Keith Sutliff is a movie Director who is making his debut feature-film with an action-packed crime thriller titled “The Mason Brothers” that follows a band of outlaws as they track down their brother’s killer. Keith Sutliff hails from Tampa, Florida, and favors nonlinear type storytelling and dark and/or desaturated color tones which give his films a unique feel. Keith earned a Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and then attended a filmmaking trade school in Los Angeles. Keith went on to start his own production company, KS Pictures LLC, and has produced, written, and directed multiple short films.
"The Mason Brothers" is his premiere feature film which will be released in the Spring of 2017. Recently, Keith discussed this movie and his future plans:
Films
Blasting News (BN): What most inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Keith Sutliff (KS): My love for Movies in general. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved movies and wanted to direct and make movies one day. Films like “Point Break,” “Terminator 2,” “Aliens” and “Inception” all inspired me.
BN: What are your favorite genres to work on and why?
KS: Crime thriller and action. They always have been and what I am most passionate about. Gangs, heists, and crime are entertaining to watch and appeal to a lot of people. Then everyone loves an action film.
They are always entertaining.
BN: Where did the idea for “The Mason Brothers” come from?
KS: I have always had an idea to make and write a heist film where a group of brothers attempt to seek revenge on these other criminals who set them up during a bank heist which resulted in the death of one of the brothers. A bank heist gone sideways.
I wanted to tell it non-linear/non-chronological like I write all my films.
BN: How would you describe this particular film?
KS: A blood pumping thrill ride of a movie! I wrote it non-linear/non-chronological as the film cuts back in forth in the time line not in order as much. The audience pieces together the story as it moves along.
The dark desaturated lighting I use in all my movies creates an eerie mysterious atmospheric tone for the film. The characters all have personalities that keep the audience off guard. This film also has that throwback LA crime saga movie feel from the 1990s. The music is by world-class composer Federico Vaona! It’s great, almost combining a thriller/mysterious tone and horror vibe with an action sense at some parts.
Future
BN: What is it like to wear so many hats when making a movie?
KS: It was difficult but it had to be done. This was my first feature film and learning how to produce/direct and help manage a set is invaluable experience. Now I know what it takes to do all those jobs on a feature and not just a short film.
Plus, it cuts down on budget for me.
BN: What is it like to run your own production company?
KS: Challenging but very rewarding. I want to continue to make feature films with my company and expand with more staff. All the films I have done so far are based on my writing and produced in house with my company. However, I would consider scripts from outside writers eventually.
BN: Do you have any projects coming up that you want to talk about?
KS: I am working on writing a script right now about criminals with completely separate personalities that converge together into one location all trying to achieve one goal. I’ll leave it at that until time gets closer to release the title and the complete plot summary with a more detailed log line!
BN: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to become a professional filmmaker?
KS: Come up with a plan and work harder than you have ever worked before. Have a vison of what you want to achieve and stay humble, focused, and hungry as this is your last job. I believe hard work, dedication, and discipline leads to success in any field.
