What do you give a local Outer Banks guy who’s recently been all over the world with his first premier movie? …A beer and a big smile! Recently, I was able to catch up with Manteo graduate, Tyler Nilson, since the dust has settled from his successful debut of the delightful Peanut Butter Falcon, the adventurous buddy movie of a young man with Down Syndrome who lives his dream to become a professional wrestler. Last years’ Cinderella hit of the awards’ competitions rolled into the hearts of the public and became, hands down, the sentimental favorite we were all cheering for.

So now what? A man can’t rest on his haunches. Gotta do it again. Go out into the world and create another piece of magic! We’re all given 24/7/365…how well can you use it to create your vision, your dream, your trip to destiny? How do you find your vision? What if your vision is merely an hallucination? Passion is energy, a fuel that creates as it combusts. Align that with your vision and you can literally fan the flames of creation on a rocket to glory…again. Punch your ticket to Destiny, all a board!

Provided by Tyler Nilson

Nilson has gone back to his roots to create more stories from his heart. Recently being fine-tuned is a Spanish language film he and partner Michael Schwartz have written in preparation for pre-production. Also in the works with Disney, Nilson and Schwartz have a modern day take on the classic tale of Treasure Island. And, in a television series for Apple TV, the duo has an effort set in modern day Los Angeles.

Finding success in tinsel-town is a hard-won badge of good, diligent work, perseverance, and tenacity. Nilson says he’s a film-maker, not just a screenwriter, which includes the skills of directing and editing, and, every day, teaches him more about life and story-telling. He’s constantly learning how to be better. “I don’t necessarily like to write, I like having written,” Nilson says, quoting the old adage. 

As for targeting projects, Nilson is a firm believer that whatever needs to come to the top, will. The creation and writing of a project is not the hard part. Funding that project is the difficulty. The finesse is in convincing monied sources to give you, oh, say, six million dollars to create your specific “vision of Art” in your movie. And then to allow you to keep creative control of that vision. Nilson and Schwartz hit a home run with The Peanut Butter Falcon, which allowed an easier sell of their next projects. But you’re only as good as your next project in the Hollywood business. This dynamic duo has found their feel-good niche with heart, and plan on exploring it fully. They are story-tellers to make us feel good again.

When reflecting on their partnership, Nilson describes it like this:  “I blow with ideas and enthusiasm and Mike tempers me with his own great ideas and reels me back in. We work really well together.” Whatever their process, keep it going!

People’s Choice Award SXSW

Is there a sequel to The Peanut Butter Falcon hovering on the horizon for our intrepid filmmakers? According to Nilson, “No.” And follows quickly with, “I think we left it all on film at the ending with Zack and  company. We’re happy with that.” The 2019 “little movie that could” took them to multiple awards and accolades in both the USA and
across the World, even a trip to the Academy Awards. Both Nilson and Schwartz are proud of their hard work and grateful for the reception it received. Now they’re ready to tackle new challenges. And for that, my Outer Banks friends, we should be grateful!

Stay tuned, fearless fans. We will periodically update you on the film and television escapades of our dashing duo of Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz of Lucky Treehouse Productions as they battle forth for American hearts with their tales of great expectations. To be
continued…

Rebecca Orr is a writer who, each morning, arises, expecting to find new treasures in her Outer Banks’ world. She has never been disappointed. She can be contacted by email at:  RKOWriter@gmail.com.