We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tommy Jay Dwyer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tommy Jay , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I think that every project I have worked on has been meaningful in it’s own way. As an artist when you take on a project you need to find the meaning in it in order to truly give yourself to the piece. Recently I have been working on a documentary highlighting the deteriorating conditions of fire houses across Massachusetts. My father, uncles and two of my cousins were on the Worcester Fire Department and one of my uncles was on the Fitchburg Fire Department, so this project in particular has really hit home for me. I feel a great responsibility to tell this story and bring awareness to the issues these men are facing.
Tommy Jay , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I always had a passion for creating and thinking differently. Growing up while in math class I would be writing in depth stories about the Vietnam War or a band going through a rough patch. In 2006 I was fortunate enough to join the Screen Actors Guild and I started to explore the world of creating in a professional sense. Since then I have had small roles in several major films, I have done stand up comedy and I have written, directed and produced my own films. My goal is to continue to create. To create a sustainable film economy outside of Los Angeles, to produce and direct original content and to help bring together other talented creators and show them that there is a path in this industry outside of the standard model.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I am not sure people understand all that goes into creating not just a film but a sustainable film economy, and there are many ways society can help. The easiest way to help is sharing posts, following on social media and just being a positive, encouraging voice. Another way to support is to help connect creators to resources. Films need, locations, parking, catering, talent, music etc. Helping connect filmmakers to usable resources in the community is paramount. Lastly films need money, if you or anyone you know might be interested in financing or helping finance a project and want to learn more about the benefits of investing in film, reach out to filmmakers and let us know.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think one thing that most creatives I have spoken with always talk about is overcoming self doubt. Creating is hard enough, but it’s even harder when you have to overcome your own innervoice questioning every move you make. You get use to the scrutiny to an extent, but constantly putting your heart and soul out on display is tough. It’s so important to find who you really are and get comfortable with it, because without that you are like a ship without a compass. As long as you are making projects and art that is fulfilling to you and you are doing the best that you can, that’s all that matters.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tommyjaydwyer
- Facebook: Tom Dwyer
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7887484/
Image Credits
Jesus Paez