Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Pierrot Jr.
Gary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a young boy, from what my parents tell me I’ve always been hooked onto movies. I would watch movies like “Blue Streak” (1999) with Martin Lawrence, “Spy Kids” (2001) with Alexa Vega & Daryl Sabara, and another favorite of mine til this day “The Others” with Nicole Kidman. Those were the first three movies that I remember watching as a kid that really opened my eyes and got me hooked into storytelling.
I’ve always known that I’ve wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry, but I never really found something that stuck with me until middle school where I started to create voiceover shows and movies for people to watch. I think it’s so interesting thinking about it now because that was such a huge part of my life. I made a bunch of friends that I still have today through that, and we’d always star in each other’s projects. We’d edit our own shows, write our own scripts, hold casting calls, read each other’s scripts at 2am — I mean we were so serious! But, from that experience I learned that I loved to create and bring people together through movies.
As I got into high school, I slowly built up the confidence to dive into making actual short films, and documentaries with friends from theater. I would watch my theater director direct actors on stage, and question why he would make certain decisions. Subconsciously, I’m always studying. I’m always studying people’s behaviors. I’m always looking for a moment in my life to put into a script. I mean — I feel like any creative person can relate that? It’s in our blood? It’s in our DNA.
This is gonna sound silly, but I didn’t start taking film seriously until I ran into an interview with Leonardo DiCaprio. He talks about how if you’re in love with a craft, you need to learn that craft inside and out. You need to study it. You need to be learning, practice it. So, I took hold of that information, and I haven’t let go since. No pun intended. I look at a lot of the people that inspire me Walt Disney, Michael Jackson, Bob Iger, Ingrid Bergman, Beyonce, Barry Jenkins, and just how they have so much passion for their work. I just want to be able to provide experiences for people through film. Take film to a place that it’s never been before. Be a pioneer. If I can do that, it’ll make me the happiest person on this planet.
So after graduating high school and working on my skills, I built up the courage with the help of friends and family to make a feature film called “Frankly”. I was so determined to make that film — so determined. I didn’t care if I had to chop off a limb — I was going to make it. It was going to happen, and I can happily say we’re in post-production currently. I couldn’t be more thrilled! It’s a film about three friends who are trying to spend time together before the summer ends. It’s a film that has this nostalgic feel to it, and it’s a film that’s personal to me. We recently just released the trailer, and I can’t wait to finally release it to the public.
But, yes that’s me. Gary Pierrot Jr. Remember it, because this is not the last you’ll hear from me. I promise.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. There have been times where I’m like “Man, I don’t know if I can do this”. But, I think with time you learn a lot about yourself the right people come into your life and have the support that you need to help you through some of those rough patches. Making my film “Frankly” was certainly not easy at all. But, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Nothing in life that is worth anything comes without a price. You have to sacrifice. You have to grow and not be afraid to fail. Just dust yourself off, and say to yourself “Okay. That didn’t work? Okay. What’s next?”
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Right now, I’ve been working on projects, some big, and some small. I’m big on creating opportunities for people of color and representing us in ways that we haven’t been represented before. I’m part of this new wave of filmmakers, and I’m so excited to see how we take over Hollywood.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success I believe is different for everyone. Your level of success may be different to someone else’s version of success. But, ultimately if you’re happy, and you can look at yourself in the mirror and be like “I like this person.” I think you’ve found success. Nothing beats happiness.
I’m all about dreaming big and not thinking too realistic. I think that often gets me looks from my parents and friends. I think it’s so funny. But, no one who has changed the world in a big way got there from being realistic all the time. I want to keep growing, meeting new people, taking risks, and creating until I’m 80 years old. I think I’m on the search for answers, and I love the path that I’m on. It’s scary. But, I know everything is going to be okay.
Contact Info:
- Email: garypierrotjr@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevroent/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryPierrot
Image Credit:
Brianna Drain & Remyton Simpson
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