On Tue, 30 Sep 1997 13:38:47 -0400 Avital Bins <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
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> ******************************************************************************
> ********************
> ******************************************************************************
> ********************
> The following is taken from a feature article in
> Hollywood Success Magazine
>
> FEATURE FILM PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
> Bryan Michael Stoller
>
> Maximize Your Potential!
> by Kelly Hill
>
> Bryan Michael Stoller started in the film business at the tender age of six
> in Ottawa, Canada. Fascinated by the Gumby shows, he made his first film at
> age 10. At 12, he was the star of his own television show in Toronto called F
> ilm Fun, co-hosted by his sister Nancy. The show covered all the
> behind-the-scenes makings of a film - everything from interviewing the
> director to production of the soundtrack.
>
> Bryan went on to do several commercials in Canada and filmed his first TV
> movie, Just Like Magic, at age 17. His eleven years of experience inspired
> him to set his sights on Los Angeles. He applied and was accepted to attend
> AFI as student director. He moved to California with comedian friend Howie
> Mandel. Howie ended up starring in Bryan's first student film along with a
> cameo by George Carlin and some help from Robin Williams.
>
> Since then, Bryan has gone to work with such well-known stars as Barbra
> Streisand, Dan Aykroyd, and Rock Hudson. He has also helped discover unknown
> talent such as Paula Devica (who is now starring on Party of Five) and
> Brandon Adams (who then starred in Michael Jackson's video Moonwalker and has
> gone on to star in The Mighty Ducks I & II.
>
> Bryan has produced and directed several independent and studio projects. He
> directed an episode of Tales from the Darkside, which is currently running on
> the Science Fiction Network. The episode is The Bitterest Pill. He also
> directed a film for Paramount entitled Undershorts - a Brief Movie. It is a
> series of comedy shorts with cameo appearances by Linda Blair and comedian
> Gallagher. The film is awaiting release.
>
> Recently, his company produced three independent feature films. Turn of the
> Blade is the story of a female helicopter pilot caught in a fatal attraction.
> The film co-stars Julie Horvath, an APS member whom Bryan met through an APS
> networking function. The film has done very well overseas and will be
> released here very soon. His film Dragon Fury II also co-stars an APS
> member, Cole Andersen. Bryan's feature film The Random Factor (with Dan
> Aykroyd) stars Andrew Divoff (who co-stars with Harrison Ford in Air Force
> One), and has just been released to the home video market. Bryan's
> reputation for being "easy to work with and totally professional" has kept
> him very busy in the industry . . . and he's getting busier!
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------------------------------
>
> You are a producer and a director - which do you prefer most?
>
> Director, because it is more creative. You are working with emotions and
> psychology. The producer is more technical. In cooking, he is the person
> who assembles the ingredients to prepare the food and the director is
> actually the chef. He brings the film to life.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> When you are casting, what is the most important thing you look for?
>
> Personality. I encourage actors to develop your personality first. I cast
> on personality first, acting second. Also when preparing for an audition,
> study the character as opposed to just studying the lines. If you know the
> character, the lines will come.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Any suggestions for the actor during an audition?
>
> If you are unclear about anything, take the time and ask. It is your
> audition. Also, be natural. Don't overexaggerate your movements in an
> audition unless it is for theatre.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> What if you have not achieved the level of success you desire as an actor?
>
> Network, Network, Network. I can't stress this enough. Develop the skill of
> networking. APS is a good example of an organization that can expose you to
> some of the people to network with.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> What are some of the mistakes that actors make?
>
> Not following up on leads or waiting 4 weeks to reply when someone gives you
> their business card. Be diligent about this business. Be professional.
> Don't lie on your resume. Use a professional photographer and always send a
> note with a headshot.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -
>
> I understand that you also teach.
>
> Yes, I've taught a class called The A to Z's of Film Making. It covers how
> to write, produce and direct a feature film. I also teach a class about the
> metaphysics of acting which is simple and easy to understand. It is about
> developing their personality and injecting it into their characters. Many of
> the great actors inject their personality - Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino. You
> see their personalities in every character. That's what I teach. I like to
> teach because I did not have a mentor, so it is a way of giving back, and
> it's a great outlet.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------
>
> What is the film you are most proud of?
>
> I have several projects that I am very proud of. There is a screenplay that
> hasn't been produced yet called Light Years Away that I wrote. It has been
> optioned several times, but it hasn't gone any further yet. It is an
> uplifting story about making your dreams come true. Along the lines of Ghost,
> or Splash. It is very near and dear to me.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --
>
> What is your ultimate goal in the business?
>
> I've been doing pretty much what I want to do. I would like to direct and
> produce larger budget films, maybe do a few studio films, but you don't
> always have the control I have as an independent.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> What are your thoughts about the Oscars going to more independent
filmmakers
> this year?
>
> Well, the meaning of independent is changing quite a bit. I am sort of a
> rebel about that word. Most of the Oscar winners were not solely
> independent. To me, an independent is more of a struggling filmmaker who has
> to raise financing from several sources - private investors, etc. He is
> usually not as well-connected as Miramax, who is owned by Disney. Also their
> budgets are usually not as high.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
>
> Do you have a personal motto you live by?
>
> Actually, I have several. If you want to get something done, do it yourself!
> Also, the motto I've had since I was twelve - the problems we worry about
> are the ones that never happen and the ones that do, we deal with right away,
> so why worry! Don't be obsessed with worrying. As a producer, I have one -
> If it's man-made, it's negotiable! My dad always says: You can't go wrong
> doing right and you can't go right doing wrong.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
>
> The term producer seems to be used a lot in Hollywood. Any comments about
> that?
>
> Yes, make sure the producer is legitimate. You can always ask for
> references. If they are still securing financing on a project, don't start
> anything with them until they do secure financing.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---
>
> Do you accept head shots, resumes, and demo tapes?
>
> Yes. Please send them to APS. If I am interested usually I will request a
> demo. Be prepared - most actors don't have a demo so be a step ahead of
> them. Even if you have done a student film, get it on tape if you have a
> good role in it.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
>
> Any final suggestions to actors?
>
> Don't get co-dependent on acting classes. I see a lot of actors who aren't
> working get too dependent on their classes. Make sure your personality is
> coming through. Watch Michael Caine's tape on acting. Watch movies with the
> volume down. Network! Remember, this is a business. Be professional and
> follow-up on every lead!
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------------------
>
> Bryan Michael Stoller is expected to be one of six featured speakers at an
> upcoming BUSINESS OF ACTING seminar at the Hollywood Holiday Inn. Recorded
> information is available by calling (213) 980-3375. Seating will be limited
> to the first 75 actors who make reservations. We hope to see you there!
>
> ----
> Online resources for film/TV studies may be found at ScreenSite
> http://www.sa.ua.edu/screensite
----------------------
Donald Larsson, Mankato State U (MN)
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