Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Geller.
Hi Kyle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have tried to pinpoint how and when I got the idea to be a filmmaker, and it’s a tough thing to do. There are so many elements that go into a film, from art to music and everything in between, not to mention all the technical aspects such as holding a camera. A lot of time I see interviews with big Directors and Filmmakers and they say things like “It all started when I got my first camera,” or “So and so always had a video camera and always let me use it.” I did not have that luxury in my young age of having, owning, or being able to play with such a device.
Instead, I think my underlying passion for film began when my mom would head out to work and would give me a couple of bucks for some Taco Bell and a video rental from Broadway Video in Long Beach, at the time tacos were 39 cents, so it worked out great! I’m not sure how, but I wound up a majority of the time renting Slasher flicks, some sci-fi, a little military too, but mostly campy slashers. Not too long after I would wind up being in the company of Dave Stevens who is responsible for the flick, The Rocketeer. I got to attend the red carpet events, the after parties, and all the glamorous “Hollywood” stuff that goes along with it, I was just way too young to enjoy it or really even understand it at the time. Then later on in life, late teenage years, I got really into the local music scene and was introduced to the fact that I might be a storyteller, and from then on I couldn’t get that out of my head, even though it was not a complete thought at the time, it was about to be… From that moment on, I would sit around jam sessions listening to some amazing musicians and I could not for the life of me NOT see scenes playing out in my head to the music, almost like visions to get woo woo with it. And then low and behold…
Today, I am a filmmaker, and I absolutely love it. I can no longer envision a world where I do not do this, I feel on some core level this is what I am supposed to do. I do love to tell stories, and even more so, I love to put the stories into moving pictures, and I think there’s so much magic that goes into that it will never get old. To see something go from words on a page to a movie on a screen is nothing short of breathtaking every time I do it. I still have not achieved my goal of Directing a feature film YET! But I am getting close, I just finished my third feature screenplay, my first Slasher, so that was really cool. And am currently working on a rewrite for my first feature screenplay ALL DAY which I hope to get produced in the near future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been everything BUT a smooth road. Look, I have done construction, asphalt and concrete, framing, drywall, all that good stuff and manual labor speaking, it was tough-hard work. But the mental game of breaking into this movie industry is nothing short of absolutely taxing. I guess that’s where the passion and love for my art come in because with out that, I might of quit a long time ago. It’s hard to call myself a filmmaker some days because I have not made a Film. I have made short films, music videos, commercials, variety shows, and everything pretty much except a feature film. My time will come, I am sure of it. I work too hard and love it too much for it not to. There are so many different paths that lead to Directing a Feature film. I would have to say that is one of the biggest struggles, not only finding YOUR/MY path but trying not to compare one’s path to another’s.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a FILMMAKER. I am a Writer/Director, and I am really good! I have dedicated my life to the art, have put my hours in and continue to grow and learn from those who have walked before me as well as my peers. I love learning new things, and especially with technology moving at light speed, there are always new things to learn in the filmmaking world, there are a ton of old things to learn as well. I mean Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton were pioneers of pushing the film envelope and still to this day we can use some of their techniques over that of new technology, it’s simply mind-blowing. I started out Acting because it was the most accessible to me at the time, go sign up at Central, hustle it up, get on set, and gain experience. But Acting wasn’t my dream, I never ever said I wanted to be an Actor growing up, but damn was it cool, I got some amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I mean how can you be mad when you get to clock in to play make believe? What a dream!
So then I got into Directing, I wrote some stuff, got a camera through a Santa Monica City College grant, and it was game on. I met some amazing, supportive people along the way that really helped shaped my career to where it is today. I would have to say that the thing that sets me apart from the others is my style, which is actually really cool to be a director and be able to have someone point out my style on screen. Also though I am meant to be a Director, I know what I want, I know how to get it, and I can communicate to others and the team on how we can reach that goal. Side note, I grew up playing hockey, and I have to say, this FILM stuff, it’s the biggest team sport I have ever participated in. Another thing that sets me apart is my ambition and my ability to just go for it. I really pride myself on making “It” happen. I am the self-proclaimed “Most ambitious man on the planet,” as well as “The Best Director you’ve never heard of YET.” And for shameless plug purposes, I started a punk rock band not too long ago called HOT DOG STAND, check it out!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would have to say that entering this world of Filmmaking and giving it a real go as a career has been the biggest risk. I forget where the quote comes from but sums it up quite eloquently, something along the line of “The fastest way to lose millions of dollars is to make a movie,” I definitely butchered that one. But the point is, this business is ruthless. I feel like I could of been an astronaut already if I had put half the time and effort in as I did on my filmmaking career. And the reality of it is I might never make it, and that’s terrifying. But if it doesn’t scare you, is it really worth it? Big things should scare the shit out of you, and that’s where the risk pays off. They say everything you have ever wanted is on the other side of fear… let that one sink in.
Contact Info:
- Website: elprimobrand.com
- Instagram: Ky_gelly
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elprimobrand
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/126570853?si=846a382b6130487c
