RAFFAELLO DEGRUTTOLA

Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds.

Meet Italian British actor and film director Raffaello Degruttola. His second feature film Transference is releasing world wide this week but this emerging film director is no newcomer to the industry, having nearly 25 years of International film roles under his belt and working with some of Hollywood’s finest from heavy weights like Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, it’s no wonder Transference is such an incredible film. Blowout sits down on a rainy October day, at his favourite place, the BFI, to talk about his latest film, future projects and why independent film making is the best. One thing is for sure, Raffaello Degruttola is a name you will be hearing a lot of in the future!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your profession, and what you are up to right now.

I’m an actor and film maker, I started acting as a teenager and somehow, by hook or by crook kept it up ever since. I can tell you that the odds were against me, I was told by many people, including teachers, to do something else, but that's what kept the fire alive. Then ”Ever since I can remember I always wanted to be a film maker.” Ha! Name where that quote originated from and you’ll know one of my favourite directors and film influencers!! Watching and studying that directors work is where I learned character based film making, Italian neorealism and, as a director, how you can let the actors feel free and in control of their character. I just recently re watched the Deer Hunter, directed, produced and written by another amazing East cost American film maker, Micheal Cimino. I always find myself back at that specific era of actors, directors and film makers when I need inspiration and clarity as to why I continue on this creative path. They were on to something and have shaped the best of cinema today as far as I'm concerned. I’ve just finished shooting a film in Italy 'La Luoghi della speranza' and 'Mister Mayfair' with Steve Bauer and Armand Assante. My own second feature ‘Transference : A Love Story’ comes out November 10th.

You are an actor and a film maker, what do you prefer of the two?

I love both, acting depends on the role the director and actors I’m working with, if its creative and supportive its just as good as making your own film. If your having to constantly work around peoples egos and its a horrible environment rather than all focusing on working towards the best result for all, then I’d rather make my own films and choose nice, talented people to work with. For my films I go for talent of the same cloth over a name thats difficult to work with, any day.

what is it about indie filmmaking that you like?

Like an artist, you have your own canvas, you can paint as you like without money people or organisations barking orders, which does nothing but kills creativity. I learned you don’t just need money to make something with substance - just a vision. The key again is to keep your circle safe and understand you are all in a creative process of discovery together, not just simply to hit your marks and say your lines. I don’t work well with that ethos. I have a garage band philosophy, if it works in a shitty old garage with friends jamming it will work anywhere. Synergy with your agent, investor, editor, DOP and especially the actors, they have to feel that they can explore their work and take risk without being judged every second, at the same time you know as the film maker what works for you and doesn’t as you go along and make those choices accordingly.

Your indie Feature Transference is releasing world wide on November 10th, Whats it about and where can we see it?

Its basically a psychological love story about how corroding and secret mental health issues effect relationships today, it asks why certain couples are drawn together, is it by chance or are there subconscious patterns that connect us to resolve our past while feeling accustomed to similar back ground.

What inspired you to make Transference?

My parents story, coming to this country with £14 as immigrants in the 70’s and having to survive in a new world while still trying to understand each other.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you while working on a film?

I was filming “In Love and War” at Pinewood studios, Richard Attenborough was directing.

My character Francesco had just had his legs blown up on the front line in the first world war, the crew had dug a hole for me to put my legs in and covered them up, we were just about to shoot when I hear, “Sandra’s here" (Bullock)

"Quick everyone outside to sing her happy birthday” within a min I was in a massive empty studio (the 007 one actually) on my own after at least 50 people had left,

I could hear “Happy birthday’ being sung in the distance while stuck in a hole looking around thinking “this I guess is the movies"- In retrospect I realise that hole was also a metaphorical hole you can never really get out of once your in this game.

What roles and characters do you usually get to play and whats the dream role?

Mostly Americans or Europeans (Almost never English), I tried a Swiss man in 'The Hustle', I’d had enough of Italians!

Dream role, I’m not sure I have one, perhaps enjoying my roles and having a solid through line to play with, whatever that may be and the work is good and consistent - that would be the dream.( oh - and well paid!)

What is it about the way you do what you do, that you feel might separate you from others?

Improvisation, I always use it to help find the truth in all characters and whilst making films, I’ll do this on my own before shooting even if the scene is scripted.

My imagination is wild, so I harness that and use it in my writing and improvisation to form ideas as a story or subtext..rather than stop to think how crazy I am!

your teenage daughter is an actress, what advise do you give her?

Stay away from bull shitters in the business, because there are many. When you come across them, if they cross the line in any way, call me, I’ll be there in a second. The rest she is in full control of herself.

What is the one item you can’t live without?

Coffee.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Meryl Streep, Morgan freeman, Shia LaBeouf, Massimo Troisi, Dudley Moore. And I just watched 'Pure' last night with Alicia Vikander, she was amazing!

Who is the messiest person you know?

My teenage daughter, she learned it from me!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen lately?

Pure and Deer hunter.

What would you like to be remembered about you?

They said no and he said ‘Fuck you” and did it anyway!

Who is your inspiration?

Wim Hof, my daughter and family.

What’s your most annoying habit?

I can’t sit still although paradoxically that's what I use to get things done.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Football, climbing, driving while listening to music and improvisation workshops.

What is next for you?

Can I write the answer on a postcard?

Watch TRANSFERENCE on apple TV now

https://geni.us/Transference

Instagram @raffaello.deguttola @raffaello.controventofilms

Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds