Bryan Stoller

Bryan Michael Stoller's Advice for Actors
from the July 25, 2004 live event in Hollywood

Bryan Michael Stoller – Sunday afternoon, July 25, 2004

This is one of the very few places where I come out to speak, because Rock (Rock Riddle) is a very good friend of mine and I have a comfort zone with APS, because I like what he does. I believe in what he does. Especially what I like is: He’s very inspirational, what Rock talks about. Because, I think the toughest thing in this business is having the courage and the inspiration and just the guts to be in this business and to deal with all the stuff you have to deal with. So, I’m looking at it as I’m also more of a motivational speaker than I am a filmmaker for you guys today.

I’ve been making films for about thirty years or so . . . The reason that I’m hear today is to motivate you . . . and inspire you guys, because you all came out here to hear the speakers, and you went to the trouble to do that. And, you’re serious enough -- and you’re passionate enough -- about this business and what you do, and what you do to be here. And, there’s a thousand of more other people who should have been here, or could have been here, but they're not. And, it makes a big difference. To this day, I still go to seminars, because it's a great place to network. And, it's not just to network with the people who are speaking. It's the people who sit next to you, behind you, in front of you. You never know who you're going to meet who could be your next best friend, or your next business partner, or someone who's going to help you with your career or just say something that's going to make you think and make a big change in your life. So, I really believe in that.

I come up here, and I get paid for my parking, five bucks. That's it. I'm not paid here to come speak to you guys.

A perfect example: I've done a few book signings for my book. Are you guys familiar with my latest book, "Filmmaking for Dummies"? This one right here. It's got a couple chapters on casting and acting and directors working with actors and stuff. If you guys get the chance, whether you buy the book or whether you go to a bookstore and just look at those chapters, you'll find some auditioning techniques and stuff which I'll talk a little bit about. I've done a bunch of book signings, and I did one not too long ago. It was at like a coffee shop restaurant, and the lady who was putting it on, she was going around to the people sitting at the coffee shop and saying, "We've got Bryan Michael Stoller here, and he's doing a book signing". There was one couple she went up to and the guy just said, "No, I'm a professional filmmaker, and I don't need to listen to him". And, she told me that, and I just thought, "it's really funny" because the guy has probably made a short film. (laughter) It's sort of that typical ego thing. You know, I've had people, very successful people, come to seminars I've done before, or events that I've done. You've heard of people like John Landis. You guys know who John Landis is. "The Blues Brothers", "American Werewolf in London", "Slasher". (to audience member) Yeah, were you at "Slasher"? Were you at the screening of that? Yeah, I was there, too. So, if someone like John Landis is still looking for where he can meet new people and network, I think someone who's done a short could, too. You know, it's just the attitude of people. I find it's important for you guys to realize, too. This is how we find people, how we find actors .... In your case, it could be a casting director, it could be a producer, it could be a director.

Anybody who is successful is never going to cut you down. So, if you ever meet with a casting director or producer or director, and they make you feel insignificant, it's their problem, not yours. All of the successful people I've met with are very positive people, and nobody cuts somebody down, unless they have a problem themselves. So, keep that in mind. If you ever find yourself intimidated by somebody, realize it's a problem they have, it's not your problem, and that ought to give you more confidence.

Another thing to remember in this town is "trust". You have to trust yourself. There are so many people who will tell you what to do, what not to do. Whether it's your parents, whether it's your friend, whether it's your boyfriend, or your girlfriend or your mistress, you have to trust yourself. If you believe you can do something, (do it). It could be something as simple as this: I wanted to paint my fireplace, I wanted a red fireplace. And, my mother said, "Oh, it's not going to look right", and my sister said "It's not going to look right", and my other sister said "It's not going to look right". I went ahead. I trusted myself, and I painted it. And, it looked terrible. (laughter) No. I went ahead and painted it, and it looked great. I took pictures, and I emailed them to my mom and my sisters, and they said it looked great. They admitted they were wrong. So, it's a perfect example. You've got to trust yourself, whether it's painting a fireplace or it's going out for a part or doing what you believe in doing. Okay?

I'm going to take some questions now. I'm sure they're going to relate to stuff I want to talk to you guys about, but I want to see what the priorities are here.

The Question & Answer Session

We are in the process of transcribing the question and answer portion of Mr. Stoller's talk, and we expect to have it completed and on the site within the next several days. Please check back. In the meantime, following is a completed separate story and interview on Bryan Michael Stoller.

Don't just read about it
Come out and meet the producers in person!
Here's information about Sunday's Event!

FEATURE FILM PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
Bryan Michael Stoller

Maximize Your Potential!

by Kelly Hill

Bryan Michael Stoller started in the business at the tender age of six in Ottawa, Canada. Fascinated by the Gumby shows, he made his first film at age 10. At 11, he was the star of his own television show in Toronto called Film 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. 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 four 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-starred with Harrison Ford in Air Force One). An APS actress also landed a co-starring role in that one.

Undercover Angel (starring Yasmine Bleeth and James Earl Jones) recently had its premiere private screening at Paramount Studios. All APS members were invited.

Bryan's reputation for being easy to work with and very professional has kept him very busy in the industry . . . and he's getting busier!

THE INTERVIEW

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 over-exaggerate 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.

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 is currently in pre-production on the feature film "They Cage the Animals at Night". You may submit your photo and resume to him c/o APS Productions, 6464 Sunset Blvd., Suite 750, Hollywood, CA 90028

For more information on Bryan and his projects,
visit his official Web site:
www.bryanmichaelstoller.com