Member Focus: Bryce McGuire

Filmmaker and writer, Bryce McGuire, has had a lifelong passion for storytelling. Growing up surrounded by books and stories—his mother was an English professor, and his father a librarian —he began writing short stories as a child. This early passion led him to write a fantasy novel during his teenage years, which he would read to his cousins every summer.

In high school, Bryce transitioned from writing to filmmaking. His English teacher, Steve Hobbs, played a pivotal role by allowing him to create a short film instead of writing an essay. The experience of sharing his creation with others and receiving positive feedback ignited his passion for filmmaking. He continued to pursue this interest, making short films throughout high school and college.

Bryce went on to study screenwriting at the American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles. Post-graduation, he spent seven years in LA, creating short films and doing odd jobs to make a living. His dedication and perseverance eventually led to a career in filmmaking.

The pandemic brought significant changes to his life. He moved to Chattanooga, his wife’s hometown, to be closer to family. With remote work becoming more common, he found he could continue writing from anywhere. Common House has been a frequent writing spot for Bryce, where he connects with other creative members. This move has allowed him to immerse himself more deeply in his new community and find inspiration in a different environment.

A key moment in his career was the creation of his latest film, "Night Swim." The idea was inspired by the universal childhood experience of fear and imagination while swimming in a pool at night. This project allowed him to tap into shared memories and emotions, making the story relatable on a deeper level. He emphasized the importance of grounding fantastical stories in personal experiences, making them more universal and engaging.

In discussing his creative process, Bryce stressed the importance of authenticity and personal connection in storytelling. He believes that even when telling a story that seems unrelated to his own life, there are always emotional truths that can be woven into the narrative. This approach ensures that his films resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

"Night Swim" stands out in the horror genre due to its focus on character-driven storytelling. Drawing inspiration from early M. Night Shyamalan films, Steven Spielberg, and Stephen King, Bryce aims to create horror films that prioritize human experiences and emotions over cheap thrills. He believes that horror is a versatile genre that allows for the exploration of various themes and tones, from suspense and terror to humor and drama.

Looking ahead, Bryce is excited about the potential to shoot his next film, "Every House is Haunted," in Chattanooga. This film will expand on a short film that was made in Chattanooga and premiered at Common House last year. He is also part of a collective working to bring more film production to the city, including building soundstages and advocating for tax incentives to compete with nearby Atlanta.

For aspiring filmmakers, Bryce offers the advice to fully commit to their creative visions without trying to please everyone. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being true to oneself, as these qualities are what ultimately draw people to a creator's work. He believes that the imperfections in art often make it more memorable and authentic.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties in the film industry, Bryce remains passionate and driven. His journey from a child writing short stories to a filmmaker creating deeply personal and engaging films is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to one's creative vision.