Rising Stars: Meet John Hermann

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Hermann.

Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I came out to LA in 2006 and, like so many others, had grand visions of becoming America’s next big movie star. I quickly learned that acting wasn’t going to get me there, so I started picking up random jobs on every film set I could get on. I joined my first feature film as a Grip, then used that opportunity to get more jobs- higher in that department- until I worked as Key Grip on an indie feature. I transitioned into Electric Department and worked my way up to Gaffer. Sound Department, Art Department- this process continued until I found myself in Production- becoming qualified as a DGA 1st AD and later as a DGA UPM. I started Line Producing, and then physically Producing my own content and forming my own Production Company- Cut 4 Productions. Since 2014, I have produced 17 feature films, countless commercials, short-form content, and studio docuseries (and doc feature) recreations- for platforms such as AppleTV+, Netflix, Paramount+, and HBO, and I have numerous films in active development. The dream of being a movie star continues but in a slightly different manner. As I like to say- acting brought me to LA, but LA put me where it wanted me to be. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
LA is one of those cities that continuously eats you up, spits you out, steps on you, and then expects you to do it again the next day. And like every other masochist in the industry, we keep doing it. The road is never easy- there are so many times I can remember thinking I was going to quit this business- go home and be a banker like my dad suggested. But for one reason or another, I kept going and kept persevering. I still have challenges. I still call home to talk to Mom, talk to Dad, and get their encouragement. But like anything, this business demands commitment and dedication. Every day, someone in Hollywood decides to give it another try, and someone decides to quit. Only one of those people has a chance TODAY to make it. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As someone who has seen the physical process of filmmaking from so many different perspectives, I like to take everything I’ve learned and gleaned from the countless professionals I have worked with- my mentors, no doubt- and apply it to what I can do as a Producer and a creative. What does the Lighting Department need to be the best they can be? What does Hair and Make-up need to allow for them to perform their art AND be a safe sanctuary for my Actors when they get to set? What do my Actors need to make themselves as vulnerable as I need them to be in as safe an environment as I can provide? How do we all, as a group of talents and artistic storytellers, collaborate to make the best product we possibly can? All that I have learned throughout my 18 years in LA can come together to answer these questions- and when you, as a Producer, can realize that each and every cog in the wheel is equally important- that each voice should be meaningfully considered- you can create an environment where everybody is allowed to showcase their best work. We have some of the most creative people in the world; all singularly focused on becoming the best that THEY can be. And finding a way to unite that motivation and direct it to one singular goal of movie making is, to me, one of the most important parts of being a Producer. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Christmas morning. The feel of waking up in the morning and rushing downstairs to discover- because there is no other explanation- magic. Gathering with family, taking time to experience a common joy, and wow- opening those presents… still one of my favorite days. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cut4productions.com

Image Credits
Alberto E. Rodriguez
Vivien Killilea