A Sit Down with Tyson Smith

Since completing The Road Home, Tyson Smith, who plays Will, has been a very busy man. In addition to moving to LA, he has also been busy working on a new project. I had a chance to speak with him last week, and he was kind enough to take a trip down memory lane and reflect back on the movie. (Tyson)

How are you today? I'm good. I've been busy, but doing alright.

So have you seen the movie? I had the chance to see a rough cut a few months back and really enjoyed it.

You play Will in the movie, in your own words; tell us a little about Will. Will is a normal guy from a normal little town. He just wants to be happy, but has some trouble figuring out where to find that happiness. He struggles with being more assertive in his actions and I think it’s due to the fact that he's uncertain what will make him happy.

Most of your scenes are with Geoff James and Aaron Smith, who two completely different types of people, not to mention their characters were complete opposites as well, what was it like working with them? Tell us a little about how their characters affect and drive Will. Both Geoff and Aaron are very talented actors and they were great to work with. Geoff's and Aaron's characters are sort of like the angel and demon on the shoulders of Will. Geoff's character tries to make sure Will does the right thing and walks a straight line, while Aaron's character humorously urges Will to be the bad boy and go after his desires. Will sometimes becomes annoyed with one or the other... or both for that matter.

And then there’s Laura Clark… Ah, yes... Laura. Is she still play'n the spoons for money? Anyways, she was great and I really enjoyed working with her.

So how would you describe your overall experience working on The Road Home? Working on The Road Home has been my best experience working in film, thus far. I learned a lot, I met great people, made lasting friendships, rode in the back of moving truck while operating a camera strapped to the tailgate, ate BBQ, rolled in the dirt, laughed a lot, and spent one summer+ making something I truly enjoyed! I just want to say thanks for giving me that opportunity.

Since finishing the movie, you’ve relocated to LA, how’s that going? It's going alright. I've been pretty busy trying to clear my schedule of the daily grind and allow myself the chance to do what I actually came out here for. Besides that, I've made an effort to get out and see the city and all it has to offer - I really like it here.

What’s next for Tyson Smith? Currently, in an effort to stay creatively active, I've been writing a comedic webisode with another filmmaker friend of mine. We're hoping to begin production in 2009. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you Tyson, and we look forward to seeing that when it's finished.

Alive and kicking

Hello, all. This is Mark with a long-overdue message to you, the audience. Many things have occurred with this film that were, and still are, a surprise to me. We worked with some great actors, met many great local people that were extremely kind and helpful, and took a complete shot in the dark with making a feature film. Here we are, two years later, with a feature film that will soon be released to the public, and I am still reminding myself of how cool this is. Part of what's kept this alive for me has been the interest that everybody has taken in us and the movie. People just asking simple questions like "Are you still making that movie?" has made a big difference for me, in terms of motivation. Another part is that it has been a great experience making this thing, across-the-board. It's been a cool journey with, hopefully, some more road left to travel. I'd like to send many thanks to those of you that frequent the website, MySpace pages, and wherever else the film is getting some play, and for sharing your knowledge of The Road Home with others. My hope for the film is that everybody that sees it will get something out of it, in some way. So, before you bring out the rotten tomatoes and cabbage, give us and our movie a chance to entertain you, and I think you'll be pleased. I look forward to seeing you all at the premiere, whether I know you or not, and I hope you enjoy our film. My apologies for leaving you all high and dry for the past several months, but this movie's gettin' done, son.

Sincerely,

Mark
Director, Co-Producer of The Road Home

P.S. Don't forget! Dec. 4th, 2008 - 7:00 p.m. - The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, TN - $5 admission. You can't go wrong!

December 4th, are you gonna be there?

The wait is finally over! After more than year, The Road Home will finally be premiering for all to see. I would like to thank all who have been waiting for your patience, and look forward to seeing you at the Belcourt Theatre on Thursday December 4th. Those looking to get tickets early, you can do so on the Belcourt website here.

If you are coming and know someone who might be interested, please, invite them to come along. Personally speaking, a packed house would be the most satisfying way to hi-light this unbelievable process. Not mention, it would be a great way to show support for the unbelievable group of folks who gave up an entire summer of their lives to help a couple of first time feature filmmakers achieve the unlikely.

Run time will be around 90 minutes with the film beginning at 7 P.M. After the movie, the floor will be open to any questions you may have to any of the actors or filmmakers that are at the screening.

Once again, I look forward to seeing everyone there. If there are any questions please email me at jeff@jlpfilms.com for more information. Best wishes to all.

Jeffery L. Parks
Writer/Producer