Meet Iz Gutierrez | Filmmaker, Director & Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Iz Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iz, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

I grew up as an extremely imaginative kid, reading comic books, watching whatever movies were on TV. I would come up with comic book ideas and characters. That interest in cool stories and characters then evolved as I grew older into other forms of literature and art. I always imagined these intricate story ideas in my head, from the characters to the music, and visuals but never, ever did I think these were the beginnings of a filmmaker or that these were potentially film ideas. Maybe it was my upbringing, maybe it was being an immigrant from Mexico (I came when I was 5) or the type of social environment I grew up in, but the idea of becoming a filmmaker was not even in the realm of possibility. I loved films as a kid, but it never occurred to me that what I was doing in my mind was essentially creating visual stories. It is almost like if you grew up poor in certain areas you were too busy surviving to really think of greater possibilities in yourself. A guiding theme I would hold onto going forth.

Once I started college at Cal State, Long Beach, I explored more literature as well as creative writing, I began to find my voice I suppose. Or at least partially. I also dabbled in video production along with filmmaking, which is where something sparked in me that said “This is what you want to do!”. Because I saw an outlet in film and visual storytelling for all of my creative ideas: “Of course my stories I created were meant to be films,” I told myself. Why didn’t I think of this before?! (Haha)

I also had a lot of angst about my surroundings (as well as my upbringing), about society, personal experiences which I needed to purge into the form of film ideas. I began to understand issues of inequality, that socially not all of us were equal, things were unfairly askew. I began to use film and screenwriting to deal with social issues, or just things I felt needed to be addressed, something which needed to be told to an audience, to educate, to start conversations, to build empathy… all of those things.

Fast forward years later, I began to hone in on my directing and screenwriting skills by attending Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film for my M.F.A. in the directing program. I had some great professors who mentored me, as well as my classmates who would become my collaborators even now on current projects.

So, I guess a creative career was the only way I can make sense of the world, understand it, explore it, educate, and as a form of release. If that makes sense at all. Hopefully. (Haha)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

It definitely was not easy making any of my films. Either because of lack of resources or budget or both. But since I have wide experience in production and post-production, I found a way to make my films look more expensive then they are knowing how they will edit together, with extensive planning etc, but also because I have a pool of super talented actors and crew who help me get there. These friends make it possible! I am also a believer in learning a little about everything to be a good filmmaker, but also always remembering it’s about great screenplays with great characters.

It’s about not giving up, being persistent and having the stamina to stay afloat in this industry. This industry is about the long haul, so you have to have patience and just improve your craft as the years go by. It also definitely helps to have a passion for this art, a true passion.

I have written and directed films that have received some wonderful honors and recognitions. Most recently my proof-of-concept historical short film They Call Us Sediciosos won Best Drama at the Official Latino Film Festival, as well as Best Film Screenplay at the Mexican American Film Festival just to name a few. I am currently looking for financing and support for the feature film version, but I also plan to make a television series based on it which I have a pilot episode written. This idea is based on how ethnic Mexicans were driven off their lands and killed about 100 years ago in the Rio Grande Valley. A chapter in U.S. history which has been ripped out of history books. I was not taught this in school, and most people were not either. As Mexicans, Latinos, we have been erased from parts of history, so I plan to do something about that with this project.

My immigration drama Sin Frontera, also won numerous best drama awards, as well as being selected into Academy accredited festivals. I was also invited to screen the film and interview at the SAG Foundation. We were also awarded the Panavision Filmmaker Grant. It was a way for me to educate an audience about the horrible immigration laws in this country, but to do it in the background of a love story, with characters everyone can relate to. The story is about an estranged couple, in the middle of a breakup, who are torn apart by a deportation. It takes this horrible event for them to realize they are still in love and now they must find a way to reunite.

Not too long ago, I also screened my web series pilot Comic Conventions at L.A. Comic Con. A nerdy comedy about a Mexican American comic book creator who loves comics and films. So yeah, lots of similarities with me! (Haha) I was also part of the Filmmakers Panel at L.A. Comic Con where we discussed making films in front of an audience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, all my good friends already live around here, haha, but let’s just say hypothetically. In no particular order: some film screenings either at American Cinematheque, New Beverly, or maybe Cinespia. I’m a fan of the al pastor tacos from Leo’s Taco Truck, but there are many good ones. So, yeah, let’s get some tacos somewhere! Hopefully there’s a good concert somewhere at all the great venues. Some craft beer from a good brewery, maybe Firestone Brewery in Venice, they have an amazing imperial stout. But there are many good breweries. Go to an LA Kings hockey game! Those are always a lot of fun! Go Kings Go! (Haha)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Without question it is everyone who has either helped me on my projects whether as crew, cast, or even just someone who encouraged me, supported me, or just checked in on me and my projects. Those little gestures go a long way, and I definitely remember them and appreciate those people. Being a creative, artistic person can be confusing to some (or even irritating, I’m sure. haha), we are always in our head, deep thinkers, emotionally heightened, and I venture to say usually on our own crazy schedule. It takes understanding from our friends and family, so for those who get it and support us, thank you!

I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with people who make you better, who hold you responsible, who are a good influence, and who are not opportunists. I know it’s a cliche, but the people you surround yourself with and associate with says a lot about you. The wrong people will hinder your progress, so I find it best to try and avoid that.

On film productions, my supporters are important, when I am in doubt, when I question my vision, these people swoop in and hold my head above water. Because they not only care about the project, but they care about me. Find those people who care about you! As a filmmaker you get nowhere without the support of your family, friends, cast, and crew.
So a shoutout to all of you!

Website: www.izgutierrez.com

Instagram: @theizgutierrez

Twitter: @theizgutierrez