WHAT ABOUT THE MEN?

YOU ARE ENOUGH. TOM RYAN

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO BY TAMMY VREELAND

Today’s interview will be a perfect setup for the season that is almost upon us. A season where the cold is just beginning to set in. The bright colors of fall are washing away, turning the scenery into a barren and gray background.

A perfect time to curl up by a nice fire and enjoy a good movie! Perhaps even a scary movie, to put us in the mood for the season.

When did you start wondering about the movie magic? Was there a particular movie that really made you wonder how they made it?

Tom: I was a huge fan of stop-motion. I guess it’s because it was essentially an adult playing with toys and I could relate to that. It was movies like King Kong, Jason & the Argonauts and the Adventures of Sinbad that really started to spark my of Sinbad too!!! However, I was a bit more naïve, didn’t have a clue to how they did it, just loved the effect. And as for Star Wars? I didn’t want to see the behind scenes because it was so magical for that time. It took us places we had never been before! But I can definitely see if you were already curious about how things were made, that one being a great inspiration!

I know for a fact that our guest, Tom Ryan, knows a couple of great movies for such an occasion! Especially since he directed them!

But before we get into the movies Tom has directed, let’s get a behind the scenes look at a director’s life and the path that led him to that career.

Tammy: Tom, thank you so much for doing this interview for us! I am so excited to share you with our readers! Let’s start off with the very beginning. While growing up, what sort of movies captured your attention?

Tom: 1950s science fiction, Universal monster movies, and classic fantasy films were the kind of cinema that appealed to my young imagination.

Tammy: Aw yes, the classics. You can never go wrong with them! It’s how I started my boys out in getting to know creature features and then advance into the horror genre. interest and I wanted to know how it was all done. I remember watching the making of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back and being absolutely blown away by the creativity that was taking place behind the scenes. The models, the blue screen, the fireworks, all of it was incredibly inspiring and groundbreaking at the time and, for the first time in my life, I didn’t want to just watch movies. I wanted to make them too.

While others were following actors and actresses’ careers, were there directors that caught your attention instead?

Tom: Honestly at the time I didn’t pay much attention to who was at the helm of my favorite films. I did, however, know who Ray Harryhausen was. I knew Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Steve Johnson and a slew of other effects artists because to me, those were the guys making the movie magic. But when I did start paying attention, I discovered Spielberg, Lucas, Landis, Dante, Barker, Craven, Cronenberg, Scott, Miller and an endless list of others. They all caught my attention and made me realize I needed to direct in order to bring my visions to life.

Tammy: I love that you wanted a handson experience! Most people go through life expecting others to do for them. It has to be so self-gratifying that you accomplished what you wanted!

“I was a huge fan of stop-motion. I guess it’s because it was essentially an adult playing with toys and I could relate to that.”

When did you decide it was time for you to test the waters of directing?

Tom: I’ve been directing since I was a young boy playing in the streets of Jersey City. My friends and I were frequently discussing our favorite movies and would often re-enact scenes from those movies in our backyards. Those re-enactments would morph into our own stories and, of course, there I was telling everyone what to say, where to stand, and offering plot twists for our make-believe sessions. I officially earned my first credit as a director in my low budget indie release “Day 9” in 2012.

Tammy:Wow, how creative all of you were! I know with our time line, that was before major video games, so it was common to be out and about with your friends. But you took it to a whole new level that must have been so much fun!

Did you find yourself pursuing a certain genre, or does the genre really matter? Perhaps a story speaks to you no matter what the genre is?

Tom: I’m a fan of all genres. I simply love great storytelling. With that said, I tend to gravitate towards horror and science fiction because those genres allow me to stretch my creative muscles and explore subject matter outside of the realm of the real world. The escapism is what’s most appealing to me in movies.

Tammy: I agree. In fact, my take on the horror and science fiction genre is that it seems to be not only more forgiving per se, but you also get to sprinkle in other genres. Such as comedy or romance. Whereas if you are watching a comedy or romance, that’s all there is. However, in the horror genre, one minute you can be in love, the next joking who will be killed and then the pure rush of, like you said, escapism!

When you decide on a story to direct, what are the first things you think about in the story? Is it the characters, maybe what type of actors or actresses you may wish to use? Or is it the location? Perhaps it’s the special effects that the story may require? Is there a method to your madness per se?

Tom: There has to be something relatable and intriguing in the story for me to pursue it. I love to explore the human condition and the impact that our flaws, as well as our strengths, have on our lives and the lives of our loved ones. That’s where the actors come in. I usually begin the writing process clear of any preconceptions about who my leads will be. As I delve deeper into the characters, I begin the casting process. Who have I worked with or would like to work with who embodies this character? In most cases, I develop a wish list of actors early on. In other cases, I will audition hopefuls. Regarding locations, they too are like characters to me. They must stand out, be memorable and particular to the story.

Tammy: That’s what I really like about your movies! You can tell you put a lot of thought into your characters and the locations. In fact, they flawlessly go together! Too often, you’ll see an Indie film cast someone, perhaps in hopes they will carry the movie, only to not match up the proper location. Even to the untrained eye, it sets the wrong tone. Now we get to talk about all the fabulous films you have directed! Please tell us about your films.

Tom: My films are all very dear to me and I sincerely enjoyed making every single one of them. As much as they revolve around a world of death, demise and eerie twist endings, the real power in our stories is the character study. The movies have most certainly benefitted from the incredible performances of an array of independent film talents I had the pleasure of working with. We take pride in delivering high-quality entertainment on a shoe-string budget.

Tammy: That you do, I’m always so excited to hear you have another one coming out!

Knowing you, I can only imagine the fun you have on set! What are your thoughts about having fun while you film? Ever think of doing a blooper for fun?

Tom: I always say that if you’re not having fun while making a movie, you’re making movies with the wrong people. In the earliest days of pre-production, I try to encourage camaraderie among the cast members and crew. From tablereads to Facebook group pages, we begin to get familiar with each other. By the time we get to set, there is a buzz, and excitement about finally getting to work together. That kind of energy makes our sets very comfortable and feels like a family gathering. We share jokes, bust chops, actors flub lines and we enjoy every minute of it. The process has to be enjoyable or else it starts to feel like

“I’ve been directing since I was a young boy playing in the streets of Jersey City. My friends and I were frequently discussing our favorite movies and would often re-enact scenes from those movies in our backyards.”

I only cut together one blooper reel for my very first short film “Day 9”. It was almost as much work as cutting together the full film, so it was the last time I did it.

Tammy: You know, I never really thought about the extra hard work that must go into a blooper reel. We take so many things for granted when we sit and watch a movie! And to be perfectly honest, I like watching blooper reels for other genres but now that I think about it - I really don’t care for ones in the horror genre because it tends to take away the mood you have set. But I have heard, from ones on your set, how much they truly enjoy doing a film with you!

Recently you had some exciting news about one of your films being overseas! Which one is that and what’s happening with it?

Tom: “Splinter” just enjoyed its UK premiere at Frightfest. It was an honor to be among some of the best new independent films like “Piggy”, “Fall”, and “Terrifier 2”. “Splinter” is part of our new feature-film anthology “Return to The Theatre of Terror” and our team is very excited to see it alongside some of the other creepy new stories we’ve developed.

Tammy:That’s amazing! I was so excited for you when I saw that! And I love that you brought back Theatre of Terror, I can wait to see the new stories for it! When you have finished directing a film, what are your feelings? Of course, I’m sure a satisfaction of accomplishment, no doubt. And of course, a bit of sadness, having a bond with the story as well as with all of those who helped bring it to life.

What I’m curious about is, do you like the afterglow with the promoting and such? Or, are you already thinking about your next project and anxious to get back to directing?

Tom: Let me first say that I have more involvement in my films than an average director. I am usually the head-writer, the producer, the casting director, the location scout, the editor, the VFX artist, the marketing department, the sales agent and whatever else I need to be to see the film through to completion. Now to address the question specifically; after filming, the excitement to edit our footage begins. That part is a lot of fun because now I’m piecing together our scenes and the vision is coming to life right before my eyes. When that’s done and the sound mixing begins, I arrange the cast and crew screening so everyone who invested time and energy into the project can see the finished product. I think that’s when a bit of sadness starts to creep in. I do develop some great friendships with both cast and crew members and it’s hard to accept that particular journey is over. The bright side is that there is always another one on the horizon.

Tammy:Again, I am humbled by all that you do! Who knew? Call me a blonde, which I am, but I just visualize a director sitting behind the camera with someone bringing them a coffee. Lol! I am so happy that you explained how much more there is to it! I’m sure you probably even left some out! Certainly, gives us more respect to what goes on behind the scenes!

This last question I usually ask is if there is anyone you want to do a shout out for helping you? I’m going to let you off the hook because we all know how grateful you always are and there are so many you always give credit to! I know it takes a small village when it comes to raising your “dreams” but in your case, it seems like you have an entire city who is always willing to help you!

Would it be safe to say that our readers can easily see your shout outs in the credits of your awesome movies? And while we’re at it, do you have a website where everyone can easily see your work?

Tom: There are so many wonderful people in my life who have helped make these pictures a reality. I would love to shout them all out here and now but that would be risking forgetting someone. They are financial donors, city administrators, home-owners, close friends, friends of friends, and the list goes on. They all make the credits and most of them make my website in the “cast & crew” section. You can find us at www.theatreofterror.net.

Tammy: Awesome! Thank you, Tom, there are so many more questions I could continue to ask but since you have exciting projects yet to come - perhaps we can do another interview later?

I’m telling you, Tom Ryan is going to become a household name! Once you experience a taste of his true talent, you will want to follow his career to so many successful avenues that are on the horizon!

Until then Tom, we wish you the very best! And for now, I guess we can say “it’s a wrap” …meaning it’s time to go home and watch Tom’s movies, enjoy!