In this episode, we talk to rising Cuban-American writer-director Carlos V. Gutierrez about his first feature-length film "Locked In," an action thriller about a woman accidentally involved in a diamond heist gone wrong. They discuss the challenges Latino filmmakers face in Hollywood, the lack of Latino leads in movies, and the compromises he had to consider along the way.

Gutierrez also shares his journey navigating the Hollywood system as a Latino filmmaker, getting his high-stakes diamond heist thriller made, and the critical role Latino filmmakers and writers play in reshaping the narrative around Latino characters and stories. He also provides insights on what it will take to convince studio executives to recognize the immense value and untapped potential of Latino storytelling.

Episode Summary:
03:38 - The making of "Locked In": Gutierrez's high-stakes feature debut
06:01 - Casting decisions and the search for authentic representation
09:46 - Navigating compromises on the path to a green light
12:27 - Crafting multi-dimensional Latino characters that defy stereotypes
14:17- Envisioning a future of increased Latino representation in Hollywood
16:17 - The art of packaging Latino stories and attaching star power
20:28 - Assessing the current landscape for Latino actors and directors

Quotes: ❞
(03:04) - "I was told by several people, number one, don't make her Latina, and then number two was, does it have to be a girl or a woman? Can't you just make it a guy? We could sell this thing tomorrow if you just made the story about a guy instead of a woman."

(16:46) - "Five years ago, nobody would have been interested [in a Latina lead role, nobody, because it's a Latina lead, it's hard, it's gritty, and it's the kind of role that Latinos are going to fall over themselves to play, but five years ago, it would have been impossible to get it financed."

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‘Highly Relevant' is a Latino pop culture podcast hosted by Jack Rico, a TV host, journalist, and film critic. He interviews Latino actors, musicians, journalists, and media executives to explore their impact on mainstream culture and entertainment.

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