Meet John Fuentes | Film Director | Producer

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

Hi John, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

This is a loaded question because it takes a deep reflection into one’s beginnings.

Everyone is born with certain gifts and talents that are unique to its owner. No one person does it the same. It’s the differences and individuality that each person offers the world that creates a diverse community of those who have a dream and have the boldness and courage to pursue it.

As a young boy growing up in the Bronx New York and Spanish Harlem, I refused to conform to the norm. I always stayed focused on my dreams in life. For some, the fast paced city life took a toll on their dreams, for others, it pushed us into our destiny.

Like many New Yorkers, I had many jobs in many different industries. We are hard workers, survivors, hustlers, tough and strong willed. I was blessed to be around intelligent men and women business owners. Some took me under their wing and some I observed and gleaned from. Like everyone does, I faced many challenges as I tried to navigate my career and pursue my dreams. My life story is truly like a movie, too much details to go into it now, but there were times I came upon the proverbial fork in the road… two choices, go the safe route (government jobs with the secure pensions, health insurance, and so forth) or, walk in faith and let God lead me into my path and purpose in life.

Starting my own production business was that choice. It gave me the freedom and authority to not have to seek nor ask for permission to be passionate, creative and make the kind of films I love to make. I can maximize my gifts and talents and purpose it for a greater cause and have an inspiring impact in helping others realize their dreams. I am truly blessed to be a blessing to others. I truly am living my dream and living my best life. The best part of it is, God is in it with me and it is just the beginning.

I moved to Los Angeles in 2014, and since then, it’s been quite the adventure. During Covid, I founded Stay Lifted Films and BTU Media Productions and both are an example of if you just activate your faith and believe, you can accomplish anything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As an independent filmmaker you wear many hats, you have to get good at the different aspects of film production. For some filmmakers, they have abilities and skill sets they developed from different areas of their lives and it translated into their creative process and workflow. For me, I had a very unique beginning.

Before I dreamed of becoming a film director / producer, my dream was to become a professional quarterback in the NFL. This dream of football took me around the world, from the local semi-pro teams in New York City, to the Arena Football Leagues’ NY City Hawks, to Team USA All-Stars International Travel Team, all the way to the playing for Germany and for France as their starting quarterback and offensive coordinator in the Euro-Federation of American Football League.

A coach once told me that football is the closest sport to where you will learn skill sets that will translate over to real life. He was oh so right!

As a quarterback, you’re the brain trust of the team, more importantly, you’re a leader of men. When I was in the huddle with my ten other teammates, they had to look into my eyes and believe that we can win, that despite the opposition and odds, I can lead them to victory. We put everything on the line, every practice, every game, every play. Casting the vision, executing the playbook and game plan, to inspire, adapt mentally and relate psychologically to players from different cities, countries, languages, cultural upbringings and command their respect, belief and trust… it all translated perfectly for me into directing.

Above all, directing is leadership. Your cast and crew will stand with you if they believe in your vision. They will go beyond their limits to execute the script, shot list, and storyboards, they will trust you to lead them into creating something beautiful.

This is where I feel I am different. My productions are different. For me, it is not just about what we are making, it is about the collective effort and creative journey that makes the film special. We are not just a film crew, we are a team. We are a family. We are dreamers loving what we do.

My professional journey into a film career started by being humbled at the end of my first career. As an athlete you know at some point it will all come to an end. When you live your whole life with passion, desire and a dream, when the dream itself comes to an end, you find yourself pondering, what’s next? It was a scary time… one of those crossroads moments where you are looking at your future into two completely different possibilities.

It was a challenge, there was fear, there was hesitation, there was doubt, and of course there were the naysayers. However, through it all, there was God… and God asked me, “What are you believing for?”

I knew then that the greater risk is risking nothing. I literally packed my bags, bought a one way ticket, went to film school in Paris France at EICAR International Film School, I filmed my first student film and independent film. Then I moved to Dublin Ireland, joined the Dublin Filmbase Center and the Dublin Film Group. I then moved back to the States in Tampa Florida and joined film groups there. I moved back to my hometown in New York, regrouped, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Los Angeles.

You see, for me, the journey was long, vast and lonely at times… but when I felt defeated, broken and challenged, when my dream was on the verge of failing, I prayed and God reminded me, who I am, whose I am and what I am believing for.

When you are spiritually filled with grace, you are empowered to accomplish anything, as the bible says, you are more than a conquer. So overcoming challenges is what I do. I pray and find a way.

BTU Media Productions is a unique independent company. People often ask what does “BTU” stand for? It means, “Bend The Universe”. With our creative imaginations infused with faith, we have the power to bend the universe around us and create anything we can imagine.

Stay Lifted Films – is my faith-based film production company where our mantra is to create Inspirational Stories in Extraordinary Times. Stay Lifted Films founded during covid era, after the death of my cousin Rolando “Sonny” Aravena in New York City and during the civil unrest that gripped our nation and the world. I felt led by the Holy Spirit to create stories that can have a positive influence and impact on viewers and challenge them to a new perspective of certain topics. We create films that plant seeds of truth, love, inspiration and most important, faith.

We are happy to say we accomplished many goals, film festival accolades (Best Action Adventure, Best Faith-Based Film, Best Director, Best Actors, Best Experimental Film, etc.. etc.).

As a seasoned 15+ years professional award winning Film Director, I had the opportunity to study and work in fast paced film productions, studios and film schools within the United States and in Europe.

In my domestic and international film experiences, I gained the unique knowledge that enhanced my ability to blend the different aspects, demands, cultures and narrative goals in film production. From conceptualization to final cut, I dedicate myself to creating the best cinematic story, breathing life into complicated and compelling characters, leading actors into their best and most memorable performances, and most of all, delivering a film beyond the script.

I am humbled and yet proud to say that with us, we bring a new cinematic experience to your projects.

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.

Of all the places I visited and lived in, Los Angeles is truly one of a kind. When friends come into town, I do get excited to share a little bit of California with them, especially if it’s their first time visiting.

One favorite place to eat is a Thai restaurant in Burbank called Season Thai on Olive Ave. It’s a small hole in the wall spot, but so good, I usually order the Combination Fried Dish – very delish.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that me being from NYC, I love my pizza. I go to the best pizza shop, Brooklyn Pizza Wagon in Sherman Oaks on Ventura Blvd. & Van Nuys Ave. The best closest New York style pizza in all of LA in my opinion and taste buds.

Of course I love Malibu Beach, it is very impressive, and reminds me of a few beaches and coastal views from other countries. I often visit Malibu Cafe (great music, food, drinks and games). My friends get a kick out of Venice and Muscle Beach. I show them around Santa Monica Pier and a few bars there.

I used to work as a scare actor for Fright Fest – Six Flags (Killer Croc and Draco the Vampire), so taking my friends to Magic Mountain is automatic. I also worked in Universal Studios as a Survivor in the Walking Dead maze, so I would also take my friends and family to enjoy a day at Universal Theme Park.

Being that my wife loves to hike, we certainly make sure to take our visitors on hikes in Fryman Canyon and Runyon Canyon, with a great view of the Hollywood sign.

Griffith Park is one of my favorite places to visit, also film in.

Sadly, one of my most favorite fun places to hangout was the Burbank Bar and Grille which is now closed, but I do take friends to Good Times at Davey Waynes in Hollywood, I love to eat at Tao in Hollywood, Katana – West Hollywood, Bar Lubitsch – West Hollywood, I love to get my breakfast fill at Egg Plantation in Santa Clarita and enjoy great food and drinks at Joeys in Woodland Hills.

And last but not least, I take my visitors to In His Presence Church on Sundays or Wednesdays to experience amazing worship and receive a powerful message.

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

First and foremost, I want to give thanks to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior for always being there for me, giving me grace when I needed it and didn’t deserve it, for dreaming a dream for me that is far beyond what I can ever imagine for myself.

I want to give thanks to my wife, Donita for loving me and embracing my goals, dreams, business plans and taking on a producer’s role to help me lift our production company to new heights. When two are in agreement, the miracles abound.

I am eternally grateful to those who have always been there from the beginning. My incredible dad, Juan Fuentes, who’s been my biggest cheerleader, personal coach and leader, my beautiful and lovely mother, Lorraine Rodriguez who loves unconditionally and has compassion for others and taught me to never give up on myself. My Step-Mom Olga who sacrificed so much to raise me and love me beyond measure. My amazing and ultra-talented sister, Sharene who is the most creative and gifted person I know, and my brother Javier who is an undercover genius. Finally, my sister Michelle who’s a great inspiration to see the world.

Like many entrepreneurs, we have those best friends who are in the fox hole of life with us. My best friends, Alfredo Nunez and Frank Fierle, are two brothers who always push, encourage and lift me.

One cannot make it without spiritual brothers who are always there to pour into my heart and soul, I want to recognize the incredibly talented Boise Holmes and legendary Bob Jeronimus, Pastor Brek Ruiz and DWC LA church family, Pastors Dennis and Gladys Dodd and Pastor Mel and Desiree Ayres and my entire media team / ministry and church family at In His Presence Church.

I want to say thank you to my film mentor, Fred Bailey, who taught me so much about being a Film Director and is a true friend.

I want to give a big thank you to my great friend, Steven Liszka (founder of BIGFILMS) for giving me the opportunity, expanding my horizons, abilities and creativity in VFX filmmaking.

And finally, though I never met him; his work, his accomplishments, his films, his stories, scripts, his imagination, and his boldness to create compelling movies is a great inspiration to me… I want to recognize and give thanks to Christopher Nolan.

Website: https://stayliftedfilms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayliftedfilms/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filmdirectorfuentes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayliftedfilms/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@STAYLIFTEDFILMS

Other: BTU Media Productions Website: https://btumediaproductions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/btumediaproductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btumediaproductions/