Interview with Phyllis Bancroft

Phyllis Toben Bancroft is an award-winning filmmaker, a successful director and producer in several disciplines, including film, television, theater and the Internet. Prior to BURNED Bancroft created and produced SPENT, a heart breaking story of a woman whose consumerism leads to tragedy. The film is the recipient of numerous honors and has been screened at more than 30 film festivals nationwide. Honors include a “Best Short” award and being named a Finalist at the USA Film Festival.

In addition to producing a total of five short films Phyllis has also helms the web series ERNIEʼS GIRLS, a comedic look at modern marriage and fatherhood through the life of ʻErnie,ʼ a husband and father who is teeming with testosterone and drowning in a sea of estrogen. Hilarious and moving, it has been the recipient of several honors, including the 2010 L.A Web Series award for “Outstanding Achievement” and being an official selection of the 2010 Pan African Film Festival. Phyllis received an MFA in Producing from the American Film Institute Conservatory – AFI. However, her first credits were in theater. She has directed over 25 plays, many of which she developed and work-shopped at venues that included Playwrights Horizons, the Smithsonian Institute, The Hartford Stage Company and the Harold Clurman Theater. She was also one of the original Directors in the Lincoln Centerʼs Directors Lab. Phyllis remains zealous about directing professionally and continues to sharpen her skills as a member of the prestigious Actors Studio West (Director/Playwright Unit) weekly workshops while developing her next project.

As an artist her goal is to use the various media, including film, television, theater, and the Internet to entertain audiences while shedding light on topics close to her heart.

I am a creative Producer and Director. After having directed and produced a lot of theater in NYC, I really wanted to learn how to put a film together from start to finish.  I applied to film school and the rest is history. I earned my MFA in Producing from AFI, The American Film Institute Conservatory. I always look for things that are close to my heart.  I have to like the story.  I’ve often created my own stories and collaborated with a writer for film projects.

There are different kinds of producers.  There are those who simply have the connections to money or talent and there are those who know how to put the nuts and bolts together. It helps to have all of those qualities, but not everyone does, which is why it’s important to collaborate with other producers.  The problem is when actors and writers want to do it alone.  Collaboration is key to get any project off the ground.

Phyllis Bancroft on the set of ‘Burned’

I haven’t taken producing courses since graduating film school, but I am always open to learning more. As a director I go to weekly classes at The Actors Studio Directing Unit. I’m a big non-fiction reader. I like well written true stories. I can always find inspiration in them. Right now I’m reading Carolyn Myss’ Archetypes.

I do my best to go to theater, keep up on who is doing what in movies, and stay connected to the contacts I have while always building new ones.

I look for authenticity in an actor, life experience in a writer and unique perspectives in a director.  However, all three are interchangeable.

I study it to make sure I get the vision and that I can get behind it and believe in it.  I have to believe in it because at the end of the day, I have to keep everyone else motivated to do their best work. I rest; exercise, a jump rope, healthy food and a positive team whose focus is purely the work.

I had a situation where an actor didn’t come to work prepared.  After several takes, I had to make a decision to move forward and use what I had.  Luckily, I had a brilliant editor who made the performance look stellar.

Be open to go beyond what your limits are and/or your “type”.  There is always room for growth, keep working and expanding your credits, contacts and accessibility to the deepest parts of who you are as an individual.  This will feed your work.  Have a life outside of the business.  This, too, will feed your work.  Be persistent and consistent while staying focused on the craft.  Always be prepared.

Have a great project and believe in it, raise money on Kickstarter, don’t be afraid to ask for money and/or find investors who have money and will invest in you. Invest in yourself.

I want a director that has clarity, ability to work with actors, great vision and leadership abilities.

I prefer to work with a director closely and carefully during production.  If I understand his/her vision, I can do my part to help bring all the pieces together.  Communication is the key.  Things change so fast on a set and time is limited, so it’s important to be tapped into your director’s vision at all times.

Phyllis Bancroft & Eric Roberts on the set of ‘Burned’

I believe in training, so I’d advise going to the best school possible and explore your craft while making connections.  After graduation, do whatever work you can and give your best even if it doesn’t pay money.  People remember that and the people who hired you for free might be the same people who will hire you for money.

The Bob and Harvey Weinstein pair is my favorite producers. I like them because they are willing to take risks on up and coming filmmakers who were brave enough to go out and make a film.

Actors should get the best training and never stop practicing your craft.

I started in the theater and found that training to be valuable in film. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great actors who are dedicated to learning more, exploring and taking risks. Recently, I discovered Bianca Laverne Jones, who is a theater actress who made a beautiful transition to film.  I auditioned her on Skype from LA to NYC.  Even with the pixelated images, her talent shone through and she was hired. It was worth flying her in from NY, for more information visit www.phylliteproductions.com