Cannes Film Festival
Short Film Corner 2021
A serial killer reveals information on multiple unsolved cases. In an effort to bring closure to the families two detectives must follow every lead. However, they soon learn that sometimes what is lost, perhaps should never be found.
Hi Bryce, thanks for talking to The New Current, how have you been keeping during these strange Covid times?
It has been an interesting year. With all that has happened, it has really put in perspective how fragile what all we take for granted really is. I was lucky enough to have a job that I could work from home however that came with its own unique challenges. From online meetings, while also trying to now homeschool 3 kids and my wife in nursing school it was challenging at times but somehow we made it through. I try and look at the positives and say that I grew closer to my family and was able to spend unique time with them get to know them on a deeper level.
Has this time offered you any new creative opportunities?
Actually yes. I have spent the last three years writing my feature script. I have traveled to Germany and Poland etc.. doing research and visiting certain places and the quarantine finally gave me the time to sit and finish it.
Congratulations on having No Ringo part of this year's Short Film Corner, how does it feel to be able to present your short film at Cannes?
Having "No Ringo" screen at the short film corner is an absolutely amazing opportunity. My team and cast did an absolutely wonderful job and I couldn't be happier that it made it all the way to the corner.
Will there be any nerves ahead of the festival?
Unfortunately, as much as I would love to attend I will be on production on my biggest project to date. The stars just did not align this year but I look forward to next year.
How did No Ringo come about, what inspired your screenplay?
My father and I wanted to come up with a crime drama that had you on the edge of your seat for the duration. We sat down at a local coffee shop. He had his black coffee I take mine sugar, and we drew inspiration from the well-known serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. We then put together our amazing cast and made it all happen in less than 48hrs. It was a hell of a ride.
When where the biggest challenges you faced making No Ringo?
Sticking to the union schedule. It's a 48hr film fest but using SAG talent there are rules that protect the actors. However, we stayed perfectly on schedule for the entire shoot.
"To sinking that birdie putt and then while in the edit you create something with a blink of an eye that somehow gives you that same sensation."
How important was the collaborative nature of filmmaking for you when working on a film like this?
The most important thing when it comes to making a 48hr film is putting a trusted team together keeping things separate. You can not have 30 creatives running around all making suggestions you will never get anything done. Assign your creative team and production team and everyone needs to trust that the other can do their job effectively. So I guess the short is the answer is "Trust".
Have you always had a passion for filmmaking?
I have always had a passion for film but never thought in a million years I would be making them. Growing up my father and I would watch movies. That's just what we did. When I turned 18 I joined the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Cameraman. After 5 years of service and getting into the "making" of things I took that passion outside and began working as an editor at J. Walter Thompson in Atlanta GA. My passion continues.
Was your approach to No Ringo different than how you approached your previous films?
I had up to this point never made a crime drama. The 48hr Film Festival assigns you a genre and I just thought "well, no better time" so my dad and I began writing.
Now you can be reflective do you have any tips or advice you would offer a fellow filmmaker?
I'm a big golfer. I absolutely love the game. Golf and film and similar in a way that there are a lot of variables from wind and lie, to light and sound. From that soaring drive, you hit on 18 to capture that perfect moment on the first take that leaves you with goosebumps. To sinking that birdie putt and then while in the edit you create something with a blink of an eye that somehow gives you that same sensation. Both of these things are beautiful and precious and above all fun. Never lose your passion because when you do it will show up in your game. And nobody wants to see that.
And finally, what do you hope people will take away from No Ringo?
The 48hr Film Festival is a test of creative thinking, experience, and above all execution. I people find "No Ringo" enjoyable and keeps them on edge for the duration of the film and also perhaps makes them want to try their hand in a 48hr Film.