Origins of the Philly PR Girl brand began with this very blog and its This Week in Philly series, which highlights events throughout the area. We consider the core of this blog to be an ongoing love letter to the City of Philadelphia. That’s why when we heard about Kyle Thrash’s latest work, Maybe Next Year premiering at the height of football season, we couldn’t wait to learn more.
The PA-raised filmmaker currently resides in Brooklyn but similarly felt a strong connection to tell the stories of Philadelphians. His documentary highlights the passion of Philadelphia Eagles fans. We follow them throughout the 2016 season, as they experience the undoubted lows (Carson Wentz out for the season) to — obviously — the highest highs imaginable.
Philly PR Girl (PPRG): Start from the beginning and share how you became interested in filmmaking. Have you always been passionate about it? Did you intentionally plan on it becoming your career?
Kyle Thrash: I grew up loving cinema and was a child actor. For me, making films started when I got a video camera as a teen and started making skate videos and replicating Jackass videos. I loved having a camera in my hand and I haven’t stopped making things since then.
PPRG: In such a competitive industry, how do you successfully stand out from the rest?
KT: I just try to make work that feels authentic to my point of view, and usually, that is the work that comes out best. I think it’s easy to follow trends. If you stick to what feels true to your voice, even if you fail, you’ll feel fine because you were true to yourself.
PPRG: How were you inspired to create your latest work, Maybe Next Year? What did it take to bring your vision to life?
KT: I was inspired by the passion and charisma of Philadelphia Eagles fans. I grew up going to the Vet as a kid. Every time, I was always taken by the tailgate community and the energy in and around the stadium on game day. I wanted to humanize these larger than life characters and uncover where all that passion comes from. My goal was to show another side of this often-stigmatized community. It took two years, over 60 days of shooting, and a partnership with Wavelength Productions to help shape the story of the film.
PPRG: As a Pennsylvania-native, what’s the significance of having premiered this story at the Philadelphia Film Festival?
KT: It meant the world to the team and I to be able to premiere the film in the city that the film is about. The film really is a love letter to the city. It shows what I love about every neighborhood and all the different communities. Someone told me the movie feels like a real life episode of the show ‘Cheers’ and I like that. We tried to tell a barroom type sports tale through the locals that hang in the bars.
PPRG: Can you give us any hints as to what you’re working on next?
KT: I’m starting some work on some short documentaries. I loved working on a feature length film but I’m itching to work on smaller and shorter stories that have been building in my head.
PPRG: If you weren’t working on films and videos, what other career paths do you think you would have taken?
KT: I’d either be a bartender at a local dive where I talk to people all day. Or I’d be working in marketing or something visual on the creative side. I feel like filmmaking is a mix of both.
PPRG: What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers, or anyone trying to get into the industry?
KT: Surround yourself with great people. Filmmaking is a collaborative medium. No one does it alone. Continue to try and find your voice through all types of projects. Figure out what worked and what didn’t, and then keep going.
PPRG: Outside of Lincoln Financial Field, where are some of your favorite spots when you come back to Philadelphia?
KT: I like Dee’s Place on 2nd Street, Rosewood Bar, and the recently closed Adobe Cafe (RIP).
PPRG: What’s one question no one asks, but you wish they would?
KT: Why don’t all people consider Philly the best city in the world?
To find out where you can catch the next screening of Maybe Next Year documentary, visit the film’s website. For more adventures of director Kyle Thrash, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
