Filmmaker Brian McAllister

Brian McAllister is a director and editor based in New York City. He recently edited Jonathan Caouette's feature film "Walk Away Renee" which screened at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival (Critic's Week). Brian has produced, shot and edited several television series for networks like A&E, The Bio Channel, OWN, and Speed. He has directed several short films such as "Awaking Grace" (Fairfield Cinefest "Director's Vision" 2006).

What is "The Man At The Counter" about?

A boy who works at a coffee shop notices an old man repeatedly stealing sugar packets. The boy attempts to solve the mystery of the stolen sugar, and when the answer isn't at all what he expected, he is forced to deal with some of life's most basic questions. For more info, check out TheManAtTheCounter.com

What was it like having "Man At The Counter" screen at the New Hampshire Film Festival?

Great! It's always fun having your film seen by an audience, and I grew up in New Hampshire so it was especially fun at NHFF.

How do you measure success?

If you're happy and fulfilled doing what you're doing, you're successful.

How do you handle rejection?

It's part of life and a huge part of the film business. There's always going to be someone or something who rejects your work. I've found that you just have to keep going, working, learning and believe in yourself throughout all of it.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

I was always telling stories, then i started making movies and couldn't stop...so yes?

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

There are so many different ways to tell a story with filmmaking. The endless creativity and the ability to affect people really drew me to it.

What is the best thing about being one?

It fills me with such passion and emotion that I know it's the only thing I want to do for the rest of my life.

What is the worst thing about being one?

Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and drink bad coffee.

Who is your favorite filmmaker?

I have lots of favorites. Lately I've been re-watching alot of Richard Linklater's films. I really appreciate his ability to consistently make quality films, all of which are very different from one another.

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

Do it. Whatever it is you want to do, just go do it. If you want to write, write a screenplay. If you want to direct, make a film. If you want to shoot, find a camera. The only way to "make it" is by doing. Work hard and get after it.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is so great for independent film, and a wonderful way to utilize your network, friends, and family and get your project made. For my short film, "The Man at the Counter", we used Kickstarter to raise $10,000 and make our film. If you had told me 2 years ago that this was possible, I wouldn't have believed you.

You could go back in time and see any film being made. Which film would it be and why?

I would have loved to see the making of Raging Bull specifically for how Scorsese dealt with his actors during that process. The level of acting in that film is mind blowing.

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

"In art, economy is always beauty." -Henry James

It's all about efficiently using your available resources. Also, economy in the editing of a film is crucial. If a moment or scene doesn't feel right in the flow of a film, cut it. Almost every time, that is the right choice.