“In life the motto is “learn from your mistake,” so I continue to grow and be better a next time around.” – Bryan Huynh

Exclusive Interview with Bryan Huynh – Producer & Writer

Bryan Huynh is a graduate of George Mason University, majoring in English. He grew up in Arlington, VA, where his family came to USA after the fall of Sai Gon in 1975.

Bryan wrote and produced a short film “Tomorrow Never Came” (TNC) that have garnered recognition at national and international film festivals. To date it has accepted into 18 festivals. The film was the Winner for “March Best Film Actress” and Finalist for “March Best Short Film” at The Scene Festival. The film received “Bronze Award Winner” at Spotlight Film Awards, and Semi-Finalist at Los Angeles CineFest, Southeastern International Music & Film Festival, Sweden Film Awards and Dumbo Film Festivals.

In 2020 at Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes TNC’s screenplay received Honorable Mention for the “Best Short Screenplay” in the top 6 out of 1,000 plus submission, and Semi-Finalist at Red Flight Pictures Screenplay Awards. Other honor, he was selected with TNC’s director as one of the “2020 Award-Winning Filmmakers in The Spotlight” at Spotlight Film Awards.

In 2018 he wrote, produced, and directed a short film “Today” (Sight Unseen). It received a Merit Award at Christian Family Film Festival and was a Finalist at Glory Reelz Christian Film Festival & Writer’s Lab.  In 2021 his latest short screenplay “Yesterday Never Ended” was a Finalist at UK’s February Best Script Award. In all the 3 screenplays are part of the trilogy.

Bryan holds an MBA degree from University of Phoenix and receives ITIL® v4 Managing Professional and ITIL® v3 Expert certificates in IT service management (ITSM), and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate in process improvement.

NY Glam: Tell us a little about yourself, growing up and your passions.

I grew up in Arlington, VA, after my family came to USA from Vietnam after the fall of Sai Gon in April 1975. My Mom was a teacher, so she had an influenced that I chose English as my college major. I took a writing class (Introduction to Film) in my sophomore year that was really a turning point. After that, most of my classes were in film and play (theatre) writing.

NY Glam: Did you have any specific influences growing up that lead you towards the film industry?

After college I wanted to move to California but there were obstacles. I sticked around in Washington DC area where I gained my apprenticeship with theatre companies. I got involved with short play summer festivals for a few years where I went from light to sound operator, to assistant director and lastly, director.

NY Glam: What are you currently working on?  

The 3^rd script of the trilogy is finished. Right now, I am waiting for the pandemic to go away, so I can begin pre-production.

NY Glam: What were your main responsibilities on this film?
My roles are writer and producer.  As the producer, I am the one who reads and selects a script (if it is not mine), finances the project, selects a director, crews, collaborates with a director to select the cast and lastly, deliver the final product.

NY Glam: Can you tell us about your experience in working with the director and actors in this film?
Thus far I am blessed to have a good working with directors and actors. When the gig is over, I am still in contacting with them. For me to choose someone to direct a film, it comes down to how much I trust the person in the subject, is he/she creative, and can he/she understand and translate into actions. Same goes for actors during the audition process as I try to see if they listen to directions in their reading scene(s).

NY Glam: What was the most important thing for this movie to achieve from a narrative and character standpoint?
The 3^rd script of the trilogy deals with reincarnation. In life we have “yesterday, today, tomorrow” perspective, and this script deals with something happened “yesterday” that sometimes that it never goes away.

NY Glam: What other films have you produced?
The 2^nd script/production is still on the festival circuits, and I am anxiously waiting to see what happens in 2021 as 2020 it has received plenty of festivals “official selections” and “awards.”  Prior to 2018 I have produced 3 films.

NY Glam: What makes a film interesting for you? What are three qualities that you look for in a movie?
It is like having a photo where filmmaking allows you to shoot and re-shoot scene until you are satisfied. The old filmmaking saying, “a great shot of an angle, excellent character’s expression, awesome background.”

NY Glam: What project helped you launch your career?
In the early 2000s I made 2-3 films. Those were the learning experience from writing to producing. In life the motto is “learn from your mistake,” so I continue to grow and be better a next time around.

NY Glam: As a screenwriter, what is the most important aspect of building a character?
As a writer I have a couple of ways to outline a script and characters. I make the characters to face “head-on” with issues in their behaviors and of course, the dialogue. I ask, “what is the purpose in this scene?”

NY Glam: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I will let “fate” to decide that path.

NY Glam: What are you most proud of? Describe your biggest accomplishment to date?
To date the 2^nd script/production of the trilogy “Tomorrow Never Came” has garnered 18 festivals “Official Selection” with 4 Semi-Finalist, 1 Finalist for “March 2020 Best Short Film”, 2 Awards for “Winner “March 2020 Best Actress Film” and “Bronze Award Winner.” Also, the script received Honorable Award and Semi-Finalist. The 3^rd script “Yesterday Never Ended” received a Finalist selection at UK’s March Best Script Award.

NY Glam: Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re super excited about?
I look forward to starting the 3^rd script/production of the trilogy. The film’s director, co-producers, first assistant director, and lead actress are in place.

NY Glam: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to enter the film industry, especially as a producer?

Short film is a good way to introduce yourself in the business, and it does not matter if the film is 3 minutes or 13 minutes.  Producer’s role is much different. One of the aspects is the budget, and the cast and crews are unlikely to do it for free. It is hard to reach out to folks even relatives to ask, “Would you be interested in making a donation?” Make sure to review the budget. How much do you have, or how much can you afford to spend? I have fortunate to finance my own projects without reaching out to investors (yet).

NY Glam: Can you discuss any future projects or direction you are taking in regard to film making?

Aside from the trilogy I have ideas to write for the next 2 scripts with one as crisscross between War Games and Snowden’s movies. However, I do not get ahead of myself. First, I need to put time to write, and second, the focus and deep thought need to sync.

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