Today we’d like to introduce you to Antony Bowman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first came to LA with my actress wife, Jeanie Drynan and daughter, Ella from Sydney, Australia in 1990. With dreams of continuing my film career in the City of Angels, I now find myself supporting creative footprints also in London and back in Sydney.
Really, it’s all to do with the work I create. I’m a screenwriter first and also a director & producer. If I write a script to be shot in Sydney or Europe I move (God willing!) from my base in LA and, should the finance come together, move there to produce the movie. Working as an independent filmmaker has its drawbacks but at the very least I’m creating the films I wish to make!
Has it been a smooth road?
I like the infamous expression regarding Hollywood… “If you’re not careful you can die of encouragement.” That could be said of many places but somehow it seems to resonate here more than anywhere else.
Writing the screenplay, raising the finance to actually making the movie can be huge steps that can take years to complete. Literally! Finishing one, even a successful film, does not necessarily smooth the path for the next. There’s no telling.
There are, however, great people along the way. Hopefully, good karma wins out?
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Archer Films Entertainment – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Working through my company, Archer Films Entertainment, I’m best known for my Australian feature Paperback Hero which I adapted into a screenplay from my novel of the same name. (Penguin Books) Starring Hugh Jackman, the romantic comedy was considered an international breakthrough and screened “In Competition” in both the Hollywood and Milan Film Festivals.
Before LA, I graduating from the London Film School. Following that, I began my career writing and directing several short films and acclaimed drama-documentaries – receiving the Silver Screen Award at the Chicago Film Festival and a Bronze Award at the New York Film Festival.
In 2014, I won (as writer & producer) the Audience Choice Award at the BHFF in Hollywood for my short thriller, Angel Road.
What might set me apart from others? I’m sure many filmmakers share my vision but I do have a great passion for character-driven films. My other credits as writer/director include: Relatives (AWG Best Screenplay Nomination) Cappuccino, Three-Sixty and the NY comedy, Almost Broadway, which I completed for Tigertail Films in 2016.
As writer & director, I have quite a number of projects slated for 2018. These include the up-coming music-driven comedy, Paradise and the thriller, Snake River.
I also write for television. I have just been commissioned to pen a six-part TV series called RAMPAGE – based on the novel, MUSTH – an African thriller. This project is dear to me as it deals with the horrific problem of elephant poaching.
Last year, I ventured into a theatre and wrote my first piece titled: “Somewhere…” It premiered in LA to wonderful reviews.
Last but not least, I’ve just launched a non-profit company called “MyStreetCinema.” [www.mystreetcinema.com] I am founder together with my actress daughter, Ella Bowman-Gibson. We have just teamed up with the LA MISSION where we will bring free movie screenings to the city homeless.
Launching our pilot program in Downtown LA; we will hopefully move on to many other cities in dire need… then (who knows) the world!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There’s a lot to like about LA… It’s quite an extraordinary city. That might seem a paradox upon arrival. When one explores the endless communities (living rich and poor) linked by the same boulevards, it’s difficult to get a true sense of it. As a visitor, what strikes you first is that no one seems to “come from here!” And it’s rather disconcerting living in a major world city with an inadequate public transport system – then, in no time, one learns that there was once-upon-a-time… tramcars!
Once you have a car (or an Uber account) and scratch below the surface of the ant hill you’ll find a city that is hellbent to prove itself progressive and cultural… It’s all of those things! The restoration of Downtown is fast becoming a revelation. Stand beside the Disney Concert Hall and you know you’re in an exciting, world class city.
What I particularly like about LA is that it attracts a broad range of talented people… music, art, filmmakers, architects and start-ups – they’re all here on the ant bed of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: (a.) www.archerfilms.com (b.) www.mystreetcinema.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Antony J. Bowman
Ella Bowman
Taryn Manning
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