Each month we highlight a Production Lot member through our Member Spotlights, which include a featured position on the Production Lot homepage and a Q&A to help the rest of our community get to know our Spotlight member better.
This month we’re highlighting Anthony McBride!
Meet Anthony McBride
Anthony McBride is an award-winning screenwriter and author with over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. As a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, Anthony is passionate about stories of resilience and focuses his work around unlikely heroes and the dismantling of socio-economic barriers.
Ready to learn more about Anthony? Check out our Q&A with him below, and don’t be shy – Ask him a question in the comments!
Spotlight Q&A: Six Questions with Anthony
What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
I was inspired after I first entered the entertainment industry as a background actor for the movie National Treasure starring Nicholas Cage. I saw firsthand how movies were made and it opened up my creative mind. When I saw how much of an impact telling stories was to society, I saw a great use of my passions in the world of entertainment.
What is something about your role you'd like people to know more about?
Some people minimize the role of a screenwriter, but I see it as one of the most crucial roles in entertainment. The script is regarded as one of the most critical components of production and the creator of that nuclear document should be treated as a key contributor. The screenwriter position requires extensive training and experience and can be the "make or break" point of a production. As Alfred Hitchcok said, “To make a great film you need three things: the script, the script, and the script.”
If you weren't in your current role, what other industry job would you like to have?
Well, I'm deeply engaged in writing with experience in acting and other production roles, so I would love to be a director next. I've noticed a need for filmmakers to tell powerful stories that highlight strength, courage, and the human capacity to overcome extraordinary challenges.
What advice do you have for people just starting out in the industry?
I'll give the same advice that was given to me by an industry professional when I came to Los Angeles in 2012: work hard. It stuck with me up until today and is sooooooooo true. If you don't work hard, Hollywood will make you work hard or just spit you out. The love for the industry will be that driving force behind the long hours, the crazy days and the ups and downs of Hollywood.
How would you like to advance your career in the industry?
I would like to sell my first screenplay to take the next step in my career. I have a portfolio of award-winning content that focuses on the unlikely hero who is called to serve and save his people. This theme really shows sacrifice, which is the core of all things good about humanity. This narrative resonates with me and is reflected in my stories and fits perfectly within popular genre films.
What is your favorite production or project you've worked on?
I can't say that I have a favorite production. In my experience, every film and television production I have worked on as a background actor or production assistant has offered great learning opportunities that can't be prioritized. I'm grateful for all of the opportunities and have loved the experiences I’ve had on every set I’ve worked on.
Want a chance to be featured as a future Member Spotlight? It’s easy. Register for a Production Lot account, complete your member profile, then start engaging with the community!
