Wesley Pryor

Wes Pryor is comfortable on both sides of the camera, having acted in movies, commercials and theater productions on Broadway in New York City. With a diverse background of skills, including professional drumming and tour management, Wes offers a unique environment for every Reel Cool Films project under his direction.

“I enjoy creative collaboration and turning a great idea into a reality, and I like to create an atmosphere on set that is fun for everyone involved so I can get the best possible performances.”

Not many people have the abundant energy level that Wes brings to the table. Because he can relate to acting, he can help flesh out a character, and he has the ability to create a comfort zone that lets the actor try his or her own approach. Wes prepares for all aspects of a project, and he listens to an actor’s input, leaving room for spontaneity, which is one of his favorite things to capture on film.

​As a professional drummer since age of 10, Wes loves to work on music videos. The downbeat of a cymbal crash, a guitar riff, or a low bass note placed with the right edit keeps the viewer’s interest and stirs emotions. Having entertained audiences for years, Wes has a knowledge of what goes into a live show, and he brings that timing into the process of making films.

“Whether I’m working on narrative films, documentaries or music videos, I believe it helps to have experience in the world of live performance and relating to an audience. As I look through the camera, I’m looking for the feeling of connection to that audience. I can tell when it works and it has passion. I’m all about the story.”

Wes has been influenced by directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme, to name a few. As the film industry evolves, Wes evolves with it, with the flexibility to adapt to the unexpected. He hears the beat of a different drummer and is already known as an actor’s director.

“I see the screen as a canvas, and I use film to paint moving pictures. The actors provide depth and color. For me, it’s a fulfilling way to tell a story and express myself as an artist.”