Rock Bottom
Full of judgment, an actor’s first A.A. meeting on the beach leaves him shattered hoping to get back to the route.
Interview with Writer/Director Matthew Dylan and Producer Ryan Koss
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
As I was traveling from Texas to California for the start of my third year at Pepperdine I listened to the Real Ones podcast with Jon Bernthal and Shia Labeouf. Shia describes the story of his first AA meeting on the beach, after hearing it, I knew this story needed to be told. Recovery is something I have always been passionate about and his story was so different than any I had heard before. I knew it needed to be on a screen and reach an audience because it immediately impacted me.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I believe every story has the power to impact people. This story, whether you've lived the topic, been with people through it, or have no experience with it, will give you a gripping new perspective. this film isn't cute, it's not romantic, it's real. If you want to see something real then I would watch this film.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film highlights that feeling of the fear of change, leaving the old ways behind. We are all typically afraid of change and giving up on our old ways takes time. Personally, the theme of addiction is something that I've seen many people live through and is important to me as a storyteller. I believe this story speaks directly for people who struggled but also takes a perspective that people may have not seen before.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The initial script was adapted from the REAL ONES podcast. I wanted to take the spoken story and turn it into a screenplay, while holding all the truth of it. I made small edits to the script over the three months before shooting as I felt I began to understand the character thoroughly through research. My vision for the Final Cut was always clear. the main addition that I didn't initially have was for the voiceover work. Hearing Shia's actual words in a mixture with what happening with the images took the story to a place I really enjoyed.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I've let many different people see the film privately. My parents, other filmmakers, and people who know nothing about film. A recurring conversation after the screening is how difficult that first step is and how many people have some type of relationship with recovery, and this film brings that all back.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I wouldn't say my point of view has been challenged. I've learned through this process that everyone shares a relationship with addiction and recovery and this story allows all of us to connect our experiences with it. Shia LaBeouf is a controversial person, and I didn't want to glorify his actions, but show a real human being who is desperate to change. We all deserve the opportunity to change and often those first steps towards it are the hardest.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To allow this story to reach its needed audience. I think the viewpoint is very specific and I would love to share it with as many people as possible. I know this story has the power to change people as it has changed me.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
As a young filmmaker, I would love to connect with anyone. There are more stories that I believe need to be on a screen and starting a conversation about future development would be amazing. I'm also an actor and would love to see if my talents align with someone else's vision.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I created this film for Shia Labeouf. I brought his real experience to life and I would love for him to interact with it. I have no control over where this film goes but my prayer has been that the ones who need to see it will. even if it's 5 of my friends, but that the story will impact the hearts it's supposed to. I hope it will be millions haha, but if not, I hope it aligns with the group it's supposed to.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why should someone get sober? When being reckless, alive in the moment, and getting faded have become normalized, why would someone want to leave that? What is their relationship with the addiction they have? Because it varies.
Would you like to add anything else?
I hope you love my movie. I hope it speaks to you. I hope it inspires you. I hope it challenges you. I hope you feel something. thank you.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am directing another short film that I wrote in December, with the hopes of another festival experience. I'm also a principal character in a short that's shooting in Texas in January. Booked and Blessed as they say haha.
Interview: December 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Rock Bottom
Full of judgment, an actor’s first A.A. meeting on the beach leaves him shattered hoping to get back to the route.
Length: 13:21
Director: Matthew Dylan
Producer: Ryan Koss
Writer: Matthew Dylan
About the writer, director and producer:
MATTHEW DYLAN is an American filmmaker, actor, and director from Malakoff Texas. He is currently a student at Pepperdine University in Malibu California studying Theatre and Film Production. As a director, Matthew is inspired by gripping, truthful stories. As an actor, he loves to be challenged and moulded into a director's vision. His time growing up in a small town in Texas is influenced and shown in his work.
RYAN KOSS is an American actor and producer from Redlands, CA. He is currently a senior studying Theatre/Acting at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Growing up, he has always felt the desire to perform and express himself as different characters. His hobbies include playing the drums, guitar, and piano and training in mixed martial arts. As an actor and producer, he aspires to take risks and tell stories that change people’s lives.
Key cast: Ryan Koss (David), Brykell Killingsworth (AA Sponsor), Brooke Moltrum (Mia)
Looking for: producers, film festival directors
Instagram: @itsmatthewdylan
Other: IMDb
Funders: Self-Funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
We are waiting to hear from a handful of film festivals for future screenings.