REILEY SASO
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TORONTO, ONTARIO
 www.brown25.com

REILLY. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. We’re not trying to pull down the interrogation light on ya… but com.’on , as one of the youngest AGENCY Creative Directors in the PROVINCE, we know that you’ve got some great stories to tell.

For starters… and before we get into anything too deep, tell us … what’s up with that fluorescent green 1989 vuarnet t-shirt that you’re always sportin’. ?

One of the youngest? I’m not so sure about that, but yeah, it’s good to be here a little earlier than I feel I should be. We’ll see how long that lasts. I’ve never held on to anything too long…wallets, cell phones, jobs for that matter…

As for my apparel - I’m going for this summer vibe, circa 83 thing-thing, you know. You gotta put it out there for the ladies. I mean, most of the dudes that I see on the patios around town have bigger pipes than I do, so in order to stand out, you do what you gotta do.

Is it true that you used to be a professional breakdancer? Can you really do a double backflip- ONG BAK styles? Where did you learn this? Did you grow up in Brooklyn , Thailand, or Scarborough?

Barrie. And fuck no. I can do ONE semi-backflip. I have to be drunk and I most likely won’t land it. I’m not 14 years old anymore, you know. But I still have a killer backspin.

While growing up what experiences or people helped shape you to become a Commercial Director? When or where was the first time that you said, “Hey I can make a living doing this?”

I’ve tried to surround myself with inspiring people as much as possible over the past few years. Having spent the better part of my life clueless as to where I was headed, the past 6 years of my life have been spent figuring it out, being excitable, paying attention to what impresses me on a creative level and hopefully having the opportunity to approach and learn from the ones who have inspired me.

Were you always a badass? Or was there a certain point in your life where you woke up and realized Holy Shit. I’m gonna be a fucking Director. Watch out world, Here I come. ??!!

As far as waking up with an epiphany, no. That never happened for me. I think I’ve always had the desire to entertain others on some level. I mean come on – I used to breakdance; and I’m white. The road has been long and the miles ahead are endless. I’m just starting out. I know so little.

Your work seems to reflect a slice of life that a lot of people can relate to. What is the secret to catching onto that emotional or comedic tidal wave? Are you constantly looking for that common experience that you know people will react to? Or is it just an innate ability to bring out the best in people? (example- actors or producers and executives?)

I constantly bounce ideas off of peeps, family, peers and anyone who I think is hip to the genre or fits the target profile. I’d love to be able to just create with myself in mind, but that’s an unrealistic approach to take. You may be selling to someone like you, but there are a hell of a lot of other people out there that you have absolutely zilch in common with and you better be conscious of that at the ideation stage, or you’re not going to get very far.

Did you go to school for this kind of thing? And if so, what did you learn there, if anything?

I went to Sheridan College in Oakville. Having only graduated from the10th grade, I had to apply as a mature student and take 2 years of General Arts and Science before the Media Arts program faculty would even look at me.

I have to credit Sheridan for opening my eyes to the world of film and creativity on a visual level. Absolutely. For the most part I felt that the teachers really cared and took an interest in their students and embraced their talent. What I quickly realized after graduating, was that college could only give me so much and that my real education would come from actually immersing myself in the industry wherever and whenever it might have me.

Is it more fun and games when working on a commercial set, or is it love and war? What are you experiences when working with different levels of creative and/or business people? Are you constantly pushing to make your idea happen, or do you like to take in others’ perspectives and react to those ideas?

It can go both ways. Some times the client will commit to your idea 100 percent, but for the most part, they will have their opinions and you should be prepared to facilitate. They pay the bills and no one knows the brand better than they do. It can be frustrating when they don’t want to meet you half way, but if they are set in their ways, you should do your best to understand why, because the integrity of the spot will be jeopoardized if you don’t.

I have been stubborn in the past, but had to let it go. There have been times I’ve sacrificed a take for the sake of the client and lack of time, but those are always the most painful days in the transfer suite when screening the rushes and realizing I didn’t get what I wanted AS WELL as what the client wanted. I try my best to stand my ground and I truly believe that gives the client confidence in me as well as my crew, so that everyone is happy walking away from set.

When would you say a hard day’s work is most rewarded?

When the finished product parks itself on my reel and gets me more work. Also when my crew feels as good about the day as I did.

We understand that you have recently been offered an amazing opportunity to work with an internationally recognized, award winning, superstar rep firm. Is this intimidating for you, or do you think “It’s about fucking time”?

Hah! That’s a good one. It feels like a really good fit. The Directors and Execs at Brown Entertainment fucking rock the spot. I’m super stoked about signing with these guys, because they are just so fucking cool. And they’re work is some of the funniest shit I’ve seen. Experience it for yourself: www.brown25.com. You’ll laugh your face off. Guaranteed.

I know I have my work cut out for me. So yeah, It’s intimidating while at the same time very very inspiring.

Shooting scheds can be tight, deadlines can change and clients can turn carnivorous. Have you ever said to youself “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you…you’re cool…. I’m outta here”? What drives you past these obstacles? What drives you!?

The idea of just being on set again. Seriously. I’m not going to love every job I do. That’s just how it is. However, the more opportunities I have to be on set the more chances I will have to grow and define my craft. I want to work with my actors and crew as much as possible because I’ll only get better with practice. I’m in school from casting through post production to the final cut.

What job or experience gave you the best bang for your buck?

Working on a spot for PlayStation. It was a short day and the spot turned out to be pretty funny. The job prior to that, we ran into over time and it stressed me right out. Thought I sucked big time and I feared the next one. That experience totally helped me to grow as a Director. I prepped as much as possible for the next one and it paid off immensely. My AD (1st Assistant Director) told me that he had seen a lot of improvement and thought I did a great job. That made me happy because he wasn’t impressed with the other one at all. And he scares me.

Who do you look up to for inspiration. Don’t say Scorcese. Give us some real names. Some real newbies. Real players. Who would you want on your basketball team of directing. Who is on their “A” game right now… Who would be the point guard?

Spike. Michel Gondry, Mike Mills.

Your guidance councilor asked you this question when you were leaving high school. And we are ashamed to ask you now… but where do you see yourself in 5 years?

At the bottom of a bottle bargain Scotch. Kidding. Stole that from Tom Waits. Seriously though – Directing. I’m interested in feature work but who knows. Like I said earlier it’s a long road ahead, but I’m going to have fun driving it. Hopefully I’ll be riding in style; digging the scene with a gangster lean. Ok. I stole that one from Massive Attack.

Reilly. If you had one regret… what would it be? Think about all the kids out there trying to be where you are… what is the one thing that you would tell them not to do?

Don’t ever think you know it all. You never will. The more I learn in this industry the less I realize I know at all and it’s been humbling. I’ve embarrassed myself one too many times, by leading others to assume I know things that I don’t. That’s my insecurity taking over. But the ones who’ve I’ve learned to admire are the ones who aren’t afraid to admit they don’t know everything.

Thanks for the interview and sorry about the interrogation lights. We wish the best to you on the start of an amazing career. Cheers and good luck!!

Woosta!

Posted: December 31st, 2007 under Reiley Saso.
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