Luca Perito discusses directing Ciao, Mama and recalls Johnny Wactor

What Led Luca Perito to “Ciao, Mama”?

• Mother’s battle. In 2016, Perito’s mother was diagnosed with cancer while he was in Los Angeles. The uncertainty of her future felt like a strange weight.
• Early spark. After her first chemo visit, Perito called his mother. The conversation left him feeling more confused than before. That night, he wrote a 10‑page one‑act play.

From Play to Film

• Studio debut. A few months later, Perito and Micah Joe Parker staged the play at “Stuart Rogers Studio.” He played Tony; Micah played Marco. The run lasted two to three weeks, but the piece never intended to become a movie.
• Full version. Soon after, Perito expanded the script into a feature‑length outline. He chose to return to New York in March 2020, an unusual move given the pandemic’s impact on the state.
• Year of self‑study. While staying with parents in Delaware, Perito devoured films, books, and scripts. Reading Ryan Holiday’s Ego Is the Enemy crystallized his dream: create a film that could be filmed on a single location and stayed affordable.
• “American Sognare” revival. He revisited the original script, American Sognare (formerly titled “New York Funeral”), and reached out to Micah, securing a lead actor and a clear direction.

Why the Title Changed to “Ciao, Mama”?

• Pronunciation issues. Original titles proved difficult for speakers—and even reporters—to pronounce correctly.
• Tribute to Johnny Wactor. After actor Johnny Wactor’s passing, the mispronunciation of the title on news broadcasts amplified the need for a more accessible name.
• Micah’s suggestion. In November, Micah texted the idea “Ciao, Mama.” Although initially hesitant, Perito adopted it the next morning, finding its charm growing with each espresso sip.

Personal Significance of the Film

• Mother’s influence. Though his mother is alive, her post‑treatment quality of life has changed markedly. Witnessing her changed routine gave Perito a unique perspective that influenced character development.
• Tony’s journey. The protagonist, Tony, is a more successful actor than Perito ever was, yet he shares many of the same trials—particularly in navigating grief and relationships—mirrored in the film’s funeral setting.
• Johnny Wactor’s legacy. After Wactor’s death, the ensemble felt the gravity of guiding his final performance. Their collective commitment ensured the actor was honored with dignity.

Conclusion

For Luca Perito, “Ciao, Mama” is more than a cinematic endeavor; it’s a tribute to family, legacy, and the resilience needed to translate personal loss into storytelling. The film emerges as a testament to both an actor’s last performance and a director’s enduring dedication to authentic narrative.

Behind the Set: A Tribute to Johnny Wactor

Micah Joe Parker and the legendary Johnny Wactor worked together under the eye of Hills and Thrills Productions. The pair delivered a visual performance marked by dedication, teamwork, and a shared passion for the craft.

Johnny Wactor: A Day on the Set

• Johnny approached every scene with disciplined precision.
• He refused to indulge in a cookie until his shirtless sequence was captured, then concluded the following night by smashing an entire box.
• His relentless effort and genuine concern for set personnel made a lasting impression on the first film crew.

Experience and Care: The Heart of the Project

Johnny’s extensive background on film sets was evident. By him, the crew experienced a culture of meticulous preparation and sincere respect for both work and colleagues.

“Family” Chemistry

Most crew members met for the first time on Sunday, July 31st, and began shooting on Monday, August 1st. A rapid bonding process forged an instant “microwave family” that propelled the project toward its conclusion three years later.

Johnny’s Role in Chemistry

Johnny played a pivotal role in fostering this chemistry. He helped build a rapport that eventually brought the team to a finish line.

Producer-Actor Duality

Johnny’s ability to switch effortlessly between producer and lead actor was remarkable. Scheduling constraints required Micah and Johnny to alternate scenes throughout the day, ensuring one of them remained a producer while the other acted.

• Morning scenes were handled by Johnny, while Micah cooked breakfast for the crew.
• Micah’s culinary care became an essential support for on-set morale.
• The pair flipped between artistic performance and production management with the flick of a switch.

Takeaway: The Vibe of a Creative Set

Johnny’s influence on the set’s atmosphere remains the most significant takeaway. This experience, shaped by collaboration, will echo into future projects.

Behind the Scenes of “Ciao, Mama”

First‑time director Luca Perito confesses that teamwork made the film a triumph.

Working with the cast

• “Everyone arrived with almost no rehearsal. Each scene was completed in two or three takes, the arc of the story unfolding almost instantaneously.”
• “The only time we needed a fourth take was a technical glitch, not the actor’s performance.”
• “The moment I entered the project, I knew I could extract powerful performances from these performers.”
• “The story’s heartbeat rests on actors who elevate the dialogue. That is precisely what they delivered.”

Credit to Stuart Rogers Studios

While Stuart Rogers Studios was where I studied acting, I also learned how to communicate effectively with actors through osmosis. The ability to speak to actors is an invaluable asset for a director. I am deeply thankful for the time I invested in acting.

What the film taught Luca about himself

“The film revealed that I was born for this craft. There is a mystical difficulty in filmmaking—its real, it’s the single hardest thing I’ve ever tried.”

“I have always been resilient, but no one really understands how tough and resilient you are until you try to make an independent film on a no‑budget schedule.”

“For the past three years, I felt like Jon Snow, staring at an endless army in the Battle of the Bastards. The only reason I survived was the same as the character’s: the people who charged in behind me and had my back.”

“The friends Johnny had at the end of each day— Little Finger, for instance—really saved the day.”

Screening in Charleston

“I found it harder to watch this film than usual, so I hid in the projection booth.”

“Nonetheless, I was thrilled we could screen it to Johnny’s family and the three major donors who helped us after Johnny’s passing.”

“Everyone seemed to enjoy the film and had a great time, even though the film was challenging.”

“I was thrilled that Johnny’s brothers and mother liked the movie. When I looked into Lance’s eyes after our LA screening, it felt like I was talking to Johnny.”

“Both of us struggled to find the right words, but he summed it up best: Johnny would be so stoked for this. He would be proud of all of us.”

“Ciao, Mama” for readers

“Goodbyes are not the end. Those people who leave a lasting impression will never truly leave you because you’ve absorbed so much from them.”

“They are now part of you. It is now your responsibility to take the things you learned from them and move forward with their memory and spirit.”

“Working on this film after Johnny’s passing has been bizarre, because the theme of depart has surfaced in all our lives.”

“I hope we can make you think, cry, and laugh for 77 minutes.”

To learn more about Luca Perito—writer, director, and filmmaker— follow him on Instagram (no link, just keep the call‑to‑action).