Meet Tom Sys | Actor – Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Sys and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, how do you think about risk?
Without risks there is no success. In order to have any results I believe you have to take action and not play it safe. Before making a decision I often ask myself, “What will I learn regardlessly”. If I know that I will grow from the experience, it’s always going to be worth it. The first time I made a short film I had no experience as a producer. This could be enough of an excuse to have someone else do it for me, but I could also pursue it myself and learn it the hard way. Suddenly I had twenty people working on a set under my responsibility, while I was one of the actors myself. Oh snap. Did I know what I was doing? Not greatly. But I dealt with all problems on and off the set and the project worked out fine. Even though the film went to do just okay in the festivals, more importantly, I learned how to run a production. Ever since then I started to put together more and more projects. Most recently I put on a play called “Do We Have a Deal?” in the center of Hollywood with my dearest collaborator and true friend Frank Tirimacco. Putting on the play is very different than making a movie, but one was the catalyzer of the other and we made it happen. There’s a first time for everything you do. Once you finished one, even if you failed gloriously, you’ve learned enough to try again. It never will be perfect, just make it better than last time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Everyone has a unique story. Everyone is a combination of personality, culture, upbringing, … Therefore we all have different things to say. In my case, I grew up in Belgium. The art I make is inspired by my experience growing up there and moving out here. It’s simple things, like living with two brothers, speaking Flamish, playing soccer and tennis, having a different school system, etc. Bringing this great baggage of memories to the US and infuse it in the art I create is what sets me apart. Nobody has this same set of memories that I have.

The biggest challenge I face is the language barrier. When I arrived in New York to start studying I had trouble understanding people and expressing myself. I simply didn’t master English yet. After reading, writing, and embarrassing myself, I started to get a better grasp on how to phrase things. It’s a work in progress, but an absolute must to be an artist out here. It’s good to have an amazing story, but you need to be able to tell it just as well.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I live in the Hollywood area, it’s a must to go hiking on one of the beautiful trails. Going early in the morning is the best day-starter you could think of. The small beaches in Malibu is another part of the city that I absolutely adore. Going at sunset is required! The best food I’ve had was on Melrose. Osteria Mozza will be heaven if you are into Italian food. For a simple lunch on a sunny day, Larchmont would be my recommendation. When my family came to visit we went to the LA Clippers basketball game and the LA Kings hockey game. You can’t miss those events if you’re into sports, its pure adrenaline.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people that have been, and still are supporting me on this incredible journey. Without my parents I wouldn’t have been able to make the jump across the Atlantic and study at the AMDA College of the Performing arts. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that I’m incredibly grateful for and I took it with both hands. Ever since I started studying at AMDA, I have been changed as a person and therefore as an actor. My view on the craft, working process, and skillset have developed tremendously. The abundance of incredible instructors that pushed me every single class hour are the core reason of my growth. I believe rigorous training sets you up for success! On top of that, I’ve been incredibly lucky to receive great personal advice and mentorship from some of the most impactful teachers. I think about mr. Jason Chaet, Carine Montbertrand, Richard Gallegos, and my dear friend and coach David Kelso, who I honor many of my performances too in memoriam. After all, creating art the way I do is team work. I have a group of friends that have been willing to collaborate with me as a simple favor and because we all love the craft. Those who didn’t expect monetary compensations are ones I hold truly accountable for any success I may have in the future. I think about Erik Sopracasa, Aaron Allen, Frank Tirimacco, and many others.

Instagram: @tom_sys

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sys-633a11233/

Youtube: @tshorts8933

Image Credits
Brianne Dudra, Phoenix Medina, Leo Foti