Check out our interview with director and musician Tom Humbert, a seasoned performer who has graced over 50 musical theater stages as the lead and even had the honor of personally captivating Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush with his talent at the White House. With a career that has caught the attention of renowned publications like The New York Times and Newsday, Tom Humbert continues to shine in the spotlight, proving that he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Now, Tom Humbert takes center stage once again with his latest project, “Wholly Broken,” the captivating faith-based musical feature film currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Tom has taken audiences on an awe-inspiring journey through his heartfelt storytelling and uplifting music.
Follow Tom Humbert @tom__humbert
What inspired you to pursue both directing and music? Was there a moment or piece of work that sparked your interest in both fields?
Growing up I was surrounded by musical films. My parents were very musical and loved to sing…on an amateur level only. West Side Story, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, etc., they loved so much and I would get the albums and listen all the time and whenever they were on TV, I would always watch.
How do you balance your passions and creative processes between directing and making music? Do you find that one influences the other, and if so, how?
It’s not so much a question of balance; it’s more about creativity and expression. Directing and music making are both passionate pursuits. You cannot do one or the other well without a deep connection to the material!
In your work, how do you integrate your musical talent with your directorial vision to create a cohesive piece? Can you share an example where you felt your music and visual storytelling perfectly complemented each other?
There is a lot to unpack here… You ask “…in my work”, but my work consists of many different types of skill sets that I have learned over the years…For example, I write music as in musical scores for TV shows and/or movies…I write contemporary songs of love, loss, faith, hope, worship, praise, joy, etc., I direct large, musical choirs and conduct musical ensembles…I play guitar, piano, and sing in studios, and in live shows, I direct theatrical musicals and sometimes I star in them. So, integrating all of these skills seem like a natural progression.
In the pilot movie WHOLLY BROKEN, on Amazon prime, There is a song called “ I will call out” and in that piece you can see the storytelling through picture, organically, supported by the music and words of the song.
Who are your biggest influences in both music and film? Is there a director or musician you dream of collaborating with?
Stephen Sondheim is a huge influence in my music and film career. David Gilmore is my favorite guitarist because of his soaring melodies.
What is the most challenging aspect of wearing both the director’s hat and the musician’s hat in your projects?
I don’t find that there are many challenges by wearing both hats… I feel like they are gloves that fit very comfortably on both hands.
Having worked extensively in both the music and film industries, what are some key differences you’ve observed in how projects are developed and realized in each field?
The biggest difference between filmmaking and music making is that music making comes very easily and relatively quickly, and that I am in total control of every aspect of creating the song – words, notes, rhythms, key, tempo, harmony, and the overall production of the song. Where, as in filmmaking, there are so many moving parts to just filming one scene… Location, lighting, sound, costume, makeup, dialogue, time of day, etc. And all the many people that it involves… that it can take hours or even days to get what you want so that you can tell the story you wish to tell.
Tell us about your new project, “Wholly Broken.”
WHOLLY BROKEN Is in the process of becoming a series, starring Marie Osmond. And oh, by the way, she has an amazing voice… It is based off of the pilot movie of the same name on Amazon Prime. It’s a musical movie and series that tells the story of everyday people, with all of our imperfections, living in an imperfect world , And trying to make sense out of life… Always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, the rainbow after the storm, the lemonade made from lemons, etc. etc. etc.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are interested in both music and filmmaking? Are there any skills or experiences you consider essential for success in both areas?
If you are serious about becoming a musical artist or working in the film industry, I would suggest surrounding yourself in those worlds, and never saying no to projects because you never know who you will meet or where your passion will take you. You have to be in it to win it!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Honestly, I’m not much of a book reader; however, there is a wonderful book called Respect for Acting by Uta Haugen.
What’s next for Tom Humbert in 2024?
WHOLLY BROKEN the series will take up much of my time and efforts… However, I am working on scoring a new comedy drama pilot called Venuses with Stan Scofield, the creator and director. And I direct musical ensembles and choirs, I sing and play music every weekend for worship services in the Hamptons at a very large church.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Helping others is when I am most happiest.
Best advice ever given?
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Where can we follow you?
tomhumbertmusic.com and whollybroken.com as well as all the usual places on social media.
