HFF 2015 Interview: The Bad Boy of Bowling Director Bryan Storkel

2015 Heartland Film Festival Official Selection, Documentary Short The Bad Boy of Bowling is about Pete Weber, the self-declared ‘bad boy of bowling’ and the first rock star of the sport. As one USA Today writer put it, ‘He’s the greatest show in bowling. Or, depending on how you judge him, he’s a giant black eye on a sport constantly searching for respect.’

We spoke with Director Bryan Storkel about his film:

HF: What is your film about, and how did the project come to be?

BS: We were given the opportunity to pitch ideas for ESPN’s 30 for 30 series and immediately thought of bowling as the sport we would love to focus on. You won’t go very far researching professional bowlers without coming across Pete Weber and his dad Dick Weber who are each arguably, the greatest bowlers of their time. What quickly found the viral video of Pete yelling at fans and “going crazy” on the lanes after winning a title and then doing “crotch chops” after each strike. Which is especially shocking when you compare him to his dad’s clean cut, all-american, bowling pioneer image. But after you hear their story and get to know the real Pete Weber, you see the viral video again, but in a whole new light.

HF: What was your role in the production?

BS: I am the Director and Editor, and my wife, Amy Storkel, is the Producer.

HF: Why did you submit to the Heartland Film Festival? Have you been to the Festival before?

BS: Heartland is a great festival with some solid films programmed there every year. We actually premiered our recent feature doc there as well, Little Hope Was Arson.

HF: This year’s tagline is “Movies That Stay with You” – what lasting effect will your film have on moviegoers?

BS: I think it might help people not to be so quick to judge someone by a short clip they saw of them just because it went viral. There is always more to the story. Also, they might start watching bowling!

HF: What has inspired you to become a filmmaker?

BS: I have always loved film and particularly documentary films. So after attending a few film festivals in college, I decided this was something I could do and something I would thrive in.

HF: What is something that you know about filmmaking now, but you weren’t told when you started your career?

BS: Being a good storyteller and a talented filmmaker is only half of the equation. The other half is the business side of filmmaking.

HF: What are some of your favorite movies? What’s your favorite worst movie (you know it’s bad, but still love it)?

BS: King of Kong, American Movie. Favorite worst movie is The Room.

HF: How many film festivals has your film been a part of? What do you like the most about the festival experience?

BS: Our film has been in many festivals. What I like most about the festival experience is meeting other filmmakers who are talented and creative. I am always looking to meet the next filmmaker that I can collaborate with.