Samuel L. Pierce: The Teen Taking Over Hollywood

Actor, writer, director and producer, Samuel L. Pierce, is a quadruple threat. His filmmaking credits include the sci-fi feature film The Future of Us, young adult comedy The Get Rich Quick Scheme, the upcoming sport drama film Off the Line, and is in production on his fourth film the sci-fi action movie Jack Harrison: Rogue Protocol, where Samuel leads the ensemble as Jack Harrison. Filmoria chatted with Samuel to discuss making movies and taking over Hollywood!

What got you into filmmaking and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

As long as I can remember, I have always been interested in making movies and used to make little stop motion movies with Legos and action figures when I was eight. I knew I always wanted to do something involved in the film industry as I love to tell stories.

What came first, acting, or overall filmmaking?

I would say filmmaking always came first in some sense mainly because I liked making characters to then get to play and bring to life. I’ve just always found it super cool to write a story and bring it to life as a filmmaker and more importantly as an actor. But I would definitely say they have always gone hand in hand with each other.

Who are your filmmaker influences growing up that helped to mold you into who you are today?

A substantial influence of mine growing up was George Lucas. He made his own path and also struggled with dyslexia and having watched a lot of Star Wars I was inspired by his creating a whole universe full of stories. Others are Ron Howard and Henry Winkler, being a fan of Happy Days and how both were able to take their acting success and turn it into directing and producing. Ron Howard tells stories about how I like stories to be told. Actors who have inspired me are Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, and Leo DiCaprio. All have taken their teen idol stars and turned into great actors.

Which actors and directors would you like to collaborate with in future?

There are so many but a few who really come to mind are Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Ryan Reynolds, Joe Flanigan, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, and Henry Winkler. I’ve always admired the dedication and work ethic Tom Cruise has and the body of work the others have worked on.

As a screenwriter, what is your process when writing a script?

The material I choose to write is influenced by many things. Some ideas come from past experiences or something I have recently seen or watched and then I take the idea and start applying what if questions to it. Some ideas are inspired by conversations I have had or overheard in day-to-day interactions. My general process of writing a script is I don’t really use outlines or structures; I write the script as if I’m watching a movie in my head and think to myself what should happen next. Most writers I know disagree with me on this, but this has just been what’s worked for me.

How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?

I love projects in several film styles and genres, but my favorites are comedies, action films, sci fi stories, and spy thrillers, but they all kind of connect to one theme which is the feel-good movies of the 80’s and 90’s style I watched growing up.

Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?

Yes, the moment of my career I have been most proud of was signing the distribution deal with Random Media for The Get Rich Quick Scheme at 16. This symbolizes my first steps towards being a professional.

What else do you have going on?

A lot! We are working through the finishing touches for the release of Off the Line, and I am in post-production of the film Jack Harrison: Rogue Protocol, so stay tuned on more details of that. In the meantime, feel free to stream The Get Rich Quick Scheme on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Vimeo, and Tubi – and if you are so inclined, check out my IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Website.

Check out Samuel L. Pierce and his movies online today!