About
“Fear is what holds most people back. So what Paul is doing is shepherding folks into courage. Awesome and beautiful!” – Gary Walker, Visual Effects Supervisor (Apollo 13, What Lies Beneath)
“I was very impressed with his work and directing skills.” -Bobby Janson
“The quality of your film is far above any independent film...you have a gift and a talent.” -Samuel Steadman
“I love the true honesty that you bring to the screen.” -Terry Looney
"Paul Bright burst into my life when I was at a low point, in 1998. He was teaching basic acting classes and we became friends the moment we met. He broadens horizions and opens his students' perspectives. We began as teacher and student but soon started our long association as colleagues building a community theater company. Paul served as artistic director and brought such innovation and verve to our group that we drew crowds from other communities miles away. Paul directed me in plays and movies and is always astonishingly inventive. Working along side him is an enlightening adventure. He is a wonderful writer. I look forward to reading new material in hopes he has a part for an aging, straight, partly-crazy white woman. If more details are needed, please do not hesitate to call on me. I love working with Paul and would recommend him to any artistic undertaking without reservation. He is the best!"
-Carol Forbes
"Paul is a lovely director. He keeps the lines of respectful communication open and helps others get going in a business that is without a doubt very tough to break into. Whether someone is crew or cast, Paul gives them a chance to work, but he sets the example by working very hard. Anyone who's been around Paul knows that he has a determination to succeed and as such, he knows how to make the tough decisions that solve problems and keep his productions rolling along. He is incredibly organized and relaxed and is just a delight to work with." - Mary Anzalone
As a film and stage director I focus on bringing the story alive - making it truly believable through the performances of the actors. Even though the nature of acting is to tell lies, at all times the audience must feel the basic honesty at the root of the story.
I've worked with amazing directors and learned their skills, watched their approaches to working with actors and interpreting material. From my many colleagues in New York, Los Angeles and Austin I've gleaned the best of all of them to create memorable and heartfelt creations of entertainment.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrightfilms/
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My available time to mentor actors is limited. I have a large international film student following and interact with them daily in addition to my work directing films. Since I love performing and interacting with audiences I also accept several stage roles through the year.
Before working with an actor I interview them to determine their goals in their acting career and their motivation for pursuing this work.
Performers who enjoy the playfulness of acting are valuable assets to our community. However I only work with individuals who seek to make impacts through performance to improve the social fabric.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was raised in Los Angeles, graduated Hollywood High Performing Arts Magnet, studied theater at UCLA, trained at the American Musical Theater program at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, studied voice under Nathan Lam and Rickie Weiner. I was a full time working union actor by age 16 in television and film.
I was the founding Artistic Director of a repertory theater company in the Austin area. We produced 32 stage productions in our first 3 years. After that I moved to New York and worked on camera in film and TV for several years.
I've directed 11 feature films and numerous short films.
I relocated my production company to Oregon for the beautiful scenery and unique opportunities of the Pacific Northwest.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Professional actors keep their skills sharp by either performing frequently, taking classes with other professional actors to explore and play together, or by studying with a mentor. When actors are not constantly working on their craft they get rusty and it takes time and effort to restore their performance skills.
Before choosing to work with an acting class or a mentor, consider what skills you want to develop, where you want to be performing and if the mentor or class will give you the skills you need for that venue/platform, why you are pursuing training in the first place, and what you want your performances to do for your audience.
If an actor wants to perform simply because of the endorphin rush from receiving applause, I would recommend other professional pursuits than stage or film acting.