For The Movie Buff, I recently had the chance to watch the film “Getting It,” written and directed by Tom Heard (you can read our review here). The film, an LGBTQ romance, broke the mold: where most films of its type center on the struggles, hardships, and often prejudice that comes with being a member of this community, “Getting It” wants to be a romantic film that looks at two men, and how one of them grows and changes, working through hurt and defensiveness, just like anybody in a new (and sometimes scary) romantic relationship.
The film features good acting by all involved; and, very welcomely, we find a film where its writer and director stars in the film as a lead but doesn’t overtake the project. Heard effectively blends the elements of his LGBTQ romance together, gives us characters we can relate to, and doesn’t overtake the show. Heard’s character Jamie isn’t written for Heard, by Heard; he’s a vulnerable and very watchable character with motivations and growth.
I recently had the chance to sit down and talk to Heard about “Getting It,” along with its characterization, message, and Heard’s other filmmaking ventures in the works. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below. Also, proceeding the article, look for where you can watch Heard’s film on streaming (or own it on DVD!).
Nice to meet you Tom, and thanks for talking to us. Before we get started, can you introduce yourself for our readers?
Heard wears many hats during “Getting It’s” production. Photo: courtesy screengrab/DreamGrabber Films, 2020.
TH: Hi, Mark! So happy to have a chance to talk with you!
Well, actors LOVE to talk about themselves, but I’ll try not to go crazy! Haha. I have been an actor my whole life and after graduating high school I began appearing in summer stock and regional theater productions all over the country. After several years, I began to shift my focus to film and TV. When I landed a great role in a Hollywood film called “True Rights,” the love of filmmaking really hit me. Following an appearance on “Friday Night Lights,” I did a few more films before I sat down and wrote, “Getting It.”
The film is definitely about rejuvenation and re-engaging with life. Jamie does finally learn to get out of his own way and begins to live his life with more heart and positivity.”tom heard
How long have you been a filmmaker? Is “Getting It” your first film, or have you been doing this for a while?
TH: Yes, “Getting It” is my first foray as a filmmaker. Hopefully not my last!
What prompted you to make this movie? What were your inspirations? How much of yourself did you put into Jamie?
TH: I had just been cast in an episode of the TV show, “The Lying Game,” and the next day was informed that the studio was going with the director’s second choice! So, I decided right then to try and take a little more control of my career and start writing. “Getting It” is the result.
There is a lot of Jamie in me. His defensiveness and some obtuseness regarding his own life, but hopefully also his sense of humor and heart.
You mention in the press kit you wanted to make an LGBTQ film that didn’t center on trauma, advocacy, or characters dealing with their sexuality, but instead to create a relatable love story. Why was that? Do you feel too many LGBTQ films center on overcoming adversity to their detriment?
Filmmaker Tom Heard. Photo: courtesy submission.
TH: It’s beginning to change now, but for decades LGBTQ films have overwhelmingly had plots that deal with the agony of self-acceptance and the seeking of approval from family and society. So, I wanted to make an LGBTQ film where the story was simply about two men who fall in love and deal with the kinds of issues that any two people might face.
I liked the way the film opens, introducing us to Jamie’s character. To me he seems in the middle of his own thing, and not into the gossip of the neighborhood like the other apartment tenants seem to be. He’s also reeling from heartache. Can you tell us about what is going through his head here?
TH: At the beginning of the movie, Jamie has his head so far up his own rear end with self-pity and nursing his wounds, that he is totally lost. Ironically, he also smugly believes he has everything figured out. He has withdrawn from the world and believes the less he interacts with it, the stronger and safer he’ll be.
I loved your acting in this movie, and could really relate to your character. How much of this movie is about healing? Do you think Jamie heals by the end?
TH: Big thanks, Mark! That means a lot to me! The film is definitely about rejuvenation and re-engaging with life. Jamie does finally learn to get out of his own way and begins to live his life with more heart and positivity.
There is a lot of Jamie in me. His defensiveness and some obtuseness regarding his own life, but hopefully also his sense of humor and heart.”tom heard
I thought Donato De Luca was a treasure and an extremely natural actor. Can you tell us how he came on board and how was it to work with him?
TH: The stars were shining on me throughout the casting process! Donato, Sharron Bower, Lesley Pedersen, Jason Graf, Luke Hill, and Adrian Laguette gave me all I could ask for and more!
Donato was great fun to work with and approached his role as Ben with great enthusiasm and inventiveness. He was completely open and responsive to direction and brought so much of himself to the role!
What do you think, if you had to sum it up in a short synopsis, the real message of “Getting It” is?
Tom Heard and Donato De Luca in “Getting It.” Photo: courtesy Tom Heard.
TH: To get out of your own way and open up your heart to people and to life! We get one shot at this!
Were there any struggles while making the film? If so, can you elaborate?
TH: Money, money, money! That of course was the biggest obstacle. Convincing people to give you money to make a movie when you’ve never made one is tough. But you have to stick with it and keep wracking your brain over and over again how to raise it. Hopefully I’ve gotten a little smarter; and now, having now made a film, will have something I can point to.
Do you have any future plans for writing and/or directing? If so, can you tell us a bit about them?
TH: I am writing and plan to direct a new movie called, “Comeback.” It is another LGBTQ-themed project. I’m hoping to push a few more envelopes and continue to challenge myself as a filmmaker.
What message do you hope people will take away from this film?
TH: That the more you give of yourself to others, the more you will receive in return. Jamie learns that the most selfish thing he can do for himself, is to be unselfish.
Donato was great fun to work with and approached his role as Ben with great enthusiasm and inventiveness. He was completely open and responsive to direction and brought so much of himself to the role!”tom heard
Do you have any advice for upcoming filmmakers looking to get started with indie cinema?
TH: Write and make the movie you want to see. Avoid as much as possible worrying about how the world will see your film and stick to your tastes. Believe in yourself!
A big thanks to Tom Heard for letting us view “Getting It” and for taking the time to talk to us about his project. We wish him the best of luck in the future!
As mentioned in our review of the film, “Getting It” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Fandango, Google Play, Dekko, and Vimeo. It is also available on DVD.
