On film

Bryon Evans is a local award-winning producer and filmmaker. He specializes in commercials, music videos and short films. For more information, go to www.bryonevansfilms.com

Did you go to school for production?

No, I’m completely self-taught. I started drawing at like 6, and then I became a musician and played the drums. I’ve always had that creative bone in me. Towards the end of high school, the Art Institute came and did a 3-D animation demo. I was like, man, if I can take my creative ability and learn the computer, I could probably make a living off this. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to school so I got a hand-me-down computer and a hacked version of Photoshop and started teaching myself graphic design and web design. Then for my band, I started making little music videos and just fell in love with video production.

What sparked your career?

I moved to Reno in 2007 and got a job with Charter Media. That was pretty much my education and work experience all in one. They saw the creative ability in me and knew they couldn’t teach that, but could teach me how to shoot and edit. I did about 300 commercials while I was there. It was definitely a good base because doing 30-second spots teaches you how to cut the fat and get to the message. I got to write, shoot and edit, so it made me a well-rounded producer. I’ve been on my own for two years now as a freelancer.

You specialize in commercials, music videos and documentaries. What’s your favorite?

Probably documentary-style storytelling. I mean, I love it all. Commercial advertising is fun, especially when there is a crazy concept. But I have a filmmaker in me, so documentary style stuff and telling an interesting story is definitely my favorite.

Who have you done music videos for?

I’ve done two videos for Bassnectar. A couple years ago, I directed a six-camera shoot for the song “Infinite.” We only had 15 minutes to shoot. I directed five-camera guys. We ran six cameras, and I put a GoPro right in front, on his deck so the shot was right at him. I’ve also done videos for Whitney Myer, Greg Golden and other locals.

What are you most proud of?

I did this personal piece where I got to travel to the Republic of Georgia in Eastern Europe. I was shooting a pilot for a travel TV show. I made a little short called Land of Beauty: A Journey Through The Republic of Georgia with some of the footage I was able to keep. It's very personal 'cause I'm on camera, and I'm used to being behind it. People have told me it's my best work. It is my most played video online. It got a bunch of views in Russia and Georgia. People commented and said, “You did a great job showing our country, thank you. You make it look beautiful.”

Does your music background help you with music videos?

Absolutely, 100 percent. It made me a good editor, too. You can be a great shooter and shoot awesome stuff but if the audio sucks, it sucks. I think having the ability to pick music that fits the subject helps. Being a drummer and knowing the beat and timing has also helped me. I’m really happy that I have a musical background.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Still in Reno?

In five years, I'd really like to see myself doing more independent films, personal films, more documentary-style work. Producing more content and trying to get it out to some of those distribution platforms like Netflix or iTunes. Even just continuing to grow as a filmmaker. I've got to be honest—Reno has been awesome to me. It has allowed me to be a little bit of a bigger fish in a smaller pool. I don't know if I could pull off this freelancer thing if I was in San Francisco or a bigger city. I think Reno is cool as a home base. We have an international airport, and if I could live here and still fly and produce around the world, then I'm happy.