt either. 

What really excites you artistically or emotionally?

Moments when meaning arrives without permission.

When silence does more work than dialogue. When something ancient suddenly feels present again.

“Never confuse the size of your paycheck with the size of your talent.” Do you agree?

Completely. Some of the most talented people I’ve ever met will never be rich. And some of the richest have nothing to say.

Money measures reach — not depth.

Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life or career choices?

Of course.And almost always by people who chose safety over truth.

Discouragement is often a confession.

Do you think it’s harder for a woman to be a filmmaker?

Yes — but not because of talent. Because authority is still gendered.

A decisive man is “confident.” A decisive woman is “difficult.”

That imbalance is real, and it’s slowly cracking.

Do fame and money risk changing your vision as a filmmaker or actor?

Only if you let external applause replace internal necessity.

The danger isn’t success — it’s comfort.

Who’s the movie star that made you dream for the first time?

Brando. Not because he was famous — but because he was uncontainable. You could feel the system straining around him.

Make a wish about your career:

To finish what I started — without diluting it, apologizing for it, or explaining it away.

How hard is it to remain completely honest in cinema and show business?

Extremely. The system rewards repetition, branding, and predictability.

Honesty disrupts markets. That’s why it matters.

The film you’ve loved the most?

2001: A Space Odyssey — because it trusted the audience to be intelligent, patient, and unfinished.

The one that annoyed you the most?

Any film that mistakes noise for meaning and calls it “important.”

Your biggest artistic goal is…

To leave behind something that doesn’t need my name attached to it —

only recognition.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Architect. Same instinct — shaping space so people feel something before they understand it.

How important is it to be rewarded as an artist?

Recognition is human. Validation is dangerous. The work has to survive without applause.

Do you have regrets?

I regret moments where I moved too fast instead of listening longer.

But I don’t regret the direction.

What’s the message you want to express through your art?

That something essential has been forgotten — and that remembering it requires courage, not nostalgia. That completion is possible.

That meaning still matters. And that silence, when used honestly, can speak louder than belief.