We were lucky to catch up with Scott Pryor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Scott, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I’m drawn to powerful storytelling and the effect films can have on people’s lives. When I was a kid, my dad and I would watch war movies together. We watched Full Metal Jacket and seeing the intensity of the Marine Corps portrayed in that film, I decided to join the Marines and I did so at seventeen. In addition, I went to my buddy’s house, and we watched Rocky IV, four times in a row back-to-back while singing and shadow boxing with Ivan Drago, right in his living room. I read about Sylvester Stallone writing Rocky and insisting that he play the character. This really inspired me. Several years later I remember watching Good Will Hunting and I read about Matt Damon and Ben Affleck writing Good Will Hunting and I was moved by the story and their journey bringing this film to light. This fertilized the creative seeds that were growing inside. I ended up becoming a trial lawyer fighting for people who had been catastrophically injured or their loved ones who had been killed in horrific injuries that weren’t their fault. I am drawn to telling my clients’ story of loss and the new battles they face after the tragedy in front of a jury, judge, or mediation. The love of storytelling propelled me into film making where I regularly draw from my experiences with cases and clients as a trial lawyer.

Scott, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a U.S. Marine Veteran who as an Atlanta-based celebrated trial lawyer turned my real-life courtroom tragedies into award-winning screenplays and films. I am the Director, Star, and Writer of TULSA which released in August 2020. The film was inspired by true events from one of my actual trial cases, TULSA follows a desperate marine biker whose life is turned upside-down when he is united with the sassy 9-year-old daughter he never knew existed.

I am married and have 3 sons, so the film business is a family business. Together with my wife Laura, we started Pryor Entertainment, a thriving Georgia-based independent production company that creates films, TV, and content that inspires, empowers, and educates so that others may truly live.

I’m currently working on two exciting action scripts- one that has to do with a family that lost a son to ISIS and the other about cartels that could be compared to a Rambo type story. In addition, I’m working on a family drama that tackles the mental health crisis on a very personal level. I’m always searching for other great opportunities to collaborate and work with a passionate team to tell powerful stories through creative films or television shows.

It’s a very rewarding career and one specific story comes to mind that highlights that. Last Christmas, a lady reached out to us on our social media and said she just watched our first film “The List” and that it inspired her to call the suicide hotline. She was planning on committing suicide and the film made a powerful impact in a very critical time in her life. We immediately reached out and began a dialogue to support her during this crucial time. I was honored that she reached out and shared that with us and felt fortunate that we were able to help her.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Having a mentor and ingesting inspiring content is key! I drive a lot so when I’m in the car I usually listen to Ed Mylett who has one of the largest podcasts in the world. He has a show “Max Out” where he brings inspiring stories from people across a broad spectrum of industries. I love listening to Ed and the probing insightful interviews he shares on his show.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Deep meaningful relational Connection! You must connect to God and to your fellow human beings, without both of those we will suffer a lonely life of quiet desperation. As an American and a U.S. Marine, I’m fiercely independent but our independence takes a toll on our soul. We were built for family, friendship, and deep meaningful relationships. Fight for that and it will pay dividends. Bury your pride and make that call to your prodigal son or that friend or loved one you haven’t talked to in a long time. Pray that prayer you’ve been so quick to avoid. Connect with my friends!

Contact Info:

• Website: pryorent.com, officialscottpryor.com
• Instagram: @pryorentertainment, @officialscottpryor
• Facebook: Pryor Entertainment

Image Credits
Philip Wages