PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I recently had the chance to watch Ryan Burton’s short film, The Watcher of Park Avenue (read my review here). When asked if I wanted to interview him, I jumped at the chance to get to know the talented director better. This interview was a total blast, and I thank Ryan for his patience with me. He’s a true class act! Without further adieu, here is our conversation!
PopHorror: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me, Ryan! Let’s start out with this one. How long have you been in the entertainment industry?
Ryan Burton: I have been in and out of the industry since 2014. It’s a lot of stop and go. My goal for 2019 is to be in the game consistently!
PopHorror: I imagine that the entertainment industry is a lot of stop and go. Great to hear you are planning to be more in the game in the upcoming year! Where did you get your start in the industry?
Ryan Burton: A couple of friends and myself produced a web series titled Ryan and Ruby. The first episode has over 1,000 views, and I think is a hoot.
PopHorror: Oooh! You’ve mentioned this before, and I did take an opportunity to check it out. I laughed quite a bit! When did you realize you wanted to pursue acting, directing and writing?
Ryan Burton: Back when I was five years old, I watched I Love Lucy and I watched Lucille Ball light up the screen. I said to myself, “That’s what I want to do,” and it has been quite the journey ever since!
PopHorror: I Love Lucy is one of my top shows. It’s timeless. It truly broke a lot of barriers in television. Lucille Ball was not only funny, but she was also a smart lady and a powerful force in television. A fun fact: she actually saved Star Trek: The Original Series. If it was not for Lucille Ball, there would have not been Star Trek! She’s a great talent to look up to! Getting back to The Watcher of Park Avenue, would you say horror is your favorite genre? Would you like to pursue other genres?
Ryan Burton: Horror is my favorite genre to watch. Comedy is my favorite to write and produce. I’m thinking the next script will be a mix of both!
PopHorror: Did you and I just become best friends? That is so me! Horror is one of my top genres to watch. Comedy is up there, too. I find that for writing though, I tend to have more ideas for quirky romantic comedies. A mix of both horror and comedy is pleasing to both my horror- and comedy-loving side. I would be so on board with that. I can’t wait to see a horror comedy from you! What is your preference in the field? Acting, directing or writing?
Ryan Burton: Acting! I am a performer at heart. Writing comes in second. One of my favorite parts of writing is creating female characters.
PopHorror: Somehow, I knew you would say acting! Can you tell me, where did you get the idea for The Watcher of Park Avenue?
Ryan Burton: It was just one of those nights I was doodling ideas and The Watcher just came alive in my mind. The characters and their voices just came so easily to me. That doesn’t happen everyday. I’m sure a lot of writers can relate to that!
PopHorror: You are speaking my language! Yes! It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, it is glorious! The words just flow. I love that! Let’s discuss what it was like to work with two Nightmare on Elm Street legends: Amanda Wyss and Lisa Wilcox. Did you write the roles specifically for them?
Ryan Burton: It was a dream come true! They were both present and professional. Two very different vibes. The roles weren’t written for them specifically, but once they were cast, I did go back in and rewrite some of the dialogue for them.
PopHorror: I can only imagine how awesome that feeling must have been to work with two legends in the horror genre. There are so many great characters throughout the movie, in addition to Wyss’ and Wilcox’s. Who is your favorite character in the film?
Ryan Burton: Oh, good question! I would have to go with Lisa Wilcox’s character, Gwen. Gay men who have watched the film love the campiness of her character and I appreciate that!
PopHorror: Gwen is definitely a vibrant character that I enjoyed as well. I wanted to ask you about the stunning film poster. Who designed that for you?
Ryan Burton: Max Coleman. I pretty much gave him a basic look and vibe I was going for with the skyline and the two film stars. The rest was all him. I’m glad to hear you liked the poster as well.
PopHorror: It is unique and stunning. What advice can you give upcoming filmmakers?
Ryan Burton: Ooh, I’d say just keep writing and working, and make your ideas come to
life!
PopHorror: That is perfect advice. Here’s the obligatory question (laughs). What’s your favorite scary movie?
Ryan Burton: Easy! Halloween!
PopHorror: Yes! Self-proclaimed Michael Myers groupie right here! This was so much fun! Can’t wait to see what’s in store in the future from you, Ryan. You were truly a pleasure to talk to, and I’ll be on the lookout for more of you and your works. I am waiting for that horror comedy!
