By: Mariah Thomas
Q) Congratulations on a wonderful film festival run of Dear Luke, Love Me. After 20+ years behind the camera, what drove you to want to step behind it in the role of a director?
A) This directing opportunity came my way during the height of the pandemic when I was looking for and craving creative outlets. So, when the chance to direct my first feature film presented itself, I jumped on it. The extremely well written script sealed the deal for me and we embarked on this four year journey to get this little movie with a big heart made.
Q) The genre of what people know you for as an actor differs from your directing style. Was that ever a fear for you stepping into this new role?
A) That was never a fear. I don’t like to be put in a box. It’s ironic that you ask that question because this is a movie about an almost otherworldly, sometimes platonic connection between two souls and them trying to navigate that in a world where we constantly want to label people and put them in boxes. As an artist, I always want to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone. I’m SO happy I did that with Dear Luke, Love Me.
Q) The film is beautifully cast. How hands on were you when it came to casting the movie?
A) Mallie McCown and Nick Eversman were already cast as Penny and Luke, so I had no part in that and they are FIRE in the movie. I did cast the other two lead roles of Charlie (Jameson Cherilus) and Madison (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut) though. I had done a pilot called “National Parks” with Ashlei and I knew I wanted her to play Madison and I am so fortunate that she accepted and Jameson, who plays Charlie, was actually a last minute decision. I had another actor in that role who, unfortunately, had to drop out at the eleventh hour and Jameson stepped in, saved the day and did a beautiful job.
Q) In today’s day and age, the importance of platonic love and friendship is often overlooked or grows into the romance lane. Why was it important to highlight this story from a queer-love point of view?
A) Well, fortunately, Mallie McCown does a swell job at writing from the heart and creating from real life experiences, so I am just feeling like a lucky guy that Ii got to work on a story where Asexuality just happens to be a factor in the relationship of the characters. There was no agenda or pre-planning there, but I do LOVE that I am able to put a story out into the world that is often not seen but deserves to be.
Q) Another factor to this film is the vital conversation of asexuality. How did that choice further the story you wanted to showcase?
A) Again, there was no choice or pre planning there. It is a beautifully unique and powerful story about connection between two souls and regardless of the Asexuality in the film I hope that everyone can relate to it.
Q) Through small animation moments, set design and vibrant color, this film has a beautiful sense of whimsical wonder from start to finish. What was your process in capturing that fun energy in most shots of this film?
A) I worked with a wildly talented Queer Animator named Hudson Garcia who helped infuse the movie with fantastical wonderment through his mesmerizing stop motion animation. Those moments in the film are some of my favorites and I think they will be for the audience as well.
Q) A big focus of the story told here is steering away from societal norms and staying true to oneself, even when it is tough. Why was this such an important factor to highlight?
A) Because it is important for people to see that marching to the beat of your own drummer is one hundred percent ok! (Even if it doesn’t sound or look like anyone else’s.)
Q) This film is deeply personal and holds so much power when it comes to representation that will resonate with many. There is so much power to that. What are the biggest challenges faced when bringing such a monumental story to life?
A) I suppose one of the biggest challenges was trying NOT to get caught up in trying to predict or cater to what you THINK the audience wants. I really tried to stay grounded and trust the script and the story and follow my instincts as an artist-the rest is out of my control.
Q) There is so much heart to this film from the writing to the acting. What were some of your favorite moments that translated well from page to screen? What about this film do you hope resonates with audiences?
A) Some of the moments that translated really well from the page to the screen were the simple but super powerful interactions between Penny and Luke when they are talking things out and are trying to make sense of their lives. I think the chemistry between Nick and Mallie is SO magical and present that we end up getting enthralled with these two complicated characters. It’s a wonderful thing to watch.
Q) Having this experience as a director now, do you have plans for another project or want to continue on this path?
A) I would love to direct a horror film next! Also, I would absolutely die to be a guest star on the new TV show “Interview with the Vampire…” I think it is one of the greatest things on TV right now.
Q) Will we be able to see you on our screens in any upcoming acting projects by chance?
A) I just did a short film called Conflicting Reports directed by Jeff Perreca. It is loosely based on the Orson Wells 1938 radio play “War of the Worlds,” which caused widespread panic among many listeners. It was a thrilling project to work on.
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) Thank you SO much for your constant support and love! …this is just the beginning.