BHFF Honors Jack Lucarelli
He would often remind his young students, the 17-year-old Quentin Tarantino, Jerry Seinfeld, and many others, to not “let the business bite” them on their ass “because it will never let go.” This has been one of the many pieces of advice from producer, director, actor, writer, and lecturer, Jack Lucarelli.
As an instructor of acting and guest lecturer on Independent Filmmaking at the University of California and the LA Film School, Lucarelli also co-owned one of the most esteemed and renowned acting institutes, The James Best Theatre Centre, reinforcing acting students’ passion and priming it to attain its future prospects.
Lucarelli is best known for the following titles:
~Acting~
- Django Unchained
- Cartel War aka Disrupt/Dismantle
- American Justice aka Jackals
- Celebrity
- Flamingo Road
~Producing~
- Sunny and RayRay
- Behind the Gate (Documentary)
- Robert Loveless: An American Legend (Documentary)
- Cartel War aka Disrupt/Dismantle
- American Justice aka Jackals
~Directing~
- Behind the Gate
- Robert Loveless: An American Legend (Documentary)
- Cartel War aka Disrupt/Dismantle
- Gift From Heaven
Having produced, co-written, co-directed, and starred in Cartel War, Jack Lucarelli was the recipient of the 2010 Beverly Hills Film Festival Best Producer Award.
Staying true to the purpose of filmmaking, Jack explains:
“Cartel War is a story about a man with nothing to lose who decides to take on an empire, rooted in evil, that has everything to lose. Raw emotions, passion and an undying commitment to getting the job done and not playing by the rules was the inspiration that drew me to co-write the script for this movie. I looked forward to taking on the challenge to, once again and against all odds; make an independent, low-budget film that I hoped would capture the imagination of moviegoers.”
The Conversation with Lucarelli
What was your initial inspiration to choose this career path?
McQueen, McQueen, and McQueen! I was always the first in line in the days where there were no Cineplexes—just single theaters. Movies were considered major events in the 70s and 80s. Of course, the business has changed since then…
Do you recall a major disappointment in your path? How did you overcome it?
Attending the Cannes Film Festival in the early 90s… The film got a 5-star review from the Daily Variety… I think I turned left when I should have turned right. Must trust in the man upstairs…
From the characters you’ve represented throughout the decades, which one is your favorite?
“Mike Marino” in Cartel War is my favorite. It took me 15 years to raise the money for that film. All of the actors and crew poured their blood, sweat, and tears into it…
What are some of the criteria that a person needs to possess in order for you to admire him/her?
A person must possess four things: Heart & Passion & Heart & Passion. Natural talent and charisma wouldn’t hurt. Watch out for Tom Hardy; he is the man.
It’s 2016. Where is American cinema headed, Jack?
2015 was a bumper crop… Spotlight, Sicario, Bridge of Spies… Mark Ruffalo starred in Spotlight and also had a one-line tomato-in-the-face moment in my film A Gift from Heaven.
How can we, as a community, preserve the authentic filmic culture?
Always think of creative ways to give back. It’s all about providing literacy opportunities to young filmmakers. Pauline Kael said it best: “Steven Spielberg may have been the best and worst thing that ever happened to movie making.”
What do you look forward to in your personal life and in your career?
I’m looking forward to directing documentaries to which I can devote all my attention and passion. Personally, spending quality time with my wife, son, siblings, 93-year-old mother, cats, and my 3-year-old granddaughter fulfills me.
It is the objective of the Beverly Hills Film Festival to showcase and endorse the efforts and talents of true artists in cinema, hoping to train and polish the next generation of filmmakers and students of the arts.
To meet highly qualified, skilled, and experienced actors, producers, directors, and festival alumni, join the 16th annual Beverly Hills Film Festival from April 6th-10th in the heart of Hollywood.
