What is the best thing that I love about my work? As a child I was always fascinated with creating lavish stories and entertaining others. I have also been very friendly and supportive of others. My mother has even stated I wear my heart on my sleeve which is why it is always so easily broken. And it’s true. When I discovered I wanted to do film at a very early age, I knew this was ideal. I get to spend everyday meeting new people, traveling and being able to help other “dreamers” get into something they love, while bringing ideas to life. I can honestly say, despite my past hardships, nothing makes me happier than when I do this on any scale.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? Happiness is such a funny concept to me. My ideas of happiness, ESPECIALLY in entertainment are vastly different from others. While I do exist in a field predominantly ran by egos, materialism, competition, money and image, if you really want to know what makes me happy -roadtrips with someone important, and great music. I was recently speaking with friends about this, and my ideal Heaven lies in a road trip with someone or close friends, and just listening to music. No particular time frame to be in. No deadline to reach. Visiting old truckstops off long forgotten highways, ones with waitresses named Suzanne, or Florence. Visiting antique stores and buying useless novelties from random places as keepsakes for when times aren’t so great. I think happiness lies in moments, memories and little gifts. I think with cellphones and cameras being so readily available, we have taken for granted the prestige of the photograph and overlook a beautiful moment in time. The perfect moments pass quickly. Stop. Observe everything about the, from a quick joke, a brilliant snarky comeback, a silly gift, a smile from across a random place- even the seat next to you, and the perfect song at the perfect time to provide the melody to perfect moment- that is happiness.
What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear, for as happy-go-lucky I am, I am a walking contradiction of fears. Having had a missing child for a year, that shook me to the bone and now, normal things people fear, do not bother me. When she was gone, I lost everything from my studio, film rights, friends, in some ways-family. I had nothing. Now, I have nothing to lose. What scares me now are little things. Being alone, dying alone, and- wow, this is personal, but, not being good enough. Yeah. I fear I am too old at times, not attractive enough to want at times, not athletic enough, too short (which I’m not THAT short – 5’9). Its those little insecure fears that haunt me.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? What I am absolutely loathed for is my inability to say no. From family, to friends and Co-workers, they say I take on too much. Which does tire me out and stay stressed and beaten, only to get up the next day and do it all again. Especially in this last year, I can honestly say I have aged four! Another example would be I underwent surgery and my crew got with my mom to make sure I would not show up to set, as they knew I would. I long to help EVERY studio I come across and willing to help in any way, just because I am in love with my work!!
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? My studio and friends would jest and say, Rhonda burnette…..haha (but, really they would). While she is amazing and a joy to be around, I admire two different types of people and filmmakers. Kevin Smith is a hero of mine and his story. I think he is the wouldbe cornerstone of one type. The underdog that never stopped trying and gives their all to tell THEIR story in their own light. Which is why I work with so many indie studios! Just to be part of the magic. On much larger scale I would have to Joss Whedon, Robert Rodriguez, and Kathryn Bigelow. They are all very unique and so very professional in their craft. I long to be a happy medium.
What is my greatest extravagance? Okay, busted. I am a total nerd. I love action figures! GI Joes and Marvel Universe primarily. I have a whole shelf of them. Though sadly, during my daughter’s disappearance in 2010, I had sold a great deal of my collection to pay for for attorneys. I believe in my heart I will be able to build back my collection one day. (I don’t know if I will have the time to set them up though! Hahaha!)
On what occasion would I lie? I am a writer. I am producer. As a writer, I lie constantly to bring my thoughts, feelings and insecurities to life. I lie to perhaps put a happy ending on something hopeful. I also lie, when someone picks out traits of myself, or plot that hits close to how I feel. “Nah, it’s just part of the story! Nothing to do with me.” I guess maybe in some cases, something’s can be known, but doesn’t have to be said. As a producer, I am pretty straightforward. Why? Because, on behalf of both myself and who I am entertaining, none of us have time for BS.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Speaking of BS – sifting through people who are all talk and no backing. People who are users, liars, con artists, manipulators…oh, and girls looking for a break. I honestly have very little time for it. I am a firm believer in say what you mean, mean what you say. Don’t talk about it- DO IT! I despise people who just want the credit and none of the work. This business, especially on the indie level! This job requires time and sacrifice! If you can’t make both happen, please just step aside and let me. It is going 9 hours sleep for 4 days and pretending like it doesn’t hurt. It’s so much- but you love it, you want it- TAKE IT.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I stepped away from film in 2005 when I became a father. I was at the cusp and my former company was just breaking into Netflix. I was part of that, then as a father, I felt I needed to do more. While happy to be a father, my life had been empty! I worked everything from retail to being a prison guard (yeah, me…) and it wasn’t until my studio came to life in the last year, with Canon Buckingham, Rebecca Lynn Garrett, Billy Garrett, Michael Bonilla, and Rhonda Burnette and other studio friends I have made I felt happy. Right here and right now is my happiest time. No, I don’t have it all, but I have them and they are all I need.
If I could, what would I change about myself? Everything I could change about myself, I sadly cannot. Several things from physical and age and appearance. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are things about myself I love! I love my eyes! I love my sense of humor! I love my skills in writing and interpersonal development. And you HAVE to be confident to pull that off! I also feel we can “fake it till you make it.” As I speak to masses, I think- I got this and I’m in it for them. It gets me through.
What is my greatest achievement in work? I really don’t know how to answer this one because I don’t know if I found mine yet. I don’t know if I ever will. I always like pushing myself to the next limit and breaking that one and going bigger. What I do enjoyment in is finding people who love doing what I do and helping them succeed at it! Getting their name out! I think my greatest achievement will be- when I win big one day, from hard work, and win an award, and look at the crowd and see people I care for, and my studio friends, and my mom, and say, “This was ALWAYS for you. Especially you. I hope you’re proud.” (Then announce to my former employers all the sick days I used, and times they couldn’t find me in the building, I was running a studio off a cellphone and apologize for stealing time.)
What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me? Paying off student loans. Kidding. Work is work regardless, and why can’t we be happy at what we do. I long to being able to create the wonderful stories and creations I want and inspiring people to do the same! Financial Freedom is just being free from hassles of life. Bills and problems and adversities come and they go. To have financial freedom is being able to live comfortable and doing what you love.
Where would I most like to live? I get asked this quite a bit. People are always baffled by my answer when I say nowhere. I don’t really want a “home” in any particular place. Even if I did, maybe something small off a coast somewhere I can retreat to when Im ready to hang it up or need “me” time. I want travel the world. I want to see things and document my adventures. I want trek off and be forgotten about one day. Just see things and meet people, and when people ask, “Hey, aren’t you Brad Morris?” Just nod, and say, “Heard of him, good guy. Gave an award away to those he loved. Hell of a writer! Nope. Not him. But thanks for the comparison!” What is my most treasured possession? Easy! Believe me or not, I ADORE my loved ones and being able to see them happy!! One would have no idea how much it hurts when I see them hurt. How happy it makes me when they smile. How I long to hear their laugh and know I was why. I fight for them on many levels I will never tell any of them. They are so treasured. To tell you the truth, the best and worst days of my life are when they go. Days I have big win or we film, and we one visits and goes home, I won’t lie (as stated in previous answer) – I feel empty again. I can have a daughter, a home, money, nice things, without them, I don’t feel completed.
What is my most marked characteristic? I actually asked on this one. The biggest answer I got was, I am very charismatic, I have this ability that drives and that makes people wanna do their best. With that said, I have also been guilty of pushing too hard! I will NOT let someone quit- EVEN IF I have to show up and make them or fix the problem myself! You come to me, be ready to win. You may not be first, but I will make sure you are in the game.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I love my home town! I do. I wished it loved me as much as I loved it. I also feel Waco is guilty of exploiting opportunity rather than providing them. Which is fine by me, because two things about me, I make my own luck and opportunity, and I am not much for second chances. As for landmarks, and inspirational places, TWO right off the bat, The Mayborn Museum which I WISH I had more time to frequent. I could spend days there and never tire. The second is more fun than anything. The Waco Suspension Bridge. We have a game where we throw tortillas to an unfinished bridge post. THE DUCKS LOVE IT! (I hold a lead with 36 to 7 versus Rhonda Burnette- tho she may tell you otherwise.)
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Fugi’s Hibachi Grill! Yum yum sauce. The end. Don’t question me. Yum Yum Sauce is to die for!
What books influenced my life and how? As a child, Dear, Mr. Henshaw by Beverley Cleary about a young boy who wrote a writer, and grew up to become one. Also, Alfred Hitchcock and Three Investigators. (I would LOVE to turn those into a series of kid movies! Just saying!)
Who are my favorite writers? Anne Bradstreet and Oscar Wilde. What can I say, I love the classics. Anne Bradstreet means the world to me! As a female author for the time she broke the mold! She was above and beyond in a time where women were only allowed to read the bible exclusively! Her vocabulary and use of words is mesmerizing! Oscar, well, I too am very sarcastic in nature and he has a way with delivery that is still unmatched.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I have to say, it would vary. But definitely Motown- Temptations for sure! Then Jackson Five (especially “I’ll be there” because that song will mean something at that moment) and then, mainly 80s and 90s music! But, in my last moments, if I could listen to “Champagne Supernova”, followed by “Ill be there” by Jackson Five ONE MORE TIME, then as I pass, “Drift Away” by Dolby Grey, I could call it good bye.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Spiderman! Done. No question. Sure Captain America is EVERYTHING I wish I could be as a man, but Spiderman is the little nerdy loser that won. He married the perfect woman, a Model/Actress who really LOVED HIM! He has nothing but risks it all for his city and people he loves! He’d give his life for what he does and who he loves. That’s everything I TRY to be.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? I have several. I love my team and they ARE heroes to put up with me. I love my daughter, she has been through sooo much and still has the best attitude!! But aside from personal people, soldiers who fight for us. The emergency responders. Teachers and scholars who train or young to think. One especially- Mr. Paul Holder whom was my former Government Professor. The man does more than teach it but is very strongly in the system to be apart of change and has since retired. He is my mentor and hero (whether he likes it or not).
What role plays art in my life and work? Oh wow! People, sociology, and human interactions! I constantly observe the nature of people and it never grows old. When waiting on a plane I enjoy watching people. Airports and Bus Stations are some of the happiest and saddest places in the world and a place where for only a moment the whole world can cross paths and no one notices. At airports, you find the sad businessmen returning home alone, tired from work and going home to nothing. You see the newlyweds rejoice! You see estranged families coming back together in perfect harmony, and knowing they may hate one another again while exchanging snide comments over Aunt Thelma’s oat meal.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My mom and my studio are both! My mom has been my life support at my worst and biggest supporter at my best. My studio has carried me through my battles with depression and anxiety. My studio and my mom alike stare at me funny when I announce “Okay, now hear me out…I kinda started this project…” They all sigh, roll their eyes and get to work knowing I won’t lead astray. Well, my mom shakes her head and gives me a sandwich and says Ill be dead before her.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017? Too many to name. I have met some amazing film people in Dallas this year I wanna work with. Like Samantha Heer, Hilton Moore, Deward Lawrence (list goes on). I also wanna try my hands at a Western! I really want to take this time to push my boundaries and work with some prominent names in the industry (Like my Heroes I mentioned earlier).
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017? Oh- Kevin Smith, Quinn Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez!
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? I have some amazing new projects in the works, like a series pilot called “Booked” that was Co-created by my brother James Morris. Be nice to return to action in a comedic sense, We are also hosting our first Film Festival in Killeen Texas at Geek Fest through Central Texas College! I am especially excited for a new film I am working on with Jaime Gomez (Training Day and Mash Bridges). I will be pushing boundaries with this and it’s challenge! We are looking at some top Hollywood names and the project is POWERFUL!Where can you see me or my work in 2017? You can see myself and Rhonda Burnette in “When You Pray For Rain” directed by Adam Coffey which I Co-wrote and Produced which will be making it’s way through the film festival circuit. You can see me as well as in the upcoming pilot Booked and in person at the CTC Geek Fest Film Festival August 18th through the 20th!
Www.gumballentertainment.com
Www.youtube/gumballentertainment.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Passion is life. When Walt Disney died, his passion not only inspired generations but his passion is still making entertainment in HIS name! Passion is a source of being and an energy. You can’t retire your passion. You can change it, refocus it- but you can’t end it. Especially if it is in what you love. Your passion is your soul, and your soul never retires.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?
Actor Writer Producer Jaime Gomez
Stage 32 Coordinator and Actor Hilton Moore
Director and Writer Deward Laurence
How can you contact me?
Right here on Facebook is probably your best bet.
Or
Info@gumballentertainment.com
(Entitle it “For Brad Morris” and I will make sure to check it out.)
Passion Never Retires 