Luke Heinemann
He played in Jacob Ewing‘s The Man Who Loved Flowers Dollar Baby film as The Man.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Luke Heinemann: My name is Luke Heinemann, and I am a relatively new actor trying to find his way around this crazy industry I fell in love with. I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona to a family of educators. I’ve always been a shy person who never wanted to stand out, but the older I got a shift happened in my personality. I discovered a craving to be something I wasn’t. An entertainer. I started out working as a technician at a Wild West Stunt Show, while taking some acting classes at the local community college. After a year of being a technician I was fortunate enough to join the cast. For a few months I worked with some amazing people that taught me a lot about the art of performance with some really fun stunts. When the pandemic hit I left the show to find other work and eventually found myself getting into film opposed to live performance.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Luke Heinemann: I remember one of the last weeks of high school I went out to dinner with my parents and I told them of this wild dream I had developed. I said “I want to try and be an actor.” Coming from an introverted, socially anxious kid, my parents were rightfully so doubtful about my new found interest. I had previously never expressed any intent in getting up in front of a camera, or much less getting in front of a group of people. And for a year afterwards they were right. I had gone to college to pursue a career in business and technology, completely leaving behind that dream I had once talked about. Although after one year in college I knew something had to change; so I came back home to find a different direction in life. This propelled me to finally try the one thing that scared me the most. Actually going for a dream I had. That year I came back I decided to take a couple acting classes at Pima Community College. After a wonderful experience that’s when I confidently knew I wanted to be an actor.
SKSM: How did you become involved in The man who loved flowers Dollar Baby film?
Luke Heinemann: Jacob Ewing was a friend I was fortunate enough to meet through my brother-in-law. He knew I was someone interested in the acting world as we had talked about it in the past. One day he reached out to me to audition for the lead in this mysterious short film. I remember being perplexed about the idea of being his main character because the only experience I had was some stage and stunt work. But in the end, I extremely grateful for the opportunity he gave me for the acting and filmmaking experience.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Luke Heinemann: The man in the story is a blank slate. A nobody who is apparently madly in love. I think a lot of people in the beginning of the story can find a way to relate to this character. When there’s a someone with such a mysterious backstory, the viewer can fill the gaps themselves, allowing for a more personal connection. That’s what makes the twist so great. You’re pulled into this seemingly normal, nice guy who completely betrays the trust you put into him. From a story standpoint, I think it’s fun whenever it turns out everything is not as it seems.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Luke Heinemann: I did have to audition. Jacob told me he was specifically eyeing me for the role from the beginning but, naturally, he wanted to make sure I would fit the roll.
SKSM: You worked with Jacob Ewing on this film, how was that?
Luke Heinemann: Working with Jacob was a wonderful first experience being on a film set. Already knowing him obviously relieved most of the pressure for my first time being in a movie, so overall it was just a great time. Not to say I wasn’t nervous… because I still most definitely was.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Luke Heinemann: To me, every scene we shot was in its own right a special moment. From seeing how the camera work was done to the sound design, and how intricately everything was crafted.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Luke Heinemann: At the moment I’ve only really been in contact with Jacob. Life has been busy with work and other personal projects. With such a short period of time we spent shooting, along with our covid precautions, there wasn’t a lot of downtime to connect with the other cast and crew members. Although I’m so glad I got to work with the other amazing actors and crew members who worked so hard on this film. Everyone was extremely talented and professional, and I hope I get the chance to work with them again in the future.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Luke Heinemann: As of now I have been trying my hand at my own filmmaking, and getting involved with other smaller projects to get as much experience in all avenues of the world of filming as I can.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Luke Heinemann: I am a fan of Stephen King. I’ve never been a consistent reader but the few books I have read of his, we’re very enjoyable reads. Notably the classics like “The Green Mile” and his short story collection “Night Shift.” Next on my list is most definitely “The Shining.” Don’t tell anyone, but I still haven’t even seen the movie.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Luke Heinemann: I’m not too sure it’s necessarily surprising as I briefly talked about this already relating to my anxiety; but as an actor I do suffer a lot from stage fright. I think a lot of actors struggle with that to some extent. It’s one of those things where you have to find the right footing and allow yourself to fall into the character. But that’s the part that makes it so worth it. Being able to create this other person who is an extension of yourself, and hopefully being able to provided an entertaining experience for the viewer. It’s all an addicting process.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Luke Heinemann: I just would like to thank everyone who watched our film. I’m excited to see where things go from here, especially when this pandemic subsides.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Luke Heinemann: Nothing else to add, although I would like to say to anyone reading this who is doubtful of their life direction or passions to follow, to find the courage to jump into something. Taste as much as you can in life, because you never know, the one thing you might’ve been avoiding could be that passion you desire. Also I am still young and naive, with a long way to go with this career, so take my advice with as much salt as you want.
