Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bryce Dressler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bryce, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Batterie, an independent film about the world of drum corps. Growing up, I was heavily involved in the musical arts and fascinated by the drum corps community’s intensity, dedication, and camaraderie. I wanted to showcase the competitive atmosphere and the personal stories of resilience, family, and growth that make these performers stand out. It continues to drive Aaron Mills, the project’s creator, to shine a light on this group in particular.

Batterie started as a passion project but quickly evolved into a community-driven endeavor. Through our partnership with Seed&Spark, we’re inviting drum corps fans and indie film supporters to help us bring this vision to life. Each donation and share brings us closer to representing this world authentically on screen. We’ve set a fundraising goal of $18,000, allowing us to fully develop a short film that could grow into a whole series.

The project has been rewarding because of its impact on the community—it’s more than just a film; it’s a way to showcase and celebrate an intense but often overlooked art form. We’re deeply grateful for the support we’ve received so far and excited about the journey ahead. If anyone’s interested in learning more or supporting us, here’s our Seed&Spark link: https://seedandspark.com/fund/batterie#story.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Bryce Dressler, the CEO of Ailim Films and Executive Producer of several creative projects that center around storytelling with depth and authenticity. My filmmaking journey wasn’t exactly conventional—I didn’t start in film school or come from a film family. Instead, my path into this industry was driven by a desire to capture stories that resonate deeply with people. These stories tap into universal themes and bring niche communities to the forefront.

My company, Ailim Films, was founded with the mission of telling powerful stories that illuminate unique subcultures, human resilience, and the intersections of identity, passion, and community. We specialize in independent films and cinematic experiences, focusing on projects that connect with audiences on a personal level. One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to exploring real, often underrepresented communities, giving viewers an authentic look at their lives and struggles.

Our latest project, Batterie, is a perfect example of this approach. It’s a film that dives into the world of competitive drum corps—a subculture that is both exhilarating and demanding. Through Batterie, we aim to capture this discipline’s physical intensity and the emotional and relational aspects that bind these performers together. With this film, we want to tell a story about resilience, identity, and the sense of family that the drum corps offers. It’s a project that brings me great pride, as we’re working with actual members of the drum corps community to ensure it’s as true to life as possible.

I’m most proud of how Ailim Films has grown into a company that champions authenticity and connection. We don’t just create content; we create experiences that resonate with real people. We work across multiple mediums—film, digital, and social media—to engage with our audience and bring them into the process. For example, with Batterie, the creator and director Aaron Mills and I are actively inviting fans to follow our journey and contribute through our Seed&Spark campaign. They can see behind-the-scenes moments and support the project as it unfolds. (Here’s our campaign link if you’d like to check it out: https://seedandspark.com/fund/batterie#story)

For anyone considering working with us or following our projects, I want them to know that Ailim Films is about more than just making movies—it’s about building a community around storytelling that matters. We approach each project with an eye for detail, respect for the culture we portray, and a commitment to pushing boundaries in indie filmmaking. Our goal is to create art that entertains and leaves a lasting impact, encouraging viewers to see the world through a new lens.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my journey, resilience has been essential to navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. The last few years have been especially challenging, with COVID-19 shutting down productions, industry-wide strikes disrupting schedules, and the rapid evolution of AI transforming the creative landscape. Like many creatives, I’ve had to adapt quickly, finding ways to stay productive, keep projects moving forward, and reimagine traditional processes. These challenges have only strengthened my commitment to telling impactful stories, pushing through uncertainty, and staying true to my vision with each new project.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My journey has been filled with pivotal moments that shaped my path and pushed me in new directions. At 17, I enlisted in the USAF, and by 20, I was deployed to the Middle East with the Army, an experience that taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of adaptability. In my 20s, I transitioned into the tech world, working as a consultant for companies like AT&T and Dell. By night, however, I pursued my creative passions, studying Meisner and Uta Hagen techniques under renowned coaches, including Emmy Award-winning director John Jacobsen and Wolf Bodison. By my 30s, I fully committed to the creative industry, launching Ailim Films with a mission to tell underrepresented stories. My long-term goal is to establish a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting diverse voices in the creative community, ensuring that incredible, untold stories have a platform.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/batterietheshow/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ailimfilms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycedressler/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHtG5pKHGmOn01aoOqirg7Q
• Yelp: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12611697/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
• Other: https://seedandspark.com/fund/batterie#story
  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12611697/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits

Tiel Bowers and Aaron Tyler Soffer