Brian Heintz, a name increasingly familiar to cinephiles and industry insiders alike, is celebrating a significant milestone with a Telly Award win for his work on a recent HBM Talent commercial. The accomplished actor, whose impressive resume includes sharing the screen with Hollywood legends like Vin Diesel in Fast and the Furious, continues to build a dynamic career, blending star power with genuine passion for his craft.
A Telly Award Win Honoring Loyalty, Legacy & HBM Talent’s Visionary Leader Sophia Felix
The Telly Award-winning HBM Talent commercial holds a special place in Brian’s heart, not just for the recognition but for the deeply personal connection it represents. “I was instantly drawn to it because I’m a part of the HBM Talent roster, and it was a rebranding for the company praising my business manager, mentor, and dear friend Sophia Felix,” Brian Heintz shares, highlighting the familial bond within the agency. It’s clear that this project was more than just a job; it was a tribute to the driven woman who has played a pivotal role in his journey.
The commercial provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow talent from the agency, a memorable experience Brian Heintz recalls fondly. “On our HBM Talent commercial, my favorite memory was meeting the other talent the management represents. We all come from different parts of life and to meet the amazing talent in person, of an agency that I’m a part of, was absolutely amazing. We all love our Sophie Felix, the Founder and CEO of HBM Talent & Management.”
Detroit Dawg: Reuniting with Director Joel Paul Reisig
Beyond the award-winning commercial, Brian Heintz has been immersed in a whirlwind of diverse projects. He recently wrapped on “Detroit Dawg,” an independent superhero movie that reunited him with acclaimed director Joel Paul Reisig. Brian Heintz expresses his admiration for Reisig, with whom he hadn’t worked since 2016 on “Trafficked: A Parent’s Worst Nightmare,” a film that gave him his first big speaking role alongside Kristy Swanson and Dean Cain. Another comedic endeavor, “One Reckless Weekend,” allowed Brian Heintz to explore his lighter side, a genre he’d been eager to tackle. “The fact that it was a comedy got my attention immediately as I’ve been wanting to work on a comedic film for quite some time,” Brian Heintz notes, reflecting on the hilarious on-set experience. He particularly enjoyed the camaraderie, , “repeatedly getting hit in the groin was amusing,” while giving huge shout-out to writer and producer Isiah Barnes.
The Fig Leaf: Stepping Into His Most Challenging Role Yet
One of Brian’s his most challenging and transformative role yet was playing Mikhail, a Russian mobster, in the upcoming feature film “The Fig Leaf,” set to release next year. Brian Heintz initially prepared for a smaller role, Igor, the mobster’s muscle, with minimal lines. However, a last-minute casting change thrust him into the shoes of Mikhail, a character with significantly more dialogue and, critically, a Russian accent. “The role of Mikhail was definitely the most challenging,” Brian Heintz recounts, detailing the sudden shift. He diligently prepared, studying YouTube videos, watching Russian films, and seeking advice from fellow actors for three straight nights. His dedication paid off when extras on set complimented his convincing accent, giving him a powerful “Green Light” moment. Brian Heintz praises William Hallan’s “absolutely amazing” script for “The Fig Leaf,” promising an ending that will “blow people away.” Brian confirms the film is set to come out sometime next year.
Inside Brian Heintz’s Actor Process: Preparation, Imagination & Precision
When approaching a new role, Brian Heintz follows a meticulous routine. He first skims his scenes, then reads the entire script to grasp the project’s essence before diving into line memorization. “While studying, I imagine how I will ‘act’ out each scene and play around with how I will deliver the lines,” Brian Heintz explains, emphasizing his imaginative and experimental process. He also leverages his support system, reading lines with family and friends to gather valuable feedback.
Balancing a director’s vision with his own artistic interpretation is a delicate dance Brian Heintz has mastered. “The director hired me for a reason… to be me but with his vision,” he asserts. On set, he attentively observes the director’s preferences, and if a scene allows for creative input, he will offer suggestions, collaborating until both parties are satisfied. “Most directors I have worked with, will ask me how I felt about a particular scene and we’ll keep shooting ’til we both feel comfortable with it (time permitting),” Brian Heintz adds, highlighting the collaborative spirit prevalent in his projects.
Beyond his HBM Talent commercial and comedy set memories, Brian Heintz cherishes other defining moments. For “Detroit Dawg,” he loved choreographing the intense jail yard fight scene with stunt coordinator Jacob Lemieux, finding himself “right in the middle of it all.” On “The Fig Leaf,” his favorite memory was a scene with 60-70 extras, which also happened to be his favorite speaking part where he explains “the difference between ze bourbon and vodka.” He remembers the extras as “absolute troopers and fun to be around,” noting their encouraging words and compliments.
Travel, Scouting & Creative Fuel: What Inspires Brian Heintz
When not in front of the camera, Brian Heintz indulges his passion for storytelling by watching movies, particularly at the theatre, and binging TV shows and documentaries. He keeps his creative spark alive by producing and posting his own entertaining reels and actively supporting the Michigan film community by attending premieres. Location scouting and traveling, especially to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, also serve as sources of inspiration and rejuvenation.
A Dynamic Artist Shaping a Powerful Path in Entertainment
Brian Heintz’s journey showcases a dedication to share his raw talent and a genuine love for the art of acting. From intense dramatic roles to lighthearted comedies and award-winning commercials, he continues to impress with his versatility and commitment, making him a compelling figure to watch in the entertainment world. Follow Brian Heintz on official socials to keep up with the latest and more!
