Producer and
director Don Glut is known for his fascination with
dinosaurs. He has turned this fascination into a thriving business making movies,
videos, and music encompassing this theme. He is also an accomplished writer of
comic books, cartoons and animation. He is the writer responsible for
turning the
screenplay "The Empire Strikes Back" into the novel that became
a number one best seller. His love for dinosaurs led him to write, produce and
direct the feature film "Dinosaur Valley Girls". And, he
will soon begin the sequel, "Dinosaur Valley Girls: Tooka Tooka, Too".
How did you get started in the business?
I always knew I never wanted to work a nine to five job. I started making amateur movies at the age of nine in Chicago. After high school, I took a trip to Los Angeles and learned about USC Film School. I never knew you could go to film school I transferred from Chicago and ended up a student at USC the same time as George Lucas.
After graduation, did you go right into directing?
No, I played the bass guitar in a rock-n-roll band called the Penny Arkade. We were produced by Michael Nesbit of the Monkeys. I also did some acting and became a comic book writer.
How did you the The Empire Strikes Back
deal?
In 1979 I was writing cartoons and animation projects when I got the
call from a friend who worked for George Lucas. They needed someone to turn the
screenplay into a novel. They already had a million orders for the book before it
was written, so I can't take all the credit for the sales. The book did, however, go
on to become a number one best-seller and it opened a lot of doors for me.
How did you get into directing?
I was writer/producer for a video project called "Dinosaur Tracks". I also own a small record company that was doing the music. The director was not available to finish the project and I volunteered to direct the project for free. It turned out to be a natural transition for me and I went on to direct videos and
What Aspect of the business do you enjoy the most?
Directing -- I enjoy the process of shooting the film. I also enjoy the post production/editing phase -- piecing it together. I was very involved in the casting phase of Dinosaur Valley Girls and met a lot of interesting people.l I was looking for very specific types and needed to cut to the chase.
What do you feel may keep some actors from succeeding?
Many actors do not know their own look -- therefore they don't understand their casting. Casting directors do not want to have to work that hard. You need to look like the character. If you are doing a showcase, don't choose a role you would never be considered for. Remember -- this is a fantasy business. If you want to be a leading lady or man -- be very conscious of weight. Don't let yourself go. Make yourself as castable as possible!
Tell us about your obsession with dinosaurs.
I became fascinated with them at the age of seven going to museums in Chicago. I loved science and fantasy. As I grew older, the reality became so interesting that I found myself collecting books, paintings and figures. I have also consulted for television shows and for the feature film Carnisaurs.
Tell us about Dinosaur Valley Girls.
I understand you used several actors from APS.
Over half my cast was from APS. I hired several of my camera crew and stunt staff as well. I met several of them through the networking events APS hosts. I find I like working with people I know.
What can actors do to get over the hump?
Don't miss opportunities! Take advantage of everything that comes your way. Go out and network. You make your own luck - good and bad. Quit sabotaging yourself by hesitating when opportunity knocks!
How difficult is it to get a film completed?
Very difficult. It is a high risk, usually low return venture.
Many people are living in a fool's paradise. No one is going to give you
millions of dollars to make a movie if you don't have experience. Many people say
they are producers and want to be involved in the Hollywood scene, yet they don't have any
investors.
What are your long-term goals?
I've always wanted to do three things: make movies, do paleontology work, and write music. I want to direct and produce bigger budget movies. I would like to do two to three movies a year.
Any final advice for actors?
You must understand rejection. You can't let it bother you.
Be persistent! You will get rejected for all kinds of weird things that have
nothing to do with you as a person or with your talent. For example, you may remind
the casting director of his or her mate whom they just had a fight with. It could be
as small as that.
Do you have a personal motto that you live by?
If you can't deduct it - don't spend it. Also, a man has to know his limitations. You can't get back lost time. Also, don't let rejection get the best of you. Last one: Sometimes you can't wait for an open door, you have to build your own door and open it!
Any final comments?
Remember, this is a small town. Word gets around about your work habits. Don't be a prima dona or have a negative attitude. Focus on what you really want, know what you look like, and keep up your appearances!
You can learn more about Front
Line Entertainment by visiting their website:
www.frontlinefilms.com
You can learn more about Don Glut by visiting his fan-created
website:
www.donaldfglut.com