Producer Ray Bouderau: I’d like to start a movement to address youth homelessness
Youth homelessness. That would be the number one thing. That is something that is very near and dear to me.
At one point I wrote a TV pilot about that, and will eventually produce it. Once again shining a light in a dark place, and starting the conversation.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ray Bouderau. Ray is Founder and CEO of Living The Dream Films, a production company specializing in film development, production and financing. As a native New Yorker born and raised in Rockaway, Queens, Ray has had a lifelong love affair with movies and television. Ray’s journey began with a successful entrepreneurial path as a restaurant and bar owner. He then evolved as a New York real estate developer and owner of a prosperous construction company. Following his financial accomplishments, Ray’s passion paved his path, moving into the film and entertainment industry. Ray maintains his construction business while simultaneously running his film production company, now following his true joy in life as a filmmaker: producing, writing and acting. With an indisputable zest for life, Ray captures the feeling of being alive through creating stories that need to be told in the most entertaining and powerful way. Ray’s work as an actor is compelling, and as a writer and producer he leaves you captivated and satisfied.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
It’s the only thing I have ever wanted to do that I hadn’t done yet. In my 20s I dreamed about getting discovered behind the bar, ya know, become the next Bruce Willis (still surprised that didn’t happen). I found myself in my early 40s, with always having had a passion for film and television, I figured I would take a run at it while I still have a little fire in my belly.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
That I’m allowed to talk about? haha, no seriously. Spending 4 days in the editing room, reworking a project, and learning the real nuances of how just one little clip or scene or even a look can really change a movie.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
The funniest mistake I made was believing that other people knew more than me, and not trusting my instincts. I have good instincts. I trust them. I find every time I don’t follow them, I pay for it. There is no right or wrong, no black and white, no yes or no, it’s all very relative.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
The Public. We got a very exciting distribution deal, that we are not yet able to talk about. We will be releasing prior to the Palm Springs Film Festival where the movie will be showing. This movie meant a lot to me. It shines a light in a dark place, but still leaves you feeling entertained. It’s a full meal movie. Touching on social issues, but not leaving you in despair.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Ed Helms. Super interesting guy. I had no idea he started his career as an editor. Tracy Morgan, such a sweet guy. Adam Levine, just how grounded and real he is. Emilio Esteves, he’s such a sweetheart. Having come from Hollywood Royalty, you don’t always expect that. Amanda Seyfried, she is as sweet in person as she comes across on film. Such an advocate for animals and so much passion in her spirit.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Don’t invest money you are not willing to lose. Show up, do the work, and let go of the results. And know, just because I like something, doesn’t mean someone else will… which goes back to there is no right or wrong. It’s art. And in the eye of the beholder. It’s never the end all be all. If it’s not this movie, it’s the next one. Keep trying… it doesn’t matter what we do as long as we are doing something.
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. 🙂
Youth homelessness. That would be the number one thing. That is something that is very near and dear to me. At one point I wrote a TV pilot about that, and will eventually produce it. Once again shining a light in a dark place, and starting the conversation.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Living the dream” … it’s a state of mind. Knowing that every day above ground is a good day, and as long as I have my health, and my daughter’s health, I have everything. Tomorrow is promised to none of us, so carpe fucking diem.
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?
Donal O’Sullivan, he gave me my first contract in construction when I started my own company. His story was the American story, came here from Ireland 25 years earlier, started working with his brothers as a brick layer, started his own company, and built this massive construction business that built some of the greatest projects in New York City.
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. 🙂
Eminem. I have always wanted to meet him. He seems like the coolest guy, would love to have breakfast with him or something.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
my instagram and twitter is @raybouderau, https://www.facebook.com/ltdfilms.nyc/ ,
and website ltdfilms.nyc