Brett Mauser was first introduced to film when his grandfather passed. He was bequeathed with his grand father’s old Super 8mm camera. “I made some old GI Joe stop-motion movies, but because it was so expensive, I put it away, says Brett Mauser.” Then in high school, he was able to secure an old, used VHS camcorder. Brett Mauser said, “I made films with my friends for classes and fun. At that time though, I was going to be a magician/illusionist.”
However, since they didn’t have magic classes at the local college, I had to find something else so I chose film. I graduated from San Antonio College with an Associate’s Degree. I then entered “the real world” where I ran my own production company, Ponderous Productions. To pay the bills, I produced government and school videos to pay rent. All the while, I continued to pursue my independent film career.
After working as a photojournalist at a local news station and being called out to a motorcycle accident on the freeway at 2AM on a weekend, I realized that was as far as I was going to go in my career unless I completed my BA degree. I returned to school at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where I received both my BA, and my MA. I continued making films and independent projects. In 2015, I began teaching film at the college level.
The Official Trailer for The Oldest Posse Directed by Brett Mauser from Not So Sane Entertainment
indieactivity: How would you describe your work as a director?
Brett Mauser (BM): I would describe myself as an auteur. While this is detrimental in some aspects, not having an army around me and preventing me from making creative mistakes has allowed me to pour my soul into the films. When you watch one of my films, you are watching me, what I believe, and what I am feeling at the time of production. All of my films are personal explorations of the mind, heart, and soul.
How did you get into directing?
Brett Mauser (BM): I don’t remember the exact day, but I do remember looking at myself in the mirror one day and making the decision. I had wanted to be an actor. I was in the acting/drama squad in high school and enjoyed the spotlight, making people laugh. However, I could look myself in the mirror and realize that I would never be cast as a leading man. So, I decided to make my own movies so that I could cast myself in those roles.
Be the hero I always wanted to be. Eventually one day, it became more important to create a good story than to be in the movies so I focused on directing and being behind the camera rather than in front of it. I do still, from time to time, step in front of the lens to play a small role. But more often than not, I prefer to remain behind the camera, to ensure I’m getting the best footage I possibly can.
How do you choose a project to direct?
Brett Mauser (BM): I’ve almost always written my own films. I have directed a couple of films for friends but I had no personal connection to the stories. However, my own films always reflect an issue I am going through or something I am questioning. For instance, as I reach the end of my career, I have recently looked back, wondering if I did any good and if I made a difference in the world.
After all, I’m just making movies, not curing cancer. This self-contemplation became one of the themes of my latest film “Oldest Posse.” Six retired lawmen asking themselves if they had done any good. So when I make a film, I’m doing it to explore a belief or conflict in my life.
What uniqueness can female directors bring to film/tv/cinema?
Brett Mauser (BM): I think it is important not to look at your sex, race, ethnicity, SES, or any of that when asking what you have to bring to a film project. You as an individual, your personal experiences, who you are as a person, what you’ve discovered, those are what matter. Of course, many of those aspects can help shape who you are and your life experiences but they don’t define you as a human being.
Two males can bring completely different approaches and life experiences to any project just as two women would have two different perspectives. I think it is important to bring your life, yourself to your projects, as an individual, not as a status or checked-box.
Do you often take courses to increase your craft?
Brett Mauser (BM): I currently teach college-level film classes, so in order to stay up to date and provide students with current practices, techniques, and equipment, I have to stay up on all the new “stuff” in the world of film. This can be in the form of product videos, YouTube videos, communication with other professors, or even real-world practical experience.
What books do you read?
Brett Mauser (BM): Most recently, I read Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat. I often find technical knowledge by working with new equipment or software but I have always struggled in finding the secret to writing good stories. For years, I studied Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey (Hero with a Thousand Faces). For decades, I modeled my scripts around it but it never felt complete or it always felt like they were missing something. So more recently, I have sought out other books about story structure. Snyder’s book seemed the most relevant and user-friendly.
Why would you choose an actor, writer, or producer? What do you look for?
Brett Mauser (BM): I write my own films so that’s an easy one. When finding a producer, I’m looking for someone who shows up! I often invited students to come visit our sets after they graduated. It was an opportunity for them to continue to learn and possibly become a member of our team. Only one student ever showed up and stuck with it.
He is now a fellow producer and I couldn’t make the films I do without his help. When seeking actors and actresses, I am looking for someone who most closely resembles what I have in my head for the character. However, there are many times during the casting process that a talent will bring something that I didn’t see to the character that makes them a perfect choice for the role.
When you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
Brett Mauser (BM): In recent years, I have only produced my own projects so I’m not really approached by others anymore. However, for those still in that phase of their career, it is important to accept where you are. If you are just starting out, you’re going to need to take whatever you can to pay the bills and build your reputation. As you progress and can be more selective about what you take, accept those jobs you feel a connection with or that you would be proud to be a part of.
Briefly explain your latest work?
Brett Mauser (BM): In 2023, I produced The Oldest Posse, a love letter and return to the classic Westerns. After decades of not understanding my life choices, my father has only recently become fully supportive and understanding of my career choices. I grew up on Westerns and he was greatly responsible for that. I wanted to make a film he would love and cherish and remind him of the types of films he grew up on and loved.
After that, in the Summer of 2023, I shot “Serial Rabbit 7,” a horror comedy about a serial killer in a bunny rabbit outfit. However, I did so as a part of an internet series I created called “Long Shot.” It was created to show every step of the process of making a movie with no money. We set a budget of $2,500 and showed the audience how to make a feature film with only that amount of money, from concept to casting to shooting, editing, and even distribution.
Explain key challenges on your last film?
Brett Mauser (BM): “Serial Rabbit 7” was a very unique experience for me. It has only been very recently that I have been able to start putting some decent money into my projects. That’s still not to say that we had any real budget. Our recent Westerns were only shot for between $10,000 – $20,000.
However, these investments did greatly improve the quality. It spoiled me. So, stepping back and trying to make a film for only $2,500 was a harrowing experience but if I had to identify one specific area that was most troublesome, it would be trying to find locations with no money. Oftentimes, we would have to resort to shooting at my house or at the offices of some of the actors but that’s what you have to do when you have no money…resource filmmaking. Look at what you have to work with and write your script around that but stepping back after having decent budgets into the world of bare-bones filmmaking was a difficult thing to do.
What ‘thing/situation’ helps you during production?
Brett Mauser (BM): Pride. And not in the bad pride kind of way. But reputation. People often say, “Don’t worry what people think about you. Be proud of who you are and don’t let people judge you.” Well, what if you’re an asshole? Or more appropriate to this question, what if you’re someone who gives up easily? It’s important to have a good reputation in this business. Especially in the independent world. You have to maintain your reputation as someone who completes their films. I know too many actors who have been in films that have never been completed. I want people to keep working with me and one of the things that keeps people coming back is that I finish my films. I always have. They may have their problems and they may not be perfect but they are finished and actors can use their scenes in their demos.
They have something to show for their hard work. When things get tough, actors or locations disappear, the camera breaks, or any other number of issues that pop up, you have to plug through and finish the film, somehow and it’s pride, guarding your reputation, worrying what people will think about you, that makes that possible.
Brett Mauser and Not So Sane Entertainment make horror comedy Serial Rabbit 7 for just $2,500
Explain a creative choice you took on the set of a recent production?
Brett Mauser (BM): I’ll jump back to “Lady Lawman” for this question. The original draft of the script had a rather depressing end for our lead, Francis Miller, the first deputy marshal in the Old West. She met an untimely end. However, after our second weekend of shooting, I pieced together an action scene where she accomplishes some amazing feats of bravery. I sat back and realized, “I made too damned big of a hero.
I can’t kill her off.” It was seeing how the character had evolved and the connection she was going to make with the audience that made me realize we needed to change course. So, someone else had to die instead. The entire movie changed and it gave a satisfying ending that was heart-wrenching but still stayed true to the themes of the movie.
How do you advise directors to find projects?
Brett Mauser (BM): Easy. Do what you’re passionate about. Find projects that speak to you and that you feel you have something to say something about. If you don’t have a personal connection to the themes or the heart of the story then you’re not the right choice to take the helm and you will do a disservice to the project.
How can filmmakers finance their projects?
Brett Mauser (BM): You got me. We’ve always done it out of our own pockets. Some features we’ve made for $65. “Serial Rabbit 3” was made for $180. As I personally progressed in life, I’ve been able to put more money into my projects. Other than that, I can only tell you what I’ve read about online or seen in YouTube videos. Crowdfunding, credit cards, or rich uncles. None of which I have much experience with. Well, successful experience with anyway.
The Official Trailer for Lady Lawman
What do you want from an actor during a production?
Brett Mauser (BM): For them to know their lines. Really, that’s it. I’ll work with an actor to pull a performance out of them if I need to but coming to set prepared is the big one. Please show up with your lines memorized. If you don’t, you’re wasting everyone’s time, sitting around waiting for you to get them down. That burns time and money and it causes me to make compromises, speed things up, and not take the time on scenes that I should. It hurts the movie and it frustrates everyone on set. Know your lines.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
Brett Mauser (BM): The dynamics working on my films are quite different from others. My producers are friends who have come on board to help. They help find locations and occasionally, cast. Maybe help find props. They’re not money people. They’re not the traditional producers that you may be familiar with.
What do you think a female director can do to get into the film industry?
Brett Mauser (BM): Make good films. Whether you’re a man, woman, puppy dog, or zebra, the way to draw attention to yourself and get hired is to make good films. Be the best you can be and create projects that stand out. I thought the director of “Twister,” Jan de Bont, was a woman when I saw his name in the credits. I didn’t care that it was a woman or even give it a second thought. I loved “Wonder Woman,” directed by Patty Jenkins. Hated “Wonder Woman 1984.” She didn’t change genders in between the films, she just made a bad movie. Be a good director and make good films.
Who is your favorite director?
Brett Mauser (BM): I’d have to say John Woo was the biggest influence in my life. When I saw “Hard Boiled,” my jaw dropped. I said at the end of the teahouse scene, “This is what I want to do.” I meant to make films like that, not shoot up a tea house. The themes of honor and sacrifice struck so close to home with me, most of my earliest work was so highly influenced by his action scenes. I’ve never been able to come close to what he pulled off but it never stopped me from trying.
What advice would you give male/female directors around the world?
Brett Mauser (BM): Male/female directors…So then … .directors. I would give the same advice I gave to female directors trying to get into the industry. Make great films. Put your heart into them. Tell the stories you want to tell, that have meaning to you, that you are personally invested in. If your soul is on the page and on the screen then you’ll be creating something special. Because it’s you.
Briefly write about your career?
Brett Mauser (BM): I’ve shot and directed 45 feature films and several internet series. The first film we ever sold was “Barrio Angelz” in 2004. By today’s standards, heck even by 2004 standards, it was a pretty bad movie but we made it for $1,000 and got it on Blockbuster shelves.
From then on out I was a filmmaker. It hasn’t been until recently though that I feel our films have become noteworthy and worthwhile. I truly started being proud of our films with our film “Lady Lawman,” about the first female deputy in the Old West, based on a true story. Then our series “Knight Watchmen,” a six-episode dystopian cyber-punk detective series. The reviews have been outstanding and have all asked for a season two, which we hope to give them someday.
Then of course our most recent Western, “The Oldest Posse,” which won four of the five film festivals it screened at. All of our recent films are available on popular streaming services like Amazon and Tubi. Direct links can be found on our website www.notsosane.com and of course, our YouTube channel where you can find our series “Long Shot” if you want to see how we made (and you can, too) a feature film for only $2,500. Our YouTube channel is NotSoSaneMen.
The Official Trailer for Knight Watchmen
Tell us what you think of the interview with Brett Mauser. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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