Meet Thomas A. Fowler | Filmmaker, Producer, and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas A. Fowler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas A., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It’s been in my blood since I was a kid. It’s almost impossible for my brain to stop thinking of stories and ideas. I haven’t been able to find anything else as fulfilling career-wise. Many of the regular jobs I’ve had have been absolutely fine; in fact, many would consider them ideal! However, it doesn’t provide anything close to the high of finishing a script, seeing a cut of a production coming together you’ve poured countless hours into, and no one can take that accomplishment from you. Even if it isn’t perfect, your passion comes through.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an emotional guy. I use that. My struggles with mental health make their way into my stories. It’s why my philosophy, as well as my video production company Gracious Monsters, “Tells emotional stories in fantastic worlds.” Through all the struggles I’ve had mentally or professionally, it’s helped me become the man I am today. It’s also given me a platform to talk about mental health through entertaining narratives! Needless to say, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve experienced more failure than success, and I am still waiting for the day it can be financially viable to be my only job. But a long-term creative career requires that: trying, learning, growing.

This translates to my marketing work as well. I’ve been working with Switchboard Strategy to tell stories for incredible non-profits. Even then, I’m trying to find entertaining and engaging stories because all of my clients are working to make the world better and more sustainable.

Whenever challenges arise, I lean on others. It can be as simple as a quick pause and discussion to identify the problem, understand why it occurred, and what our options are for moving forward! Also, therapy! It is so remarkable to have a safe space to meet routinely because it’s helped me find new resources and ways to get extensive help with my mental health. Which translates to me being a better friend, father, husband, co-worker, and storyteller.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, Colorado has so much to explore! It’s also insanely spread out so if you want to see a lot of Colorado, you’re going to need a week! But I’d say a trip to Korea Town in Aurora is essential! You can try such great foods, all-you-can-eat sushi, Korean BBQ, and there are amazing karaoke bars my friends and I belt out Backstreet Boys together. I live in Aurora so spending some time at Aurora Reservoir is so peaceful and nice. I love taking my kayak out on the water.

As we’re getting closer to fall, enduring the chaos of Estes Park is worth it! It gets busy, but you’ll see all the aspens changing and the elk are breathtaking, just don’t get too close! My oldest daughter is obsessed with the Stanley Hotel and you can witness an incredible part of Colorado’s mountains. If not there, going to any cool mountain town like Telluride or Frisco, it’s hard to find a mountain town that doesn’t provide a thrilling place to visit for a few days.

Because I love movies too, I think a trip to the Mayan Theater is a must! It’s such a unique theater with indie screenings and old-school decor, makes you feel like you’ve been transported to old Hollywood when you’re there. If not there, the Sie Film Center downtown gives a similar experience, plus the Denver Film group runs that so you can catch some amazing festivals and screenings. The Alamo Drafthouse is also a blast! We did a preview screening at the Westminster location and the staff couldn’t have been better!

I went to Red Rocks twice this summer and if you’ve never been to a concert there, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The natural rock formation and outdoor performances are on most musicians’ bucket list for places to perform.

There are also so many great hikes from Castle Rock to the Incline, even calmer hikes just outside Littleton are still breathtaking.

Colorado is amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My short film, Slasher Sessions, wouldn’t have been possible without the dozens of cast and crew who worked on this with me. From the remarkable camera crew to the makeup and costume designers who are talented and came with such incredible ideas, everyone involved brought their all! The cast dedicated themselves to the characters, many of them providing invaluable feedback on the script as we work on getting the feature film version made. Even our caterers (who were my mom, dad, and wife), and production assistants made this movie possible. That’s the remarkable thing about video production and film as a whole — every person in every stage is essential, one person falters and it ripples throughout. No one dropped a single ball, everyone excelled and adapted whenever necessary!

Website: https://www.graciousmonsters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciousmonsters/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasafowler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomasafowler82

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraciousMonsters

Image Credits
Behind-the-scenes photos by Victoria Heinsohn. Stills from Slasher Sessions © Gracious Monsters.