John Paul Ouvrier is at it again, with a galactic cornucopia of creative awsomeness!  Described as a “renaissance kind of guy in showbiz” with “nearly 50 film and TV projects in a few short years,” John is definitely the man to see.  As a writer, director, producer, actor, and singer, he does it all…and does it all with style and talent to spare.  In this candid, in-depth interview, John reveals everything from his beginnings in the business, his inspirations, challenges, and projects in the works, to his advice for those just getting started.  And, as for silver linings in life’s playbook, John has one you wouldn’t expect.  A man with many experiences and stories to tell, personal and professional, he makes us think, learn, and appreciate life even more.  And, yes!  You’re getting it all right here, from John Paul Ouvrier–the man himself–exclusively on SJR!

Many people who get into acting and producing had childhood experiences,
hobbies, etc. that made their later careers almost foreseeable?  Do you have any
such experiences?

Well, that’s not an easy question to answer.  I am a natural introvert, and a spatial thinker, so starting with 1+1 will never equal 2.  You have to start at 2, and then show me why 1+1=2, or I will come up with a thousand wrong answers.  Made me a poor student and a loner.  Now however, an A student, because I know what to do for myself.  But it was a long road, filled with addiction and self-deprecation.  I desperately want the audience–those lonely souls–to see their worth and heal with my work.  So I try to choose carefully to that end.  And I am dyslexic.  So performing is something I only do because I want to tell a story.  And I don’t want, John Paul, to be the one on the stage, so I adopt, and perform, based on the character that is telling the story.  John Paul is very shy, but his characters are not, and that’s backed into the backstories.  So, rehearsal for me is everything.  And then once I am on stage, I give that character everything I have, with the goal being to go the deepest into the character.  So those that watch my work will think I am an extrovert, because the caliber of commitment weaves a seamless story structure, and I am fearless once I am performing.  I have worked with some big people, and I am not intimidated if I have done the work!

“Solve pain and suffering for others, and the doors to the  secrets you seek will open up.” ~ John Paul Ouvrier

My dad was a minister, and a sound engineer.  Three college degrees.  Genius.  Mom was an animator with a masters in art, genius as well.  So my safe haven was to pretend, because home life was forever intimidating.  Therefore, unlike many actors/entertainers, I was never going to be picked, I had to pick myself.  Everyone laughed when I started, because they didn’t think I could do it.  Now they don’t quite know how to treat me, because alone, I am still quiet and shy.  But when Actor JP is up, he’s focused and all there.  Maybe I chose this as a way to express.  I tend to be overly empathetic, and have to shut off that part of me when with others, or it’s exhausting to take in everyone’s real feelings.  I suppose performing is a protective device and a communication tool.  Made some lemonade from ‘dem lemons!

Tell us about your first acting experience.

My first acting experience was in the 3rd grade and an important one.  The teacher came up with a play on the founding fathers of the United States.  Of course the popular kids got the famous people, because they exuded the leadership energy demanded.  I auditioned and was not picked.  I was crushed, because I tried so hard.  Then stepped in the teacher who changed my life–Mrs. Brigham.  She rewrote the play and wrote me in a part.  I played the janitor, who swept up and introduced the famous figures.  As it turns out, I was on stage the most.  And I supported the others and had to really listen.  So, I learned those lessons and that there are no small parts.

You have starred in a number of movies we’ve reviewed and covered on SJR.  Of
all the roles you’ve had, which was your favorite and why?  Which role was most
difficult and why?

Favorite?  Little Reaper.  First, of Peter Dukes, who wrote and directed it, he is a
genius.  I was shocked he picked me, as I was more unknown at the time, but my daughter was still at home and that father part of my brain was in the front of my psyche.  Later, he said that’s why he picked me.  I got to be a real father to Athena Baumeister, and so the tension between us was as real as it gets.  Those rough years where tough love is required, and you don’t know if you’ll get your kid back, were all show in this gem of a film.  It was an honor.

And a quick shout out to the makeup artist, Jeong-Hwa Fonkalsrud, an incredible talent who designed and drew by hand all our make up.  She was in between unions (east/west coast) after finishing up 30 Rock in NYC, and I have since hired her on three other films.  Sadly, this was also the most difficult, because not long after production Miss Baumeister passed away.  Since I internalize my roles, I was crushed and still am.  She was an insane talent.  And I will share a story below.

SJR first noticed you back in 2013, in Little Reaper (reviewed here on SJR).  In it, you played the part of The Grim Reaper, dealing with his difficult teenage daughter (Athena Baumeister), needing her to take over his duties for the day.  Tell us something about the production of the film we wouldn’t know, without hearing it from you.

Athena Baumeister was really something special.  What fans don’t know is that smart director Peter let her improv some of her lines about being a “teen” in the afterlife.  And I was there when she did that on the phone with her friend.  She went into a whole riff on fashion and boys and not-so-human boys, and it was hilarious.  She did this for nearly five minutes and had the cast in stitches.  Of course, only a bit made it to the final cut, but she was a real talent.  A very sad loss.

What famous (or not-so-famous) actor most influences you?

I am not influenced by any one actor.  What hooks me is that person’s ability to do certain things; because for me, it’s school time. The stillness of Richard Burton and Peter O’toole.  The back stories of DeNiro and Pacino.  The real pause and direction change of Keanu Reeves.  The insane depth of neurosis of Gary Oldman.  The suaveness of young Lee Majors and Richard Chamberlain.  The close-the-door, this-is-who-I-am approach of Meryl Streep.  The improvement of others.  The courage,
whatever.  Watching is always school time for me.  Either what to do, or not what
to do.

What else inspires you?  Special people in your life, dreams, movies, music?

The lady of my life, Fres (yes, that’s her name), is Filipino.  She is one of the most caring and empathetic people I have ever met, and who you meet is who she is.  Shy like me, we are able to connect; she is able to ground me, no matter what, because she doesn’t mix up the performer and the real JP.  In real life, she is an CNA-HHA specializing in geriatrics.  Busy saving lives every day is a true source of inspiration.  Real life inspires!  It’s her sense of here and now, helping others, finding the good, that keeps me on the path and inspires me more than anyone else.

And a quick shout out to another Filipino: Director/Editor Ralph Amaranto, who has, for the past few years now, without a doubt, been a solid support system and makes me look good!  Thank you, Ralph!

What is most personally rewarding about your work?

The connection to children is the most rewarding, because they don’t realize that the 20+ years I spent as a geriatric fitness educator have been condensed into lessons that are changing their lives with the Wizard of Youth.  Let me give you an example.  I received a letter from a mother who told me what her five-year-old son told her after she had been getting colds regularly.  “My son has been watching your show, and we have been reading your book to him, and he said to me the other day, very seriously, ‘Mom, you know if you ate better food, you wouldn’t get sick as much.’”  That kid will grow up tying how he physically feels in with his diet.  Moments like that–and I am blessed to get a lot–mean the most to me.

As talented as you are, you wear many different hats in the business.  Along with
acting, you also produce and direct.  Which of the three do you like best and why?

I like performing the best, because I get to tell the story by living it.  But, it’s really rough on the body.  What you experience you live, and that can be demanding.  I always say to directors and casting people that I bring my own lunch, and I do.  I eat good food and always pack it myself.

While producing and directing, I happened into getting the job done [myself].  I had a few experiences with bad directors, including one gal who waited until three days before production and demanded three times the agreed upon pay or she would quit.  I fired her and directed it myself.  So, I just started directing because I am good at it, but never planned it, and never woke up with the desire to. I just do and am blessed to do it!

“Like Gary Oldman, I die really well.  But I don’t like watching it in the audience!” ~ John Paul Ouvrier

Producing, same thing.  I am the kind of guy to help put the chair away at community events, so I happened into helping, and that lead to producing.

What is your favorite movie genre—for directing, acting, and just for a movie
night at home?  Is there a difference in your favorite, depending on anything
(perhaps, you enjoy making a different genre of film than you prefer watching)?

Oh, you’re going to get a kick out of this: I love making anything scary and horrific!  It’s a blast to be on set.  But I can’t watch horror unless it’s very tame, because my body can’t relax while watching.  I internalize too much, and like a food that’s too spicy, even if wonderful, you can’t eat it.

Okay.  I am warrior behind the camera, but a wimp in the audience.  It’s really a joke.  I have been killed off on film 15+ times.  Like Gary Oldman, I die really well.  But, I don’t like watching it in the audience!  Act it?  Yes!  Watch it?  No!  When Fres and I go to the  movies, she brings Kleenex, but it’s not for her; it’s for me, because I always cry.  Here I am nearly 6 ft 4, 215 lbs, tough guy, but heart on sleeve when watching.  I cry every time I see Jimmy Stewart in It’s A Wonderful Life.

“I always say to directors and casting people that I bring my own lunch, and I do.  I eat good food and always pack it myself.” ~ John Paul Ouvrier

When directing, I prefer character actors to discover things in each scene, though that can be more boring to watch.  I got my start on the Off Broadway stage circuit, so I enjoy that development.  There’s always a process of discovery, and my work is thorough.  So by the time we shoot many times, it can be boring (in a good way).  Either way, blessed!

You also write your own music.  Who or what inspires you most when writing
music? 

I write all the music for the WOY and the SJP projects, and am very blessed to do so.  I wake up with melodies in my head, but can’t play them.  For all the years I have tried to play music, my brain and my hands are in different rooms.  So I bring in top musicians, and sing my stuff to them and explain exactly what I want, because I can hear all the elements.  They say, “Oh, you mean this?” and we work until it’s where it needs to be.  It was embarrassing at first, but it turns out that many of the top song writers do the same thing.  It’s always a kick when the musicians can’t understand what I want at first.  Then when they get it, they say, “Oh wow, that’s a neat idea!”  A couple have even had me come in and produce their music, because I can pull the best out of people.  So the real nuts and bolts musicians and entertainers, who start at ground zero every time, inspire me the most–Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, and many others.  I don’t follow anyone.  My favorite lyricist is Oscar Hammerstein.  And I am in awe of his use of vowels and simplicity–Sondheim as well.  So, I am always after that elusive “can you listen once and remember.”  So I go through sometimes thousands of words, and lots of legal pads to find that one phrase.  Favorite place to work on lyrics is in the car with a little pocket tape recorder.  I dream simple music, and then work on the lyrics.

Your latest music CD, titled When Your Kids Grow Up (named after the title song),
must have some personal meaning.  Tell us about that.

I was working on some music for the WOY project, and had just been in the studio with some of Neil Diamonds band for “Two In Love.”  Even though the song was done, it was not a great experience, so I was left feeling very intimidated.  When in the studio with Grammy-nominated mixer/engineer and producer Jesse Ray Ernster, he heard the song and loved it.  Jesse and I had been mixing the WOY music (which was all arranged by Disney musician Greg Myers–another genius!), and I played “Two In Love” for Jesse.  He remixed the song and told me it was good–and that I should write a full country album.  Without his support and Fres’s, I would have never continued.  At that point, I had no idea Jesse had a large professional catalog of country music he had done.  So, right place, right time.  With Jesse’s uplifting, comments I went to work.

“If I could go back in time, I would really love to spend time with my parents as younger people, without them knowing who I was.  And, I would go back and be there when my kids were born and live those moments again!”

“When Your Kids Grow Up” began simply.  I was sitting on my bed at night, as any  empty nester does, and the house was too quiet.  My daughter was finally out of the house, and everywhere I looked was a memory with her.  I teared up and wrote the chorus based on my feelings at the time.  I was very scared to take it to Jesse, because his first daughter hadn’t been born yet.  How would he relate?  Yet, I sang it for him, and he just looked at me and said, “Is that what it’s really like?”  I said, “Yeah.”  He said, “That is a special song, and we have to get that down now.”  He pulled out a guitar, and four hours later we had most of the main tracks done.  I played it for my daughter, and she started crying.  I hear from people all over the world who identify with it.  So, I am proud that I struck a cord.

Of course, SJR wants to know about your Wizard of Youth project.  Kids
get to “sing along with the Wizard Of Youth as he joins Rock Rock (the dog),
Deebles (the cat), Dark Fitness, and his special kid guests, as they journey through the Kingdom of Health.” The theme song is addictive (even for adults, I must say).  Where did you get the idea for Wizard of Youth?

For the past 20 years, I have worked as a geriatric fitness educator.  I have severe  scoliosis of the spine, and I have to do exercises daily to keep my spine in line.  I took all of those principles I had to use for myself and was able to use them for seniors.  One of my older ladies said, “John, I really like you, but I wish I didn’t have to be in this class.  I wish I had of learned this as a child.”  And that was it; the WOY was born.  It was originally written as a book for older adults, and afterwards as a child’s book.  Besides the wizard, there are other characters, and they are there for good reason.  The other characters (the puppets) are designed so that I could bring children onto the show and have the animal puppets make poor health choices, not the children.  Then the kids could help the animals.  This way no child is called out for making a health mistake, but the kids get to help the wizard help the dog and cat.  And, of course, there is a bad guy–Dark Fitness.

“Without this brother being a truly bad guy, I would not have written my music. So, to him I say, ‘Thank you.'”

Before that, the program began because, in my own journey of exercise and with the retirees I was working with, there was nothing that taught the basics of how the body works, before you go and exercise.  Can you imagine brushing your teeth without understanding how the teeth work?  So, that’s really what this program is about; it gives kids the basics, by showing cause and effect with fun puppets through action and song, and healthy identifiable association with the child guest stars.  That way, all kids can grow up healthy!

What was the most difficult role you’ve had in a film/production so far?  What  made it difficult?

The Wizard of Youth, because you can’t lie to kids about how you feel.  You’ve got to  hold yourself up to a very high standard of openness and honesty, because kids know when it’s not right!  So that demands me walking my walk, and being healthy and honest.  It’s also like being a parent when you care.  It’s great, but then you worry.  So, for me it’s the biggest joy and yet biggest responsibility I’ve had.  So, it’s most difficult on that side as well.  It’s the most difficult and the most rewarding.

If you had your choice of a role in the remake of any film, what would the film be,
what role would you have, and why?

I grew up watching Logan’s Run.  If I was to remake something, I would remake that and play the old man part that Peter Ustinov did in the original.  Since everyone in the film died at 30 (and in the book died at 21), I would follow the book more, so my older character wouldn’t be older than I am now.  That would add a new dimension to it. Dream film remake!

Of course, since SJR features horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, we have to ask what’s on
your top-five list for movies in those genres.  (Of course, we’re just assuming you have favorites in those  genres. Wink, wink.)

I love that SJR covers as much as they do.  Honestly, there are so many venues for watching films today that many get lost in the shuffle.  SJR finds them and has introduced me to quite a few I know I would have missed.  I am a sci-fi guy.  Not a geek, but a level below that.  A dweeb?  I love sci-fi guns, I have a good collection of Star Trek phasers, a Logan’s Run gun, a stun gun from Space 1999, a Han Solo blaster–all replicas, but a fun collection.  Recently, I built a Blade Runner gun for my sons birthday!

• Top Five Sci-Fi Films: Blade Runner (1982), The Empire Strikes Back, Logan’s Run, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), V for Vendetta
• Top Five Fantasy Films: Don’t watch a lot of these, and drawing a blank on others.  I am sure I love. The Lord of the Rings films, The Harry Potter films, and you know I really liked The Golden Compass!
• Top Five Horror Films: My least favorite to watch, most favorite to make!  The Shining (1980), Carrie (1976), Saw, The Purge, Psycho (1960)

Speaking of horror, there is a photo of you on IMDb, as a zombie, getting ready to
take a bite out of a human arm.  That’s exactly the kind of thing we love at SJR!  Tell us about it.  

I did a short film with Adrian Aquino–a very talented writer/director–called At the End of Things.  He had a vision for a zombie movie and wrote a script that knocked my socks off.  He has since written for the show Containment, Dietland, and Sharp Objects.  How could I say no?  I don’t know where to find it, but I know it’s a really good take on the choices one has to make in a post-apocalyptic world, and it’s really well done.  The hardest part of that was getting the contacts in my eyes.  They had to use two guys to hold my head still, as my reflexes kept me pulling my head away.  I then accidentally scared my daughter.  She was at home and was about 12 at the time.  I was just checking in via text, saying, “Do your homework,” and then sent a picture of me as a zombie and forgot about it.  Turns out she didn’t know it was me.  She thought some creepy guy with white eyes was watching her.  She locked all the doors and closed all the windows until I got home, which thankfully was only a few hours later.

What advice do you have for those looking to achieve their dreams?

The 3 Ds.  Define.  Decide.  Do.  You get discovered when you discover you and stay there.  The outside is defined by the inside.  And so much of life is suffering or sin.  Sin means missing the mark.  Solve pain and suffering for others, and the doors to the  secrets you seek will open up.  Drink more water, use less skin cream.

Of course, the ever-creative John Paul always has new projects in the works. What’s in the queue now?

We have the Wizard videos being revamped to include the newer songs, of which we put out four cds in 2018.  There are eight new song-a-sodes coming out, expected August of this year.  More material is being written for SJP, so we are on the way for a 2021 release.  Wanting the virus stuff out of the way so we can resume touring in Philippines.  This year’s was cancelled.  Expecting and planning 2021.  In preproduction on a webseries about a former cop turned private eye–gritty, like Bosch.  Shooting high desert, Boron, CA (home of Borax!)  I’m the lead in that.  Two other films are slated to shoot this year. One is a TV sci-fi pilot that’s half shot, but put on hold; I have the principle role.  The other is a film-noir, modern-day whodunnit.  I’m the lead in that too.

If anyone out there is interested in getting in touch with you for a project, an acting job, or anything else you do so well, what is the best way to contact you?

There is usually some way on lots of different sites to get a message to me, but the easiest way for adults and kids is John@wizardofyouth.com.  We do not accept any unsolicited submissions, but want to hear from you.  Just don’t send over stuff for us to look at, because we can’t.  Legally, there’s just too much to deal with.  And keep trying!

Space Jockey Reviews will include links to your website, as well as your pages on social media.  For those interested in keeping up with your latest work, where is the best place on the internet to follow you and get the scoop?

SJR of course!  The famous and fantastic Chris Rennirt doesn’t let me wander too far off the radar, as he knows I get so focused I can neglect informing the audiences!  Seriously fans, he is a super support system, so drop him a line!

Best places?  Facebook and Instagram. The Wizard of Youth website keeps kids  updated, and the Ouvrierproductions site is more for industry people.

There’s always a good question the interviewer doesn’t ask.  What question that I
haven’t asked would you like to answer?

Relating to the entertainment industry and what you have accomplished: What’s
the worst or one of the most difficult circumstances you have been through that,
through perseverance, became a treasure?  What happened that a silver lining in an
otherwise dark time in your life, became a strong part of who you are today, and
that you’re known for?

My music.  I had written music for others over the years, but had stopped because I
had some people in the industry use my talents and steal from me.  And when the
time came to making the Wizard music, my father had just passed away, and my
mother needed to live with me.  I had a brother who promised to help.  He didn’t.
Long story short, I got her into my home, took care of her home, but nearly lost my
own home and all of my savings doing so.  This brother in the meantime said some
terrible things about me, and he became the subject of the SJP song, “Mama You
Can Live With Me.”  Listen to the words: telling my 83-year-old mom to get a job,
bragging about new cars he bought for cash, while my mom had barely enough
food.  It was a terrible time.  And during the 18 months it took to get her home
repaired and sold, and during the four-hour drive each weekend, I wrote the WOY
music.  Without this brother being a truly bad guy, I would not have written my music. So, to him I say, “Thank you.”

FIVE RANDOM QUESTIONS

1. Where is your favorite place to go for a vacation?

Philippines.  Although I work with the children when I am there, it is an amazing place with beautiful families and values.  And the food is crazzzzzzzzy great!!!

2. What is your favorite food?

Filipino food.  And my honey and her family can cook!  It is the best!

3. What is your favorite song?

I am such a fan of so many musicians, I couldn’t pick one.  Topping the listening at the moment is Andre Rieu, Rodriguez, and Tom Waits.

4. What do you most enjoy doing in your fee time?

Resting.  Sleeping in.  However, for me that’s when the music starts up.  Today, I had a chance to snooze for a little, and had five melodies in my head over the course of the
night.  I record them directly into my phone and go back to sleep.  When I wake up, I don’t even remember the tunes.

5. What famous person would you most like to meet and why?

I am lucky to meet (and to have met) many famous people, so there is no one on the top of my list in the present.  If I went back in time, to spend some time talking to Jesus, he would top my list.  If I could go back in time, I would really love to spend time with my parents as younger people, without them knowing who I was.  And, I would go back and be there when my kids were born and live those moments again!

Below are a few John Paul Ouvrier music videos, including SJR favorites You Are So Beautiful, When Your Kids Grow Up, and The Wizard of Youth theme song!  

Contact John directly, via email, at John@wizardofyouth.com!

Follow John Paul Ouvrier on Twitter and Instagram at @johnpaulouvrier!

Get John’s latest CD – When You’re Kids Grow Up – on Amazon!

Check out all of John’s out-of-this-world music on Spotify!

Visit John’s official website – Ouvrier Productions – at www.johnpaulouvrier.com!

As always, John is a 10-Rocket talent at Space Jockey Reviews!

Chris Rennirt (the interviewer) is a movie critic and writer in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as editor-in-chief at Space Jockey Reviews.  He has been a judge at many film festivals, including Macabre Faire Film Festival and Crimson Screen Film Fest, and he attends horror and sci-fi conventions often.  Chris’ movie reviews, articles, and interviews are published regularly on Space Jockey Reviews and in Effective Magazine.  His mission statement (describing his goals as a movie critic and philosophy for review writing) can be found on the “Mission” page, here at SJR.  For more information about Chris Rennirt (including contact details, photos, and more), click here.

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