As a filmmaker, James Gutierrez, "thinks all of life is art" – making his the perfect film to screen at our RAW launch in San Francisco. Be sure to RSVP to see a live screening of his short film at Minna Gallery on Thursday, August 19th! He talks to RAW about the inspiration behind much of his work.  

Tell us about yourself. 
I was born and raised in Los Angles where I was involved with theatre and sports like most kids, focusing mainly on musical theatre and performance choirs. Most of my childhood and early adult life was spent as a performer and SAG actor in very forgettable television roles and regional theatre, whilst building a very impressive 'day job resume'. During that time, I found my way to an Army career as well.

How did you first get started in film? 
In 1999, I was tired of bit roles and decided to write and produce something, obviously i found that the creative experience and the empowerment of producing was more rewarding.

Any other films you've produced?
I have roughly 20 projects complete with half of those being written or directed by myself, some with film festival success, some having aired on television.

Tell us about "Language of Love."
Language of Love came about when I met a very talented writer, Emma Ko, in the London in 2005. Emma had been writing sporadically for television for years and wanted to do something of her own but wasn't sure where to start or how to run a production from the direction side of things. I agreed to partner with her on this film, which included co-directing, and editing the film, and we set out to tell the story of a guy who just needed a little help getting it right, as we all do at times.

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
When writing, I usually think about my own personal experiences and how they affect my perspective, as well as the themes that are universal to everyone. When I have connective material that is unique, then I write about it. The inspiration of truth or honesty in the story drive me to do authentic work, at that stage everything is open to my creativity with the pen.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art? 
As a filmmaker, I think all of life is art and therefore depending on the subject matter, I sometimes sample from other areas. For example, I enjoy urban art, so I wrote a screenplay about three teenagers who suffered a fatality whilst tagging/bombing, the theme was loss which is universal and connective, the situation and style had characteristics of urban art, the authenticity was in the detail of the lives and perspectives of the characters.

When you are not filming, how do you like to spend your time? 
I work on other skills that support my filmmaking; music is important in my life so I am learning the guitar to strengthen my understanding of structure, this way when I compose or sound mix I have that added skill. I also enjoy salsa dancing and pretty much maintaining some of my older dance skills, e.g. the ability to do some very unflattering ballet turns.

All time favorite film?
Too many to single one out, or for that reason to even have a top ten list, but The Princess Bride, Let the Right One In, Black Hawk Down, Jeepers Creepers and any David Lynch film.

Are there any filmmakers, past or present, who strongly inform and influence your work? 
I love most work by most filmmakers and find them all fascinating people, but think my artistic influence in narrative story telling all comes from my life, not the work of others. 

Are there any specific reoccurring themes or subjects that you explore and deal with most in your work? 
I try not to revisit themes but I seem to be drawn to the idea of hope when I collaborate with other filmmakers, I am a sucker for a happy ending.

Any previous films/collaborations that you are most proud of? 
I have just completed a NEO NOIR short film that was an amazing production with great friends in the UK and was also my swan song before relocating to the SF Bay. 

Why showcase with RAW? 
It is a chance to connect with artists and locals and use my voice to say hello to the city, the organization, and most importantly the friends of RAW.