Scott Hamm Duenas: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
The key to being successful in Hollywood is wearing multiple scarves and more rings than fingers.
As a part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Scott Hamm Duenas.
Scott Hamm Duenas is an acclaimed American actor and award-winning producer hailing from the vibrant entertainment hub of Southern California. Born in Washington D.C., Scott’s journey into the world of cinema has been marked by an unwavering passion for storytelling and a commitment to the craft. Scott recently produced and starred in the highly anticipated film “Final Wager,” alongside seasoned veterans such as Michael Madsen and Tom Arnold. This is set for an exclusive streaming release on May 7, 2024. Adding to his impressive repertoire, Scott co-wrote, starred in, and produced the gripping film “ReBroken,” a film that continues to captivate audiences everywhere. Garnering rave reviews from critics, “ReBroken” clinched the titles of Best Picture and Best Director at The Playhouse West Film Festival. Scott’s stellar performance also earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Lead Role, cementing his status as a formidable talent in the industry. His dedication to pushing boundaries in storytelling is further exemplified by his upcoming project, “Kat Crime: Tales of the Occult,”. Beyond the silver screen, Scott’s versatility extends to the small screen with notable appearances on popular shows like “Bold and the Beautiful,” where he portrayed the memorable character Bailiff Sanchez. Yet, Scott’s commitment to his craft doesn’t end with acting and producing — he is also a seasoned martial artist, trained in a diverse array of disciplines including mixed martial arts, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai boxing. With over fifteen years of membership in SAG/AFTRA, Hamm continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. He captivates audiences with his dynamic performances and visionary storytelling. As he continues to redefine the boundaries of cinematic excellence, Scott remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of film and television.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?
I was born in Washington DC, and then at a very young age, my family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Six years later, we moved to Fullerton, California, which is thirty miles south of Los Angeles. This is where I grew up and went to high school. I had a very small family comprised of my mom, dad and sister. I had a typical middle-class upbringing, but with lots and lots of time to fill because both my parents worked. I grew up a latch key kid. It turned out to be an amazing experience for me because my friends and I made the most of it. We filled our days with sports, movies, bikes, skateboards and whatever else we could think of on a day-to-day basis. I grew up with an amazing family and friends, and I am still very close to them all to this day.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
When I was younger, two things became incredibly important to me. Those were sports and movies. I always knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing one of them. When the Dodgers did not come calling, I decided I wanted to work in the film and TV industry.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?
The funniest thing to me is seeing my name in the credits. It is still so surreal to me. Movies are so important to me, and I always watch the credits. So, now getting to see my name always gives me a little chuckle in the best way.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I have been very lucky to have worked with some of the top people in the industry. Here is an egregious name drop list that I have met and worked with. Michael Madsen, Tom Arnold, Tobin Bell, William Zabka, Billy Baldwin, Danny Trejo, Katie Holmes, Sandra Oh, Robert Wuhl, Katherine Heigl, Forrest Whitaker and Chuck Norris. I know I am forgetting people (especially behind the camera), but I am truly grateful for everyone I have worked with along the way. One of my favorite stories comes from the set of Cobra Kai. I was talking with Josh Heald, the Director, and one of the Creators of the hit series, and he said something to me I will never forget. It was the last day of shooting, and cast, crew and others were taking selfies like crazy. I did not bring my phone to set because the call sheet specifically stated to refrain from bringing them. I told Josh I was bummed that I did not bring my phone. He then said to me, “what do you care? You get to live your dream and be in scenes that will live on forever. How many people get to do that?” I was like, man, you are right. I never thought of it that way.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
*Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom! Enough said.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Do not give yourself a plan to fall back on because then you might just let yourself fall back. In this business, if I had given myself a back up plan, I would have been out of the game a long, long time ago.
I am very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it is important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
I feel diversity in film and TV equals authenticity. In front of the camera, it is so important because it brings so much truth to a story when everyone is represented in an honest and real way. People want stories with characters with whom they can identify. Individuals who look, sound and experience life in the same way as they do. It is also so important to have diversity behind the camera because again it brings authenticity to every aspect of the filmmaking process. There is nothing more valuable in filmmaking and in life than the ability to hear and share different voices, experiences and points of view. It is also a must for any culture to thrive.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I have a film I starred in called Final Wager that I am currently promoting. I play a compulsive gambler who finds out he cannot lose a bet on Christmas. It is an amazing script, and I am proud of how the movie turned out. It will be streaming on the NBC/Fandango’s App called VUDU exclusively on May 7, 2024 I also just finished a film that I produced and play a supporting role in called Kat Crime “Tales Of The Occult”. It has an exciting young cast, and is set to be released in late 2024 or early 2025
Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?
I am most proud of the fact that I have stayed loyal and honest to myself and others. I will always try to do this as best as I possibly can.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.
- It is okay to say No!
- Learn how to create your own content.
- In show business, the business side is just as important as the show side.
- There is no such thing as an overnight success.
- The key to being successful in Hollywood is wearing multiple scarves and more rings than fingers.
When you create a film, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on the artistic and cinematic choices you make? Is it the viewers, the critics, the financiers, or your own personal artistic vision? Can you share a story with us or give an example about what you mean?
I think every person you mentioned is important. To me, anyone that takes ninety minutes out of their day to watch a movie or be involved with one of my projects (whether it be as an investor or a viewer) is showing love and support — and is equally important. That is what drives me to try and learn and get better with each project.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I would love to start a movement where we all just take the time to listen to each other. It sounds so simple, but in this day and age, it just is not happening. Everyone is convinced their side is right and the other side is wrong without ever having a conversation. If we could just open our mind and hearts to other people’s ideas, we may find out that we are much more alike than we are different.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)
All the types of people you are referring to are amazing and successful. Yes, I would love to sit down and listen and learn from them. However, if I could sit down with anyone, it would definitely be my grandparents, Tommy and Olivia Duenas. They helped raise me and passed away years ago. I would love to tell them what an incredibly positive influence they were on me, and how they played a huge part in shaping me to be the person I am today. Most of all, I would want to tell them about their two amazing great grandkids, Gavino and Kaia, who they never got a chance to meet in person.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Scott Hamm Duenas (@scotthamm8) • Instagram photos and videos
Watch Final Wager | Fandango at Home (Vudu)
Watch ReBroken | Prime Video (amazon.com)
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
