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DJ Caruso: The Life of a Filmmaker

Get your Front Row seat to hear highly acclaimed film director, producer and writer, DJ Caruso, as he shares his thoughts on his journey from Norwalk Connecticut to Hollywood. DJ has directed films such as Disturbia, I am Number 4, Eagle Eye, and has worked with Hollywood elites such as Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, Angelina Jolie, Shia LaBeouf and many more. Coach G and DJ dive into his journey while sharing tools that will benefit you in your daily life.

Time: 1:00

Movie Mondays
Time: 0:55

The Pepperdine difference
Time: 1:16

DJ's favorite project he's ever worked on
Time: 1:00

When your dreams become a reality

0:08- Intro to DJ Caruso, a highly acclaimed film director, producer and writer, who Coach Gottfried has known for over 30 years.

2:00 – What inspired DJ Caruso to get into the film industry.

5:35 – Norwalk High School Hall of Fame.

6:25 – “I wanna be more than where I am right now”

7:40 – How DJ ended up at Pepperdine University.

11:40 – DJ explains the decision he made that pushed him to the next level.

17:35 – “They forget the people that helped them along the way”

19:00 – “If I were to drop dead tonight, I’d want you to be able to come in and shoot the scene” How DJ’s mentor threw him in the fire and trusted him to finish a day of filming.

25:11 – “This movie saved my life…”

25:55 – Coach asks DJ which movie was his favorite to make.

27:25 – How DJ’s relationship with Steven Spielberg began.

28:50 – “Ultimately at the end of the day, you have to LOVE it”

33:32 – “What is one actor/actress that you would love to work with?”

35:22 – DJ had dreams when he was a kid that he would talk with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas… His dreams came true after Disturbia was released.

37:37 – “The one thing I got from Steven Spielberg…”

38:12 – Coach asks DJ about one of his favorite actors of all time, Al Pacino.

41:40 – DJ talks about what current projects he is working on.

44:41 – “Is it harder now to get a movie on the big screen?” – DJ touches on how the age of streaming has changed how movies are made and released and if it is sustainable.

46:33 – Coach Gottfried and DJ talk about what characteristics they want to instill in their kids.

50:17 – “Don’t be afraid to take a chance”