We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luca Fontaine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Luca, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Being a really introverted and shy kid growing up, it wasn’t a natural thing. It took time, work, getting out of the comfort zone and a lot of trial and error. I believe self-esteem and confidence are really fragile but they are things you need to keep working on and nurturing. As an actor confidence is the most fragile but essential thing to protect and develop. I believe that the only way to do it is by taking risks and daring, always. It started for me as a teenager with improv and acting classes. The interest quickly became a passion and then a vocation. You only need some close people to believe in you such as family and close friends and then you have to go for it and take what’s yours. So many people along the way and still today tried or will try to discourage you but that shouldn’t take you away from your goals. The fact that I have always been a sport person helped me mentally to overcome challenges as you do when you are part of a sports team and need to win a game.
It also easier to look at what we don’t have instead of looking behind where you come from and what it took to get to where you are today. Being the only French or Italian in the history of The Juilliard School to have been admitted and graduating with an MFA is something I am really proud of. While my time at Juilliard, I am grateful to have won various prizes and scholarships like The John Houseman Prize for classical theater / The Juilliard Career Advancement Fellowship / The Michael & Suria Saint-Denis Prize. All this is a testament that nothing is too big but mainly to keep dreaming big, that’s the only way.
I am a firm believer that whatever you put in the world is whatever you get back whether it’s regarding work or you as a person.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I hold an MFA in Drama and am proud to be the first French and Italian graduate in the field of acting. Upon my graduation, a stroke of luck smiled upon me as I secured a role in my debut Off-Broadway production titled “God’s Fool,” staged at LaMaMa in New York and skillfully directed by Martha Clarke in the year 2022. This success resonated further as we embarked on a tour of the same play, gracing the esteemed International Spoleto Festival in Umbria, Italy, during the summer of 2023.
My journey also led me to the small screen, where I made a mark with a noteworthy appearance in an episode of the acclaimed TV series “Evil,” a Paramount+ offering produced by the esteemed CBS studio. In addition, I found myself a part of the New York theater scene, starring in the production “Sweet Green” alongside Erin Richards (known for her role in “Gotham”), under the astute direction of Carson Kelley. My talents were further recognized as I secured a role in a Spanish limited series produced by Netflix, featuring Ana Polvorosa (of “Cable Girls” and “Skins” fame), and under the accomplished guidance of director Oriol Paulo (a Goya Award nominee).
More recently, I’ve embarked on a new creative venture, co-founding a production company named Movart with two close friends. Our collaborative efforts have already borne fruit with the creation and successful production of various commercial and critically acclaimed short films. My latest endeavor involves not only writing but also producing and acting in a short film titled “Blue or Green,” a project in which I am honored to share the screen with the talented Marcia DeBonis (known for her roles in “Funny Pages,” “That’s What She Said,” and “13 Going on 30”). Steering the ship as directors for this venture are the visionary duo Mathery, renowned for their work with brands like Ikea, Delta, and Amex. As our journey continues, we find ourselves engaged in several other exciting film and series projects, with the promise of significant partnerships on the horizon.
Beyond my on-screen and on-stage pursuits, I’ve also made a mark as a vocal and dialect coach, lending my expertise to a range of esteemed productions. My influence has been felt on Broadway, contributing my skills to shows such as “Camelot” (penned by Aaron Sorkin and featuring Andrew Burnap, Phillipa Soo, and Jordan Donica), “Moulin Rouge,” “Betrayal” (starring Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Cox), “Burn This” (featuring Keri Russell and Adam Driver), and “Life of Pi” (an Olivier and Tony Award-nominated and winning production). Furthermore, I’ve extended my talents to the realm of television and film, making a mark on projects like “Severance” (on Apple TV), “We Were the Lucky Ones” (on Hulu), and “Confess Fletch” (featuring Jon Hamm).
In sum, my journey thus far has been one of diverse accomplishments, marked by my dedication to the craft of acting, my foray into production, and my impactful contributions as a vocal and dialect coach. As I continue to carve my path in the world of entertainment, I eagerly anticipate the unfolding of new opportunities and the realization of even greater creative endeavors.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The main lesson I’ve learnt is to never be afraid of failure but actually embrace it all. You have to jump into the unknown to make the most beautiful discoveries about yourself and the work. Never play it safe and the best thing is to do everything with “Panache”, as we say in french. I would also say being nice and respectful to people while showing up prepared to work is key. It is essential in our artistic business but in anything you do in life. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get from people if you ask nicely and leave a positive energy around you. As I said earlier I believe that you get back what you put into the world, so we might as well put some colors in it!
Finally I’d say the key is to have fun and let it rip! Don’t try to hard, do what you love and love what you do. Those are standards of life I stand by and try to emulate every time I am around people or in a room.
One last thing I’d say is to never be afraid to ask. As my grandmother would always say “Asking is a right and answering is courtesy”. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help if you ask them and return the favor.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am perpetually seeking fresh collaborators and creative partners to join forces with. In my perspective, the network of individuals surrounding you forms an integral cornerstone. Your Community. Not only does it define your endeavors, but it also shapes your very essence. While much of an actor’s or writer’s life is devoted to solitary pursuits—researching, preparing, contemplation—the journey is marked by exhilarating peaks and challenging troughs. Thus, it stands paramount to have a supportive circle that stands by you throughout this odyssey.
My conviction is rooted in the notion that unwavering action is the heartbeat of progress. To constantly engage in endeavors such as writing, producing, language acquisition, or exploration is to hold the reins of your own destiny. Surrendering control over your schedule to others is antithetical to empowerment, particularly when our artistry finds its nucleus in the realm of creation and innovation. Hence, the crux of the matter lies in nurturing connections with those around you, individuals with whom you can share your work, explore ideas collectively, and experiment freely. This symbiotic interaction serves as a wellspring for imagination and ingenuity. In turn, even in moments of apparent idleness, your mind and spirit remain dynamic and engaged.
Denzel Washington’s wisdom echoes resoundingly here: “Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.” I wholeheartedly embrace this maxim as a guiding principle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lucafontaine.com
- Instagram: @lucafontaine
- Linkedin: Luca Fontaine
- Other: www.movart.tv
Image Credits
Donatella Basso T Charles Erikson
