Sitting down to talk to Brent Allen Caputo on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon, the first thing that struck me about him is that he absolutely emanates positivity and enthusiasm; not only for the career path he’s chosen, but life in general. We had exchanged e-mails earlier in the year about him working on the set of the Michael Mann film “Public Enemies“, as well as a movie called “Couples Retreat”. We’ve kept in touch since then, so when “Public Enemies” trailers started appearing on television and the film was released on July 1st, I was eager to go see it and then talk to Brent about his work. My enthusiasm was bumped up a notch when I found out that Brent had appeared on screen in a key scene. I was thrilled to finally get the chance to see “Public Enemies” this past weekend, and then to meet with Brent in person to talk about his time on the set and his career in general.
One of the things that impressed me about Brent was that he’s interested in the films he works on as a whole. He’s not the type of actor or stunt man to come in, do his part, and then tune out until quitting time. He’s fascinated by the production as a whole, and how all of the components and people come together to create a film. He shared an anecdote about a day in stunt rehearsals in which director Michael Mann grabbed a camera and got down on the ground himself, so that he could see exactly how the shot would look on film. Brent said it’s that sort of thing that impresses him; seeing a director that invested in the film, and the synergy of cast and crew combining to bring the film to life. Brent told me that after seeing the film himself, he was surprised by how much of it he was actually involved in. Although a restaurant scene where Depp as Dillinger is talking to his girlfriend is the only spot where you can actually see Brent on film, he was also involved in stunt rehearsals and in other parts of the movie as a stand in. As we talked, he told me about other major productions he’s worked on recently and how he’s moving forward in his career. Unlike some actors who think a move to a major city is a necessity to advance their career, Brent is happy to be working on projects while staying right here in his hometown. He shared that he’d like to be
“discovered while I’m living here in Kenosha, the city I was born and raised in. I’m not living ‘the dream’, I’m living MY dream.”
That dream is definitely taking Brent Allen Caputo on an exhilarating journey. His own words describe it perfectly: “there’s nowhere to go but up”!
Lisa: I finally saw the film today and loved it. Congratulations on your scene! I sort of embarrassed myself by blurting out, “Look–there’s Brent!” in the theater when that part came on. I think that having a local actor on the big screen is really exciting for Kenosha though. I also saw a preview for another movie about troubled couples that go away on an island retreat. Was that “Couples Retreat”, by any chance, the other movie you worked on?
Brent: I think it is. It definitely sounds like it.
Lisa: Wow–two major films that you’ve worked on in one theater visit! So, how did you first get involved in working on “Public Enemies”?
Brent: Well, it’s much like any other casting, as the directors pick through the number of interested talent that submits to the casting agent and they assign those that they feel best represents their scene(s).
I, fortunately, was chosen to stand-in for multiple characters throughout much of the filming of “Public Enemies”, as I have a unique look that can be altered as needed. This ability has largely influenced the longevity in my career.
Lisa: What interested you the most about the project? Personally, while I was watching it, I was caught up in the historical aspect of it and the places here in Wisconsin that were mentioned. Yeah, okay…and Johnny, of course! What was it that made you want to participate: the storyline, the actors involved, the director…?
Brent: As with any production, for me, I’m interested in seeing how a director and his crew respond to each other before the cameras are on, during the filming, and afterwards.
This, along with the interaction between the cast and crew, ultimately affects the end result of the project when you view it on the big screen.
Lisa: The sets were amazing in their historic details, and of course everyone was styled in the fashion of the era. Was it fun to “be” in the 1930s, so to speak?
Brent: It not only was fun, but I found myself actually being the part(s) and being in the moment as if I truly am in the era.
Lisa: When I talked to acting coach Maureen Cashin Bolog this past winter, she said that’s a key element in acting; putting yourself in the storyline, the time it’s taking place in, etc. So it’s interesting to hear that you did just that. What was a typical day like for you on the set?
Brent: A typical day onset would be: contacting the image consultant for an early morning trim (if need be), next, to wardrobe, where they would already have final alterations done for me when I show up, and then on my way to breakfast I go.
After breakfast, it’s time for instructions and finding out which scene changes, if any, are taking place and then onward the shuttle takes me to set. It becomes second nature after a while, and I look forward to doing ALL of that each day. I’m very fortunate to be booked.
Lisa: I agree, considering who you were on set with, and the historical elements of the film. It’s no secret that I’m a huge Depp fan, so I have to ask: Did you have any interaction with Johnny, Christian Bale, or any of the other main stars?
Brent: Interactions with any star is an honor, whether it’s a “hello”, “thanks”, or advice to do the scene a different way. I must say that I’ve had multiple interactions with many stars, and I have yet come across any of them that didn’t just treat me like a human being.
Lisa: How did you get the exciting news that you actually got time on screen in the finished film?
Brent: Finding out I actually had screen time came to me as a complete shock. In all reality, I didn’t believe the messages on Facebook, voicemail, and emails that people were sending me.
I thought that I couldn’t possibly be on camera, as I had been a stand in for 20+ days, attended a couple of stunt rehearsals and had only one day as an extra.
20+ days, stunt rehearsals (where not all were on camera) and the thought of THAT one scene I had taken part in being the scene that had gotten me a close-up? Unheard of, in all of the stories that I had heard, of people who had gone through careers such as mine.
After nearly a week of ongoing congrats, I finally did some research and viewed links of the “Public Enemies” film. I had to see the film myself at 12:01am on July 1st, 2009 to confirm before I even responded to everyone that attended the L.A. And Chicago premier of Michael Mann’s artwork.
I can now confirm that, YES, I can be seen up close in the restaurant scene, eating, on Public Enemies!
I thank casting, directors, producer, cast at any level and crew for making my experience onset worthwhile.
Lisa: As someone working in the field, I’m interested to hear your opinion on this. Do you think that more and more filmmakers will keep using the Midwest as an area to shoot their films in, especially now that there’s a soundstage in Milwaukee? Do you think it’ll make it easier for other local people who are interested in acting to pursue their own careers?
Brent: The Midwest has a ton to offer this industry, in my opinion, because not many filmmakers have shown the Midwest in mass projects like they have other locations. Since everyone is opening their eyes to change and are begging the industry to be unique and not to use the same backdrops, you will find many more filmmakers heading to the Midwest to satisfy the masses.
The Midwest does just that. It satisfies the masses. The farming, automotive, industrial and technical trades offer more to the filmmakers and the writers than ever before. Not to mention fresh talent that awaits their arrival!
Ah, the soundstage really does sound good doesn’t it? I have yet to find out if the soundstage is working on anything as we speak, and it would be an honor to take part in a few projects, providing the sound stage truly is open to including local Midwest talent in their facility. We can only wait and see, really. I’m still optimistic about the whole idea though.
Lisa: It was great to finally meet you in person, and I’m eager to see more of the projects that you work on. After all that we’ve talked about today though, I’d also like to do another interview with you, about some of the challenges you’ve faced and just your career in general.
Brent: That would be great. Thanks!
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2 comments ↓
This was a great interview. Having known Brent even before he actually started living HIS dream right from his hometown, I can say his enthusiasm is genuine (and contagious!) I think we’ll all see more “face time” with him on the big screen in the coming years! Great Job!
Good job Brent.Hope you get more great parts like this and hopefully bigger and better real soon.Keep up the great attitude you have for the films.
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