Austin Film Festival Interview: Robert Byington, Writer/Director of Harmony and Me

We know it’s a busy time for all the filmmakers this week, and they’re probably getting asked a thousand questions by a million different people, so we just had a quick “speed date” of an interview with Bob Byington, director of Harmony and Me.

Of course, Austinist film buffs are busy too, rushing from panel to panel to screening, and you’ve only got a few minutes before the next thing starts anyway. So read on and get a little insight into the mind of an AFF filmmaker. Go ahead—it won’t take long.

Tell us about your career up to this point. How did you get to where you are?
It's an honor to even be asked this question, but I'm afraid the answer would bore your readers too much to read on. In fact, let's keep this brief, in order to account for today's attention spans...

How has your previous experience led you to where you are today?
I have been unrelentingly miserable for my entire life, which amuses people.

Actor/director/producer/writer. You wear many hats. Do you like doing everything, or has that been out of necessity? Which role do you like the most?
I like acting the most, it pays the best, it's the easiest.

Tell us a little bit about your cast.
Kristen Tucker, who plays the female lead in the movie, is a knockout, and people should pay money just to see her in the movie.

How did you come to work with Justin Rice from Bishop Allen? I wrote the script for Justin, he read it, and agreed to play the lead character.

What is this movie trying to do/say? What made you want to make it? Where did the idea come from?
This is three questions, and I don't know the answer to any of them!

Why did you shoot in Austin? What did you like/dislike about shooting here?
Austin is easy to shoot in and around in. The only danger is complacency.

Do you prefer Indie movie style, or are you looking to move up to big studio productions?
See above answer about $$.

Harmony and Me screens tonight at 10:15 at the Bob Bullock Texas Spirit Theater. Get the full AFF schedule here.