Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Gusts
Edward, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out as an actor. I remember acting in school plays and thinking “I wouldn’t mind this as a career”. I studied and worked for years, and I noticed that there was often a lot of compromise.
I would work for months on a passion project, only to get it overlooked (if it even saw the light of day). There is a curious relationship with the world as a professional actor; an either / or mentality. Either you are a famous movie star or you are a “Failure”. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing fame rather than doing work that you are proud of.
I starred in a space dinosaur movie, and I was so concerned about career things that I didn’t take time to enjoy the experience. How do you not have fun filming a space dinosaur movie?
When the pandemic hit I was forced to take a pause. It was obviously a terrible time for the world but the silver lining was I actually got to spend time with my young daughter, and there was no pressure to compete. There was no work, so there was no competition.
I started writing a script. Not to get famous or advance my career; but just because I wanted to create.
Now in 2024 that script has become a movie titled SELF HARM.
Now here is the thing; this movie is not a blockbuster. It has not changed my career or lifestyle in most ways.
But it has done one thing: It has given me control over my artistic life.
Many performers spend their lives waiting to get picked, waiting for someone to option their screenplay, waiting to be discovered.
This isn’t needed.
With today’s technology; it is possible to make your own movies. It is possible to put them out in the world yourself. Is it easier with outside help? Of course. But knowing, or rather PROVING to myself that it could be done, has given me an autonomy over my own art that cannot be matched.
I cannot control how many people see my art. I cannot decide how much financial gain it will receive; but I am in control of the fact that I can make it. I don’t need permission or even encouragement. I have the power to create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. But I’m curious now about how many of the obstacles were self generated. The immediate feedback of smartphones make it easier than ever to overthink and reevaluate; to fall for producing what we think “the algorithm” wants rather than what we actually want to make.
Pressure from agents and managers, our peers, and society make us focus on being liked and receiving rewards instead of just creating.
Hell, I’ll probably fall into that trap again. I still think back and wonder what my life would be like if I hadn’t switched agents over ten years ago; If I’d used a different film distributor etc. Part of me still chases recognition and fame; but I hope that the wiser part of me focuses more on creation.
Every artistic career is going to come in waves.
Last week I was on TV, my film was accepted into a festival, and another film announced it’s new release. This is unlikely to happen again next week. If I constantly evaluate my life by how I stand in events that are mainly out of control, I will lose my mind.
There are always obstacles. But they don’t have to impact us as much as we let them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make independent films.
The best way I could describe the films I make are Black Box Theater, but for films. I love action movies, I love adventure stuff; but the films that I am compelled to create are intimate.
I want the camera to be voyeuristic. I want to observe intimate dramas amongst the characters.
My films are small, real, and unvarnished.
This is essentially the mission of The Magpie Film Company. It’s strange because I am in business in the United States but the goal is not sheer growth.
If the company becomes a content creating machine, it will cease to be a success.
Of course I want to make movies that people like; but they have to be MY movies; not random content designed to please Google.
I am proud that the limitations I face come from limitations of time and budget, and not from pleasing the suits.
What matters most to you?
Being a good dad. Self explanatory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magpiefilmco.com
- Instagram: @magpifimco @edwardgusts
