“On The Set” Interview with Austin filmmaker Byron Brown about his SXSW Selected Short Film “A New Toy.”

Film Title: A New Toy
Writer: Byron Brown
Editor: Robbie Bourland
Director: Byron Brown
Location: Austin, Texas
Format: HDV

Austin, Texas writer / director Byron Brown is a busy man with a lot on his mind. Having recently had his short film, “A New Toy,” selected and screened for an enthusiastic audience at the 2008 SXSW Film Festival, Byron’s world has turned upside down. Reclusive and shy, I had to find out more about the man behind the film.

Faced with weeks of unreturned phone calls and blocked emails, Byron left me with little choice. I found a soft patch of dirt in the bushes outside of Byron’s Austin, Texas residence and waited. Three days later, my persistence paid off. Allegedly on his way to Taco Bell, I had the opportunity to follow several steps behind him on his culinary quest and gain a bit of insight into the mind of Byron Brown and his short film “A New Toy.”

Who is Byron Brown?
Byron Brown is a man who just wants to be loved by everyone.

Why do you make films?
That’s a good question. It seems pretty ridiculous sometimes.

What is your short film “A New Toy” about?
It’s about the human condition: the fear, frustration, and powerlessness in everyone.

Now tell me what it’s really about.
Stupid people with too many rules.

Is it hard to shoot comedy? Did you have a script or did you wing it?
We had a script but we definitely dabbled in the winging too. With comedy, I think it’s best to A.) Come up with a silly or completely absurd idea. B.) Totally commit to it. Don’t try to act silly.

It usually works out from there - or at least you have a good chance of ending up with something interesting.

Tell me about your actors.
I used to work with the older gentleman, Hosea Perkins. He was always very supportive of / interested in my short film endeavors.I told him about the idea for “A New Toy” and that I was looking for a child actor.” He enthusiastically recommended his son, Dorian. Luckily, Dorian turned out to be a natural!

What camera did you use to shoot your short film?
Sony HVR-V1U HDV

What did you edit on?
My creative partner, Robbie Bourland, worked his magic with Final Cut Pro.

Do you have any advice for filmmakers on a limited budget?
Ummmmmm, keep it simple. Also I think it’s probably a good idea to focus most of your time and energy on the story and acting. A movie that succeeds technically, but fails in the story or acting department……fails?

Do you have any advice for the homeless on a limited budget?
Go steal “The Fisher King” starring Robin Williams from a nearby video store. Then break into someone’s house and use their entertainment center to watch it repeatedly until the police force you to leave…….I’m not sure where I was going with this.

Obama, Clinton, McCain or Paul?
If I commit to one candidate, supporters of the other candidates won’t like me. (see question number 1)

Finally, where did you get that car and can I borrow it?
Toys R US. You’ll have to ask Mr. Dorian Perkins. It’s his car now. That’s how I paid the poor kid.

WATCH BYRON BROWN’S SHORT FILM “A NEW TOY” BELOW: