FILM DAILY: Brady Oliver Bryson: A Fresh Voice in Cinema with “Sideways for Attention”

I​n the ever-evolving landscape of independent cinema, emerging talents often shine through with stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Brady Oliver Bryson, a newcomer to the directorial scene, has made a notable entry with his debut feature film, “Sideways for Attention,” a raw and introspective exploration of human struggles set against the backdrop of New York City.

Bryson’s journey to filmmaking is marked by his unwavering passion for storytelling and a commitment to authenticity. Drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and cinematic influences, Bryson embarked on a creative endeavor that would challenge conventions and push the boundaries of traditional narrative storytelling.

Reflecting on the genesis of the project, Bryson shares, “I wanted to create a film that would provoke thought and stir emotions. ‘Sideways for Attention’ is my attempt to confront difficult themes head-on and spark conversations about mental health and resilience.”

​FILM DAILY: How did you come up with the idea for this script?

Bryson: Sideways for Attention was always going to be a film. My inspiration for this project was a desire to shock my audience out of complacency. I wanted people to stop what they were doing and pay attention. I wanted to find a way to bring internal and external trauma to the screen that would allow people to identify with the suffering and behaviors of any one of the characters and then think about the choices that they may have made in their own lives.

FILM DAILY: What genre would you consider Sideways for Attention?

Bryson: Sideways for Attention is hard for me to categorize. While it is a drama, certainly a dark one, there are also some comedic elements, and suspenseful moments. Critics have also had trouble pigeon-holing the film and have considered it in many different categories. SFA has been compared to French new wave, French Extremism, drama and even sometimes a Noir/thriller.

​FILM DAILY: Who is Chloe?

Bryson: Chloe is our main character. She is a complex woman with a difficult past, coming of age at the turn of the millennium. Like all of us at some point in our lives, Chloe has had to adapt, struggle and overcome many obstacles. Unlike many of us though, the trauma she has endured, both internal and external, is severe and extensive.

FILM DAILY: What does “sideways for attention” mean anyway?

Bryson: The entire saying goes “sideways for attention, longways for results” which to people who don’t understand mental illness implies that if you’re cutting you aren’t really attempting suicide the right way. I see it as a cry for help. Chloe, the main character, cuts herself to deal with the trauma that she has endured.

As “Sideways for Attention” continues to garner attention on the festival circuit, Bryson remains focused on the craft of storytelling, eager to explore new avenues of creative expression. His passion for authenticity and empathy shines through in every frame, inviting audiences to engage with the film on a deeply personal level.

Bryson’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, but his impact on the world of independent cinema is already palpable. With “Sideways for Attention,” he has proven himself as a respected writer/actor/director with a keen understanding of the human condition.

As audiences embrace Bryson’s debut feature, one thing is certain: his voice will continue to resonate in the world of cinema, inspiring others to explore the depths of human experience through the power of storytelling.

A Chance Encounter with Rob Reiner
BRYSON: For my 10th birthday, my parents took me to the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. It was being filmed at UCLA that year, and we got tickets for the cheap seats in the bleachers. During the commercial breaks, the kids were allowed to run down to the floor and get autographs from the celebrities. Slash was there; I recognized him from “Guitar Hero.” Mom pointed out an older man sitting by himself with two bags of popcorn on his lap. “Go talk to him, ask him for advice,” she said. I spoke with Rob Reiner about what it’s like being a director and asked him how he got to where he is now. He gave me some advice which I still follow to this day. He told me that to understand what it means to be a director truly, I had first to become an actor. If I really wanted to become a director, he said, it was essential for me to understand what is possible on the actors’ side of the camera. I proudly returned to our seats on the bleachers of the Pauley Pavilion and announced, “I still want to become a director, but I have to become an actor first.”

Brady Bryson by the numbers: 

Screenplay Competition Semi-Finalist:

2023    ““Sideways for Attention”  Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards

Screenplay Official Selection

2023    “Sideways for Attention”  Miami Screenplay Awards

2023    “Sideways for Attention”  Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards

Short Film Competition Awards:

2021    WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival “Where To Now?” Gold Remi Award

2021    Paris International Short Festival “Where To Now?”

2016    Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival “57 Days”

Acting Awards and Nominations:

2018    Winner: Best Dramatic Actor, Bucks County Playhouse Theater Festival 

2014    Nominee: Best Performance in a Short Film, Young Artists Awards

2013    Nominee: Best Performance in a TV Series, Young Artists Awards

2013    Nominee: Best Performance in a Short Film, Young Artists Awards

2012    Nominee: Best Performance in a Short Film, Young Artists Awards

To learn more about Brady Bryson’s films, visit https://www.mrweirdbob.com