Filmmaker Rick E. Cutts - Finesse and Courage for the Win

Rick E. Cutts, a best-selling author, writer, and award-winning filmmaker, shares with us a compelling story of perseverance, grit, and vision. From humble beginnings in Chicago, facing harsh realities and naysayers, Rick turned his dream into a bestselling thriller, Strat.A.Gem, now in bookstores and an acclaimed film, set for a major theatrical release in 2026.

What first drew me to Rick's story of intestinal fortitude and adventure was learning that, long before any official meeting or Hollywood green light, he got on a plane to meet a producer he had only texted with. There was no appointment, no confirmation, and no guarantee. Rick arrived in a full suit, sat in the airport for hours, and waited on faith alone for a text that might never come. That leap of belief, taken with nothing but prayer, preparation, and a suit, exemplifies the level of resolve that defines his journey.

The courage and intestinal fortitude we learn about from this conversation, I learned some things I may have to included in my research paper on cross-cultural communication...talking your way into using a private airplane for a movie when you don't even have actors is ballsy!