Neil Bentley Fierro: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker

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 Neil Bentley Fierro.

Neil Bentley Fierro is not only a handsome individual with a charismatic presence, but he is also an incredibly hardworking and dedicated professional. His commitment to excellence and his willingness to go beyond in every task he undertakes truly set him apart. By K.S.

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?

Growing up in the vibrant, diverse community, of Los Angeles, surrounded by Spanish, Italian, and Asian cultures, I forged great connections and a love for storytelling. Inspired by the gritty, thrilling 1980s action movies from Hollywood to Asia, I dove into writing and producing, fueled by a passion for dynamic narratives. My ultimate goal is to star in my own action film, blending the cultural richness of my upbringing with the explosive energy of the genre that shaped me, creating something authentic and unforgettable.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

Growing up in the Asian Latin Italian mix community, I was captivated by Hollywood action films, from Godzilla’s epic battles to Bruce Lee’s electrifying martial arts. Their intensity and spirit shaped me. Today, I admire Jason Statham’s gritty charisma and Frank Grillo’s relentless drive. Inspired by these icons, I’m determined to bring my own stories to Hollywood — tales infused with heart, action, and cultural pride. My vision blends the raw energy of my childhood heroes with fresh narratives that resonate across generations. With respect for the past and ambition for the future, I’m ready to make write produce my mark on the action films in Hollywood.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?

In my film career, the most hilarious and thrilling moment was juggling two short film challenges — the CFA Film Challenge “Text Received” and the LA 48 Hour Film Project “The Art of Rejection” — on the same day, a first in the U.S.! Very possible I believe. Unplanned collaborations often spark magic comedy and fun in Hollywood. I had a blast Acting in the action series “Justice for Hire” with Zeda Zhang and Jan Lucanus, and a romantic comedy short, “Final First Date,” starring Brandon Paul Johnson from “Grown-ish.” Working with fresh talent is like playing in a big creative playground — making new friends and crafting stories together is always a privilege and pure fun! Hilariously, I also discovered I might have half-Jewish relatives after chatting with a rabbi you can find me possibly under last name Fierrow — talk about life coming full circle! Comedy!! All pure!!!

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Meeting one of my childhood heroes, James Pax, who played Lightning in “Big Trouble in Little China,” was a surreal moment at a film festival. We bonded instantly, and now we’re great friends, even planning to collaborate soon, And Paco Christian Prieto who is actually my martial arts, sensei teacher as a child growing up, but recently running into him again and catching up, he is from the film “Only The Strong” which now today has a massive cult following, It’s been an incredible journey connecting with actors whose work shaped my love for film. Equally humbling is my role in marketing the film “Dark Feathers: Dance of the Geisha,” one of the late Michael Madsen’s final films. Though I never worked with him directly, being part of this project feels like honoring his legacy. Madsen, a Hollywood icon from the 1980s, left an indelible mark, and I am grateful to help share his spirit through this film. Hollywood is unpredictable, but I embrace every moment with positivity and gratitude.

None of us are able to 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?

I am deeply grateful to the producers, directors, casting directors, and agencies who have given me incredible opportunities in film. From playing Detective Carter in “A Murder in Oakland Beauty Is Deadly,” to roles in “The Ritual House”, “Lee Kum Kee Wok Wednesday,” “Dark Feathers”, and “Fight for Love,” I am humbled by these major roles. These films, streaming on all platforms, are a testament to their support. I ask everyone to watch, like, and share these projects. Thank you for all___your belief in me means everything.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, like my father said and as Stallone Rocky Balboa’s wisdom reminds us: ‘You got to take the hits and keep moving forward — that’s how winning is done.’ I am grateful for every obstacle, viewing each as a chance to evolve through martial arts, writing, or problem-solving. Life hits humble and strengthen me, fueling my self-development and inspiring me to become the best version of myself always growing.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I am excited to share my latest projects: two short films, “Text Received,” a comedy thriller starring Miss Universe Israel 2024, Ofir Natalie Korsia, and “The Art of Rejection”, a romantic comedy with influencer Rachael Pizzolato. Next up, I am developing a high-octane sci-fi action feature, inspired by Jason Statham’s thrilling style, where I will produce and star, delivering an epic, crowd-pleasing spectacle!

Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?

I am deeply proud of my travels, forging friendships in Japan and China Korea Vietnam, Thailand, all through Southeast Asia. Immersing myself in their vibrant cultures, learning their languages, and capturing breathtaking scenery for my films fuels my passion. These experiences and connections enrich my work, allowing me to create meaningful stories that resonate. The beauty of these places and the warmth of new friends inspire me to share their essence through my art and let’s not forget the food.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.

Here’s the breakdown of the five things I wish someone told me:

1. Professionalism on Set: Be punctual, focused, and follow the schedule. Your experience working with Jongman Kim and his wife on a film highlighted their efficiency, showing how professionalism elevates the process.
2. Start Your Day Early: Wake up early to maximize your day and keep a fresh, clear mind for your work.
3. Choose the Right Role: Select roles that align with your strengths and suit your abilities to deliver your best performance.
4. Know the Script Inside Out: Read the entire script multiple times to understand the story and your character fully, rather than just memorizing lines.
5. Ask Questions and Learn: Stay open to learning by asking questions, embracing growth, and not being afraid to seek guidance.

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?

As an Actor, Filmmaker, Director and Producer, my primary focus is on the fans, the heart of every project. They watch, share, and spread the word, driving the film’s success. Inspired by Tom Cruise’s humility and fan-driven approach, I create films to spark joy and resonate deeply with audiences. My goal is to craft stories that entertain, inspire, and connect, always prioritizing what fans love and cherish. Their happiness fuels passion.

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. :-)

If I could start a movement in the entertainment industry, I would inspire creators to focus on pure, passionate storytelling that transports audiences to another world. Drawing from my experience working with Korean actor, producer, and director Jongman Kim, and his wife Taehee Kim I’d emphasize staying focused and professional on set while prioritizing entertainment. Any kind of film should leave viewers exhilarated, having escaped reality. My movement would champion crafting immersive, joyful cinematic experiences that let fans live vicariously through thrilling stories, leaving them uplifted and entertained.

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. :-)

Imagine a dream brunch where I am joined by action legends Jason Statham, Frank Grillo, Hiroyuki Sanada, Sylvester Stallone, and Jackie Chan, alongside music icons Yoshiki, Gackt, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber, plus Travis Japan’s vibrant energy. Tom Cruise and Clint Eastwood bring Hollywood gravitas, while directors James Gunn and Steven Spielberg spark creative genius. We are sharing pancakes and ideas, networking over coffee, blending martial arts grit, musical flair, and cinematic vision. This ultimate breakfast table buzzes with laughter, stories, and bold plans for future collaborations, uniting diverse talents in an unforgettable morning of inspiration and connection.

How can our readers further follow you online?

Instagram’s the best spot — I have one verified account under Neil Bentley Fierro or Bentley Fierro. Follow and share if you would like; I would really appreciate it! (And TikTok too!)

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!