Pretty Boy
Sean is taken to a motel and is given a prostitute for his 18th birthday by his father. He must sleep with her to "fix" his questionable homosexuality. Aside from acceptance, "Pretty Boy" is about confidence, finding an inner strength, and being who you are meant to be.
Interview with Writer/Director Cameron Thrower
Watch Pretty Boy here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to make a film I needed to see when I was 16 or 17. "Pretty Boy" is that film. It is a journey of discovery into what is a complex social dilemma. I've never made a film so personal but felt like it needed to be out there in the world. Not only for me but for anyone who has felt less than at a younger age.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I HOPE you would watch to give "Sean", our main character, a chance. I believe this is a universal story, and you don't have to be gay to receive the message it delivers.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I write from the the inside out. I really have to relate to each character, flaws and all. We all have flaws, but others are really good about hiding them. I want my characters to wear their flaws and have no regrets of who they really are, and in that comes the universal themes that people can relate to.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Leaps and bounds. The actors and I workshopped the script before we went into production. We wanted this to be the best story we told. After the actor's feedback, re-writes, and dialogue tweaking, I was confident in moving into production.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The response has been overwhelming and humbling. I feel so tremendously fortunate! When I wrote "Pretty Boy" I had no idea it would affect people to this degree. After being on set and watching the brilliant performances of Nick Eversman, Rebekah Tripp, & Jon Briddell I knew the finished product was going to be amazing. As soon as post-production (editing/ sound mixing/ music) was finished, I realized that we had a very special project. After attending numerous film festivals with "Pretty Boy" I was blown away by the response the film received from audiences.
Throughout the Q&A's and the one-on-one time spent with the audiences post screening, many people shared how touched they were by the actors' performances and the story itself. It was such an incredible feeling to know that "Pretty Boy" had touched people in such a way and that they took the film's message into their hearts. Since its release just last month it has over 70,000 views on YouTube & 11,000 views on Vimeo. it's taking on a life of it's own and I couldn't be prouder of the film.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
As a personal fan of We are moving stories, I'm so grateful to have Pretty Boy on the site. I really hope it finds an audience that hasn't discovered the film yet.
We all have something inside we need to talk about & explore. I hope "Pretty Boy" starts that conversation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
2 Things:
The main people that need to come on board is the audience. If they are hooked, then others will follow hopefully.
The other part of that is the cast and crew. Without them, this wouldn't have been possible, and their talent shines through with this project.
Gathering this talented team was one of the most important things to me as we set out to make "Pretty Boy. Rebekah Trip ("Katie"/ Producer) was one of the first people to read a rough draft. After reading it, she was on board as Katie and Producer. Rebekah is one of the most talented actresses I know, and also a brilliant collaborator. Her character ideas were so simple but powerful in making this story so compelling. Having her by my side as we went on the "Pretty Boy" journey was such an important factor in making this the best possible film.
After the brilliant actors, Nick Eversman ("Sean") & Jon Briddell (The Father) signed on, I knew we had a power house of talent. I think that's one of the most important things in making an independent film, getting such talented actors that care about who they're playing no matter all the character flaws they might have.
As soon as we had Jesse Aragon (DP),Ryan Figueroa (AC), Jeremy Rodriguez (AD), Lillard Anthony (Composer), Anne Montavon (Production Supervisor), Justin Kornmann (UPM), Chris Dowske (Set Sound Mixer), Brooke Davis Darwin (Make-up), Gustavo Ramos (PD), Taylor Casteen(Wardrobe), Sonny Nicholas (Story Boards), Waymon Boone (Dialogue Editor/ SM), Kate Hendrikson & Chase Darwin (PA's) I knew we had found the perfect pieces and our puzzle was complete. Through "Pretty Boy" we built this wonderful team and I can not wait to work with them on the next project.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
One that is well received, and going from the comments on Youtube & Vimeo, we have done just that. I'm so grateful for the reception and attention this film has been receiving since its release last month.
Would you like to add anything else?
You can watch the making of "Pretty Boy" here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK3WwJAyBe0&t=413s
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Just last year, I was honored as the Jameson First Shot USA winner for my script, "Beauty Mark". The short film starred Maggie Gyllenhaal, was produced by Kevin Spacy, Dana Brunetti, & Trigger Street Productions. It was a directing experience I will cherish forever. Maggie, Conner & the crew were a dream team!
Here's a link to that film, "Beauty Mark": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJGAxjkc8h0&t=7s
Also, just last month I had the privilege of directing a kick ass music video for the brilliant band, East of Angels. You can check the music video here: https://vimeo.com/206373474
As of now I'm writing a feature film with my writing partner, after just finishing up a short at the beginning of the year.
Basically I'm in my "creative cocoon" just preparing to spread those wings again on set. Thanks for the great interview :)
Interview: April 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Pretty Boy
Sean is taken to a motel and is given a prostitute for his 18th birthday by his father. He must sleep with her to "fix" his questionable homosexuality. Aside from acceptance, "Pretty Boy" is about confidence, finding an inner strength, and being who you are meant to be.
Length: 32 min.
Director: Cameron Thrower
Producer: Rebekah Tripp & Cameron Thrower
Writer: Cameron Thrower
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyboythemovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrettyBoy_Movie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camthrow/
Cameron Thrower's Director Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRzaPEWmEwU
Other: www.cameronthrower.com
Key cast:
Starring:
Nick Eversman (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2956414/)
Rebekah Tripp (https://www.rebekahtripp.com/)
Jon Briddell (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0108637/?ref_=nv_sr_1)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Buyers, Distributors, Sales Agents, Festival Directors, Journalists