We recently connected with Vincent Rutley and have shared our conversation below.

Vincent, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a filmmaker, it takes alot of knowledge and confidence. When I first started as a playwright back in 2010, I gained the knowledge and confidence by being the actor first.(which is my first love) As an actor I’ve experienced the most professional projects as well as beginner projects and everything in between. Being in the middle of it all, I studied everything I could from directing styles to rehearsal schedules to location selections. I learned the do(s) and don’t(s) of the industry by studying the creators, directors and producers strengths and mistakes. Now as a filmmaker, I’m going through the same process. So I’m not just an actor in the films that I’m casted in but I’m a student of film.

If I could go back, I would have gone to film school when I was a bit younger. But this process has built so much more respect and appreciation for the craft. Hands on experience is the absolute best. The more roles I booked as an actor, the more I learned as a filmmaker and will continue to learn. There isn’t such thing as the perfect formula. It’s just taking it all in, applying it to your creativity and building relationships with others in the film world that you have great chemistry with. It takes alot of people to build a production whether it’s on stage or on a film set. But everyone has a job to do and that’s the beauty of filmmaking. Collaborating with creative people who are great at their job!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

As a child growing up as a preachers kid (PK), I had alot of practice being in front of crowds. I also had tons of opportunity to develop my craft as I took on the drama team leadership position at 17. I wrote, directed, produced and acted in over 30 productions at my local church. Even though they weren’t the biggest and most professional productions, I learned alot. I gradually got better as the years went by and started my own production company in 2010. This is when I began to produce my own stage play productions and began to preform under Vincent Rutley Productions throughout Michigan. I also began to offer services such as script writing, script editing and directing. As I began to gain attention, I was unfortunately forced to take a hiatus after suffering near fatal injuries due to a car accident. I was paralyzed from mid chest down and diagnosed as a quadriplegic. The doctors informed us that I’d never have independence let alone walk again. But it was my faith in God that gave me the strength to press forward. Since my accident I not only gained a level of independence that surpassed the doctors expectations, but I’ve also returned to the arts in every position as before. I’d always pictured myself as a film actor and filmmaker, but it wasn’t until the 2020 pandemic that I fully persuaded the transition from stage to film. In 2021 I worked on 6 film sets, 1 commercial and a few animation projects as well. This year has already been awesome as I’ve been added to several cast, excepted the position as co producer and director of my first film project and in preparation of my first seminar course (how to produce your own stage play).

I’m just getting started and have much to learn but I’ll forever be a student of the arts.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I get to inspire, ignite and encourage people through my stories. I love making people laugh, feel empowered and see life from a different perspective and I get to do all these things through my writing. I connect with my audience by creating relatable characters and storylines that brings a message of hope, faith and love. Whether it’s a song, a particular event or a situation that feels familiar…… there’s always something everyone can connect with.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After my accident, I had no idea the journey that lied ahead. From bed sores and wounds to physical strength and assistance. I needed so much help just to do the easy daily things I was used too. It took humility and patience to adapt to this unfavorable disability lifestyle. But I had to look at my situation from a different angle. Instead of feeling sorry for myself or complaining about what I didn’t have, I became grateful for what I did have. My beautiful wife could have left but chose to stay and sacrifice her dreams to take care of me. Family and friends who prayed for me a supported me throughout this journey. My right frame of mind that allows me to communicate, make my own decisions and even create what’s in my heart. Every season of my process I’ve met people who’s situations was way worse then mine. So for that I’m grateful to be alive and well. I’m blessed!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vincentrutley.jimdofree.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincentrutley/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincerut
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/vinceruttv

Image Credits
Fibonaccibloom Photography