Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, once again another exclusive, on the only independent website to never share from other sites! Special thanks go to director Daniel Zirilli from 'Hollow Point' for letting me know about Bryan Byrne. As a current police officer, and former SWAT member he has a wealth of experience in real life action, thankful as hell to be the first on EARTH to interview and support someone hired to protect and serve as he unleashes his quest to dive head first into the acting realm! Bryan shares his thoughts on working with Steven Seagal on 'Cartels' and the cast and crew on 'Hollow Point'!!!
DMR:
Being a police officer and former SWAT with extensive background,
your bio says meeting Steven Seagal made you want to transition to
acting, was this a decision made over careful thought or was it a
light switch, boom, off into idea mode?
BB:
I have devoted my adult life to my passion as being a police officer.
I was very fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to travel the
world with Steven and be exposed to the cinematic life. It was very
intriguing to me and was in the back of my mind something that
interested me tremendously. The first movie I was a part of
“Cartels”, I was actually asked to help show the actors how to
look SWAT.
The
extras that played SWAT guys had no experience in the field like I
did. Most of them had never held a weapon. So I gave them a crash
course on how to hold the weapon and move with a weapon.
It
was at that time when Mr. Waxman asked if I would be interested in
being in the movie. Of course I jumped at the once and a lifetime
chance. They said you look good on camera and I could work side by
side with Steven. Well that was a no brainer and really planted the
seed that this could be something I could get use to.
Above: To protect and serve in life, and to educate and create as well, honor in action.
DMR:
Chat about adjusting from real weapons work and deal with the bad
guys to working on film? What personal adjustments have you made?
BB:
Dealing with real live active search warrants and blowing doors to
make dynamic entries for a living is rough. Even the day to day
dealing with the part of society that no one wants to think or hear
about can be a challenge. The constant thought of “what if”
crosses the mind. That mindset is what keeps you alive.
It
was very difficult for me to adjust my thought process of people are
out to kill me to is this a good angle for the shot. I kept thinking
I want to be tactical and move without exposing my self to the enemy
when that is the angle that is best for the movie.
So
that in itself is a challenge. Throughout my career I have had the
opportunity to use a vast array of weaponry. I not only hold the
title of a firearms instructor, but I’m also a armor for several
different platforms. This could be a good and bad thing.
Prop
guns are in most cases are real guns that have been altered so that
they cannot function like a real gun but you get the effect that they
are real. This is a good thing for a guy like me cause when I watch
movies I’m looking to see what’s being used. And a lot of guys
who watch these types of movies are the same way. So it’s important
to keep it as real as possible.
DMR:
In my mind, with your training, sir you are the perfect consultant on modern day crime and
action films, have you put yourself out and available to do that kind
of work? Looking at credits for modern day blockbuster action films
there is always a weapons specialist on staff.
BB:
Yes I have thought about doing consulting on top of acting. I
actually have things set in motion and am available at anytime and
will travel anywhere. Spartan Blue Consulting was born.
There
is a movie with Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg “Pain & Gain”.
The movie in the open shot which is dated to 1994 has a tactical
vehicle roll in that wasn’t released until the early 2000’s and
the weapons had gen3 optics that also had not been available until
mid 2001. Small things but being in the business it sticks out like a
sore thumb.
DMR:
Pain & Gain was shot near me in South Florida, you have a good
eye, to catch these things. Incidentally, this was a passion project
of Michael Bay and at 26 mil budget compared to 150 mil, yes many
corners were cut. I know you want to push towards acting, what is
your role on Daniel Zirilli's Hollow Point?
BB:
My role in “Hollow Point” is a Ex Special Forces guy turn body
guard for a drug lord. Not the typical job after that kind of admiral
service to his country.
DMR:
Chat about your days on set of Hollow Point, did you pick up pointers
from the other actors? I know you worked with Daniel as well on The Asian Connection.
BB:
Apparently after walk on set Daniel and Adel (Producer) were
approached by all the lead actors and they requested to have fight
scenes with me. So of course being the brilliant minds that they are,
adjusted things to make those requests a reality. Let me tell you, it
was a blast!
Luke
Goss from whom I had the pleasure of working with prior on the set of
Cartels, had and idea to work off the former profession of my
character and make it a realistic encounter as possible. You can’t
get much better than that. The minds and the attention to detail that
Luke and Daniel had to making this extra scene was awesome to be a
part of.
Being
on set on its own is amazing. Upstairs I’m playing the role of a
bad guy and fighting it out with Luke Goss. Then I’m sitting
downstairs eating a granola bar and talking to Micheal Parè about
being a cop. Pretty surreal, but again nice to be able to learn from
legends and share with them the life of a real life police officer.
Being
on set with all these talented and amazing people is what makes
making the trip from the Lil town in Minnesota well worth it. And let
me tell you that’s not a easy trip. But for Daniel Zirilli, I would
do it a million times over.
I
mean when he has all those other actors that have experience, the
size, the look, and I get that call in the middle of the night. Well
you know I’ll do whatever it takes to get there when called.
Daniel Zirilli had this to say exclusively to Dan's Movie Report: "I met Byran Byrne in Thailand when I was directing Steve Seagal in The Asian Connection, he is just a great guy and gentle giant and I respect his service in Swat and as a Policeman. I put him in a brief fight with Seagal, then next he had a great fight with Mike Tyson in The China Salesman (I did not direct that) then I put him in a brief fight with Michael Pare, and a longer fight and action scene with Luke Goss in Hollow Point.... so..... I want him to have a hit list of action actors he fights! Seagal, Tyson, Pare, Goss.... who is next? Other directors/producers/actors out there... let's keep this good man fighting!"
Daniel Zirilli had this to say exclusively to Dan's Movie Report: "I met Byran Byrne in Thailand when I was directing Steve Seagal in The Asian Connection, he is just a great guy and gentle giant and I respect his service in Swat and as a Policeman. I put him in a brief fight with Seagal, then next he had a great fight with Mike Tyson in The China Salesman (I did not direct that) then I put him in a brief fight with Michael Pare, and a longer fight and action scene with Luke Goss in Hollow Point.... so..... I want him to have a hit list of action actors he fights! Seagal, Tyson, Pare, Goss.... who is next? Other directors/producers/actors out there... let's keep this good man fighting!"
DMR:
Thanks for that gentlemen, it is a wonderful opportunity to work with Daniel Z, he gives dynamic
opportunities to new talent, and accepts input from people he trusts
all to make his films better. I know you still are an active police
officer, have you caught the acting 'bug' hah so to speak, is this a
possible career change for you or is it where life takes you?
BB:
I am still an active police officer. I work full time at the White
Earth Police Department and part time for the City of Perham Police
Department. As far as catching the bug. I think the bug has been
inside me for some time now.
Especially
after having the numerous TV shows that have came out of on the
job police duty, from the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office to film
that I was fortunate to be a part of. To have the opportunity to work
with Steven and be exposed to being on the set of full out action
movies. Yes I have caught the bug and plan on running with it as far
as I can.
More
than likely, no matter what happens with this new found passion or
career I will still in some way continue to be a police officer. I
enjoy being able to help my community and educate our youth on all of
life’s topics. From riding a bike and obeying laws of the road, to
the effects that drugs and alcohol can have on one's future and well
being.
DMR:
As a person with so much experience, when you watch modern day
massive action films, do you analyze what s not believable, or are
you more caught up in the moment? Do you have a film that sticks in
your mind saying OK, now they did it close to reality of police work
and tactical?
BB:
Sometimes it is hard to sit down and watch a good action movie mainly
because I stay active in the gym or at work. When I do I have a new
found respect on what it took to make that flick. I don’t care what
anyone says fake, fighting is the same if not worse than the real
thing.
Meaning
it takes a lot to make that shot count and fight with out actually
hitting the guy or gal you are fighting. It’s painful and taxing.
The only different is that other guy isn’t trying to kill u and get
away from you. I don’t care what anyone says being hurled across
the room and smashing into a table or a wall hurts.
But
you can’t but help critic a movie especially if you do it in real
life. Being a FBI Bomb Technician the movie Hurt Locker was on point.
The expert consultants and the directors were on the same sheet.
Which made it a really enjoyable movie to watch. And I have watched
it probably a million times. Sanborn was bad ass!
DMR:
That movie was amazing, and Kathy Bigalow for what she accomplished,
obviously deserved the awards. Chat about some actors you look up to,
and directors. Perhaps discuss some films you enjoy as influencing
you on your career.
BB:
Actors I look up to. Well the list is growing for sure. But guys like
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart these two are a great pair. The Rock is
the man, very talented and well rounded awesome guy. He can be funny
and serious all in the same scene. Kevin seems to strike gold every
time the camera turns on.
Luke
Goss, Steven Seagal being able to work side by side these guys is
amazing. Being able to learn from them, and see how they take the
time to pay homage to the men and women of the military and the first
responders and actually care and it’s not just lip service. Kinda
cool to be honest. I could go on and on.
What
else can be said about Daniel Zirilli, he is a guy who can keep an
open mind and shoot from the cuff to catch the perfect shot. He does
it so effortlessly it makes learning and acting so fluid and like
second nature.
Keoni
Waxman is also right up there. Like Daniel, being able to orchestrate
so many moving parts and wrap them all in to one to make a movie, to
me is amazing.
Above: Bryan in 'The Asian Connection' From IMDB
DMR:
The Rock is amazing, he gives chances and opportunities to new
talent, and keeps a sense of sardonic humor. Chat about your long
term goals say 5 to 10 years out, some ideas you may have about
films.
BB:
Where do I see my self in 5-10 years. hopefully doing what I’m
doing. I love police work. Copping is my life, but being able act and
be a part of the film making process is a new found passion that I
could see myself doing for many years to come.
DMR: Thank you again sir for this enlightening interview on your variety of skills and goals. For more information please check out Bryan's IMDB page and Twitter!
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7492457/
DMR: Thank you again sir for this enlightening interview on your variety of skills and goals. For more information please check out Bryan's IMDB page and Twitter!
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7492457/
Follow Bryan on his newly minted Twitter account: https://twitter.com/bryanbyrne8
