Tom Carroll, a multifaceted creative force in the entertainment industry, has made significant contributions as a writer, director, and author. His directorial work includes the film “The Stress is Killing Me,” and the PBS-aired documentary “Big Bad Budget,” which garnered national attention. Carroll also wrote and directed the intriguing film “Who Stole the Tasmanian Devils?”
His literary prowess extends to the realm of fiction, where he has authored several novels, including “The Dogs Who Play Baseball,” “Young and Dumb,” and “Lawrence and the Ant Colony.” Carroll’s foray into the theater world includes the play “Churchill’s Finest Hour,” showcasing his versatility as a storyteller across various mediums.
Currently residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Carroll continues to explore new creative avenues and captivate audiences with his unique blend of wit, insight, and storytelling expertise.
Thank you so much, Tom, for taking time to do this interview! Before we dig in, congratulations on your new film “The Stress Is Killing Me!”
Thank you. The Stress Is Killing Me! premieres in LA on February 28 and the release date for the streaming and cable is March 7. It will be on Apple TV and Amazon, among others. To attend premiere or find out more information please visit the website.
Tell us more about that project and what inspired it?
The Stress is Killing Me is a comedy about eight friends from college who come back for their 20th college reunion. They’re successful – doctor, lawyer, IT guy, ad exec, and others – but they all hate their jobs. So, they decide to try out their dream jobs, what they’ve always wanted to do instead, and it all goes hilariously wrong. We wanted to create a laugh-out-loud comedy that might help people sort out their work lives. It’s a Mid-Life Crisis Comedy.
What’s one essential element you believe every compelling story must have? Why is it so important?
It must have characters that you believe in. Which is why it’s so important that the audience believes in the authenticity of the characters. People watching should say, hey, I know that person; it could even be me in that situation.
What’s one effective method you’ve used to build a platform or audience for your writing? What’s your top recommendation?
Well, whatever your genre is, write the best screenplay you can that gets recognized by the viewer for fulfilling the objective. For me and The Stress is Killing Me!, it’s about comedy, an ensemble comedy. I tried to write and direct a comedy that people will say, yes, that’s the kind of movie I want to watch.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring filmmakers?
Never give up. Never. People will send you off course. People will tell you how hard it is. And it is. But set your sights on getting a project done and then don’t rest until you’ve done it. Make a feature. If you can get through and finish a feature, you can do anything. Make it with a cell phone if you have to, but make it.
Are you working on any other exciting new projects? What is next for you?
I have a six-part comedy series set in a boarding school that’s we’re working on. It’s Animal House for the next generation. And it’s funny.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when trying to secure funding for a film project? What advice would you give to aspiring directors facing similar obstacles?
One, recognize it’s a business. Nothing happens without financing and the people in financing are extremely important and honorable. Next, be prepared. Have a script, a treatment, a schedule, a budget, and a pitch deck. Have a budget that aligns with the prospect for return on investment. And just be honest.
From your experience, what are a few ideas that we can use to effectively offer support to others who want to work in the music/entertainment industry?
Here’s my thought: If you do nothing, nothing will happen. Think big. Make a feature. Make a documentary. Make a short. If you want to be in the business, get in the business. And never give up. Never.
How do you balance developing your own unique writing style with adhering to genre conventions? What’s your approach?
Good question. Pick your genre and then go beyond the norm. If you are doing a horror film, make it unique. If action, change the normal plot. If comedy, be funny and go beyond what’s expected of a normal comedy.
How can our readers follow you online?
Our official website.
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