Meet Jonathan Tysor & Izzy Watts | Actor, Writer, & Producer / Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Tysor & Izzy Watts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan / Izzy, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
As with most filmmakers, I draw much inspiration from my personal life; I’m a strong believer that if a story is significantly emotional/impactful to me, then it will resonate with others as well. Especially considering that filmmaking is not a quick process, it is important that I am passionate about the story I am telling as it will sustain the life of the project. The short film I am currently in pre-production for (that I developed with my director, and dear friend, Izzy Watts), “I’m Good!,” was based on a breakup I went through. Sometimes it takes several months to scour the corners of my brain in search of an idea worthy of being translated into a script. However, with this project, I knew the moment I went through the specific experience that it was something I needed to put on the page. If not even to be produced, but simply to experience that feeling of catharsis. Lucky enough, though, it is being produced! Although not everyone will relate to my specific experience of sobbing in the bathroom in between moments of exclaiming, “I’m good!” at an event, many people relate to answering, “I’m good!” when they most certainly are not. It’s just part of our culture. Yet this was not something I would’ve touched upon in my writing if I hadn’t learned to draw inspiration from my day-to-day life.

Another source of inspiration for both Izzy and I has been through our acting coach of about eight years. Deborah Dion has been a constant source of support professionally and personally throughout the majority of our careers in the film industry. For this project, specifically, not only has she offered her services as a casting director (especially significant as she has worked on casting films such as “Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Frances Ha,” and “Good Will Hunting”), but we based one of the leading roles entirely off her persona. She is playing Deb: the whimsically, lovingly ruthless manager of my character — a young actor struggling to keep it together during a career-defining meeting after breaking up with his boyfriend. Although she comes from a background in casting rather than acting, this role is essentially her playing herself. She is such a dynamic person, unlike anyone we’ve ever met, which is why we chose her for the project — which is essentially a love letter to Deb, herself. We are beyond excited for her acting debut in our film.

Lastly, we have drawn inspiration from projects we simply adore. Stylistically and tonally, this project draws a lot of inspiration from Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s “Fleabag,” specifically the first episode of Season 2. All-encompassing anxiety masked by smiles and chatter during a “lovely” dinner. Furthermore, I have utilized “Fleabag: The Scriptures” essentially as my bible. I am mesmerized by Waller-Bridge’s ability to communicate so much with such quick, witty writing. I’ve even named the characters in a similar fashion, including “Loser Writer,” “Eclectic Director,” and “Underpaid Waitress.” Similar to both “Fleabag” and Emma Seligman’s “Shiva Baby,” “I’m Good!” also highlights this claustrophobic cringe that borders between drama and comedy.

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.
Izzy:

I am a queer director and have been in the industry for 11 years now. I originally started as an actor, working with directors and producers such as Kevin Smith, Mindy Kaling, and Chuck Lorre. Inspired by their work, I decided to transition to directing. I predominately focus on telling authentic queer stories as well as stories that empower women. Stylistically, I look up to female artists like Emma Seligman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Emerald Fennel; they have flipped old tropes to provide fresh perspectives on what it means to be a woman. My past projects have gone to various film festivals, my short “How to Get Away With Murder” even won Best Short Film at the Milan Gold Awards.

Jonathan:

I have been working as an actor for just over 9 years; I’ve played roles ranging from the abandoned kid in a fake 80s sitcom on “Comedy Bang! Bang!” and “Funny or Die” (yes, twice… two separate projects) to the young murderer in “Killer Therapy.” I’ve always known I’ve wanted to expand into the writing side of the industry as well — specifically in order to highlight underrepresented stories and champion authentic queer representation. While it excites me that Hollywood is “coming out” (pun intended) with a number of queer films each year, I’d like to stray away from stories in which queer characters are inherently tied to their sexualities. Queer stories can simply be stories… in which they are queer. That is why it was important to me that my short film, “I’m Good!,” featured undeniable queer representation, but it would still be just as engaging/interesting if the leading character was straight.

Because I knew where my passions lied, I graduated high school two years in advance in order to develop my skills as a screenwriter. Three years later, I graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in Screenwriting at 19 years old. Meanwhile, actors and writers went on strike… both fields I was ready to take on. However, it felt like a sign that it was time to write a producible short film for me to act in. Being an independent filmmaker has certainly not been easy (especially while taking on an Executive Producer position in addition to writer/actor), but I have learned so much throughout this process and would do it all again in a heartbeat. We are nearly done fundraising (one more month!) and then the production can commence!

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?
Funny enough, my director, Izzy Watts, is based in Arizona and she was just here visiting for a week long trip! We scoured the city for the best restaurants… with the lowest cost of shooting there… and the best bathrooms to cry in… okay, fine, we were location scouting. If anyone knows somewhere, let me know!

In all seriousness, one of our favorite spots is definitely The Last Bookstore. It’s a very unique, vintage space that is honestly fun just to see/hang out in — you certainly don’t need to be an avid reader.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As previously mentioned, this project would simply not be possible without Deborah Dion. Not only has she instilled the necessary skills required for me to take on the leading role in this project, but I would not have been able to write the script without drawing inspiration from her uniquely whimsical, loving, yet ruthless persona.

Website: https://seedandspark.com/fund/im-good

Instagram: @imgoodfilm / @jonathantysor / @izzywattss

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathantysor