Daily Inspiration: Meet Walt Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Walt Perez.

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.

Please let me start by thanking Sid Reddy and the Voyage LA Editorial staff for reaching out once again and featuring me in these awesome articles. I find inspiration in all these wonderful true stories. I also want to thank my representative, Mr. Michael Abrams for his continued support in my career.

I just turned 36 this past August. I feel great, it’s been fun being part of the dirty thirties club (laughs). I feel fortunate to be surrounded by my family and friends. And grateful to still be on this journey of mine. As a writer, director and producer; I continue to reach new heights. These past years have been truly rewarding. In 2020, Verloren Productions captivated audiences with the psychological thriller “Into the Night”, which I directed, produced and adapted from a story by Stephen King. The film received acclaimed and various festival award nominations. In 2021, “Into the Night” qualified for consideration in the 93rd Academy Awards, under the Best Live Action Short Film Category.

This year, we premiered our newest title, “NorJack” at the 76th Festival de Cannes, Court Métrage. The film was written, produced and directed by me. At the Cannes Marché du Film, we introduced a new feature film we have been developing titled “Macho!” This is a coming of age story with a new perspective and voice in the helm. This film will break stigmas that have plagued a community for far too long. It will give us the opportunity to tell a story of the search and finding of the American Dream. We have talent attached, and different crew elements in place. It’s been a fun time, we’re excited to bring this story to life and reach audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for that.

There’s so much to tell and lot’s to still do; I think one’s life cannot be summed up in two hours or even pages. But I’ll continue to share what I can.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” No it’s not my quote. This was said by French playwright Molière. Struggle is a part of life, each of us hurls a boulder differently.
When you find purpose, you create objectives, you educate yourself in the subject you plan to master and begin to walk the road. A side note, remember to leave wiggle room. I don’t believe in absolutes – and yes I know that may be an absolute (laughs).

In 2008, I began working on independent and commercial productions. The following year, I took a chance and founded the production company named Verloren Productions. My producing partners are Melanie Tirado and Søren Odom. I’m grateful to them for believing in me and for taking this creative journey with me. We have received accolades from various film festivals and organizations for our film work.

With Warner Bros., I’ve had the opportunity to work in films & television shows which include; “Doctor Sleep” (2019), “Annabelle Comes Home” (2019), “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” (2023), “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (2023), “Two and a Half Men” (Season 9), “The Voice” (Season 2), “Mike & Molly” (Season 3), “The Kominsky Method” (Season 1-2) and “Perry Mason” (Season 2). I have also freelance for Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures, Netflix Studios, Amazon Studios, Lionsgate, Macro and Bron Studios.

Each experience has brought me closer to my goals. I’m thankful for the opportunity and yes the challenges that have come with them. With a more open door for diverse artists to step in and share their stories. Their creative vision at the helm. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities of what is to come in time. I look forward to being present, and having the opportunity to collaborate with many artists.

We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?

I’ve had the good fortune of working extensively in the entertainment industry; filling positions as a production assistant, gaffer, camera operator, boom operator, script supervisor, location manager, producer, director, and writer. Whether it was a skeleton crew or a tentpole production; it has been a great lesson. It’s awesome to be able to do what I love. From my formative years of teaching myself and then having the ability to learn from other seasoned production professionals, this has given me the knowledge needed to demonstrate who I am as a filmmaker.

Professionally, I’m proud of being able to share my filmmaking knowledge and insight with a new generation of filmmakers. Paying it forward by leaving the door open and being accessible.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I think this is a question that I leave to others to answer. Don’t get me wrong, I could come up with different things to say. There’s a rhyme and reason to why people begin to recognize one’s efforts. Why do we gravitate to one another? Most would say, “that person knows what they’re doing.” Perhaps that’s the answer or perhaps there is more to discover. I continue to be focused and dedicated to my craft. Still open to learn new things and be ready for constant change.
Again that wiggle room is important.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/VerlorenProductions
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walterpperez/
• Other: imdb.me/waltperez

Image Credits
Yana Petrova, Oliver Endahl, Daisy Escamilla, Cannes Court Métrage, Cannes Film Festival 2023, Film Independent