Meet Myles Ross and Melynda Mryvang | Director, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Myles Ross and Melynda Mryvang  and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Myles and Melynda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Myles: Hello – I’m Myles Ross. I’m director, and Melynda is the producer of the feature film “The House”. It’s the story of a group of teens, who, after a freak car crash and the death of their friends, assume all hope is lost… until they discover a mysterious revive serum that can bring their dead back to life… but only one of them. I wrote & directed it, and me and my team (including producer Melynda Myrvang) shot it on a micro-budget, with a cast of 6 actors, a crew of only 13, in just 5 days of principal photography, and I’m happy to say we’ve now got a few film festival wins under our belt.

But, around the end of 2019 I was a Seattle based video editor, a couple of years out of film school… but without a direction. Prior to that, I had done camera operating jobs, video work for the local government, and a few other minor gigs, but I still wanted to work in film in some-way. LA was out of question (financially), and living with my parents at the time I felt like I treading water; at the very least, that any sort ambitions & goals I had film-wise wouldn’t happen for while.

Finally, after a short web-series I did got me into a film festival in Italy, I took the chance and booked the flight. There, I got to sit down with a few much more successful (and most notably, experienced) directors and just talk – about life, about the industry, about how they got to where they were. “Where I should go?, Should I work my way in bottom up or do I have to know somebody?, Wait tables for a while?” – I asked a multitude of questions alike and more embarrassing than these.

Their advice, was simple and concise – “don’t go to Hollywood empty-handed”.
Now 3 years later, 5 days of principal photography, and year of post, I can say it’s been the journey of a lifetime so far… but not one that was easy.

The budget was pretty much my (then) life’s savings. We shot it during Covid (a surprise that came about early in production, when we already had our budget and dates secured). We had our production camera die 4 days before shooting started. We had an actor we flew-out almost not make it in time for the first day of filming… but we came out on the other end all fine. And I think that’s what’s important – It was worth the risk.

Melynda:
I think taking risks is everything! After completing my undergraduate degree, I was working an office job in a field I wasn’t excited about. So, I took a huge risk. I quit and went back to school for a graduate degree in filmmaking & producing. That risk led me to breaking into an industry I am extremely passionate about and as a result I am now a full time producer, doing work I love. As a bonus result, I was introduced to insanely talented people like Myles Ross, who I am so lucky to collaborate with on projects. Whenever someone says that the odds of achieving something are one in a million, I always say, “Someone has to be that one. Why not me?”

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.
Myles: I currently still work as an editor in Seattle WA. I provide freelance videography services for several tech & SEO companies, through my production company ‘FilmxFilms Studios LLC’. (which I also did ‘The House’ under). However now, I’m travelling a lot more, and doing ‘pre-pro’ work for a few different projects, including a few new scripts of my own (all doors that doing ‘The House’ opened up for me).

Melynda:
I have written and directed several short films, worked on sets for TV shows and done corporate video work. I am currently a producer for Taco Bell. I am also writing my first feature film script with my brother, which we are directing and shooting next year through our production company ‘Vangarang Productions, LLC’ (with Myles at the helm of the camera). We also have a number of other projects in development.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Myles: If we’re talking LA – I think food. Easy Street burger is absolutely amazing – I got to go there for the first time during a recent film festival, and it was everything it was made out to be. On the Hollywood Boulevard strip, Joe’s Pizzeria is also must-go.

Back home in Seattle – anything down at the Pike Place market is going to be a good time. Best street food I’ve had – Fish and chips, Hot chicken on stick, Ice cream, ect… (I wish I could name the places). For me, heading down there, then heading to Gameworks downtown to catch a Tekken or Guilty Gear tournament sounds like the perfect weekend.

Melynda:
I love being up at the Getty Museum. I think it’s an amazing view of the city and the museum is one of my all time favorites. Another great spot for a view and an amazing time is at the Brewery. They do an Artwalk where people can come into the artist studios and living space and check out their work. It’s a really special event and I would highly recommend it, peak L.A. experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Myles: I’d like to give a special shout-out firstly to all my crew – Khalil (Papa Ibrahima Diop), Isaac, June, Lorenzo, Mike (both of you), Sam, Tom, Geof, Bill, and of course Melynda.

…along with my full crew of six: Sagar, Emily, Jack, Eric, Cj and Gavin (thanks for the interview reference!)
If there’s anyone I forgot please forgive me – You ALL rock! Couldn’t have done this without you.

Melynda:
Shout out to our whole cast and crew! When we set out to make this film we had no idea we would be in the middle of a global pandemic. Our cast and crew were complete and total champions and we couldn’t have done it without every single one of them.

I’d also like to shoutout to my family and friends for all of the support they have shown me through my crazy career transition and while making this film. And of course to Myles! From film school to the TCL Chinese Theater and beyond my friend!

Website: thehousefeature.com

Instagram: Myles: @mpr_fxf, @thehousefeature Melynda: @melyndi1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myles-r-3908758b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilmXFilmsStudi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseFeature

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQr2VadahGC8rxosA1AkboA

Image Credits
(Set-still photos courtesy of Isaac Waggoner)