Award-winning film producer, Lyle Howry has over thirty productive years in the entertainment business. Howry is an innovative and dedicated leader focused on finance, studio negotiations, and international film production and distribution. Howry is brilliant when it comes to skillfully traversing the making of a movie, from conception to silver screen. His global hit MMA film franchise “Street” has launched his entrepreneurial business Skinfly Entertainment into international fame and recognition.
Howry, an L.A. native was bounced around foster homes as a young boy, earned the nickname ‘Pit Bull’ for his ferocious tenacity, independence and innate desire to excel in the face of life’s persistent challenges. He did just that and succeeded in making a name for himself in the competitive world of Hollywood.
As a young actor, he recurred on favorite TV shows in the 1980’s such as ABC’s award-winning shows “Moonlighting,” CBS’s “Murder, She Wrote” and NBC’s “Hunter” just to name a few.
With a desire to create, Howry stepped behind the scenes in 1985 to co-produce the two time Emmy winning and nominated CBS’s “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV series. A few years later he executive produced “Reggie’s Prayer,” football legend Reggie White’s inspirational acting debut. Then joined former Paramount studio head Frank Yablans to release Jon Voight family drama “A Dog of Flanders” which won a Bronze Gryphon Award and nominated for a Joseph Plateau Award.
In 1999 with the launch of his business Skinfly Entertainment Lyle Howry focused his artistic endeavors on finance, studio negotiations, and international production and distribution. Skinfly’s MMA action combat film “Street” released in 2015 gained Howry international recognition with the reprise “Street 2 Death Fight” in production. In 2017, Howry’s Skinfly Entertainment released the thriller “You Can’t Have It,” starring Armand Assante, Joanna Krupa, and NFL star Rob Gronkowski. International Bollywood star Reggie Benjamin has been added to the cast and 4 time Grammy Nominated musician Eric Benèt will be joining for soundtrack musical score.
Lyle Howry is burning a Hollywood hot streak for Skinfly Entertainment with 30 plus productions released, a slate of new productions set for release and presently accepting new content. Howry is also interested in new finance platforms, joint film/television production opportunities and matching funds for a variety of projects.
Lyle Howry is a Hollywood heavyweight and famed producer. As he embarks on
his latest project, we pulled him in for a chat.
How has the industry evolved over the last 30 years?
First, the advances in technology and digital equipment that are readily available to
most has made the industry more competitive at all levels from indie to block
buster studios. There is a lot of noise and content out there, but the quality
projects seem to rise to the top.
Second, today’s content from morning shows to game shows is far more risquè.
Almost anything is pitched and can get a deal and even run a second season
when it shouldn’t. Most shows on TV today would have been in the bucket due to
restrictions and guidelines 30 years ago, now very little is censored.
Lastly, the current landscape and governing theme have turned to politics. There
is a lot of contention and anger pouring out from every entertainment platform
including social media. It can be like walking on eggshells if you don’t agree on
politics, one could be silenced or blacklisted. What happened to freedom of
speech and respecting the opinions of others? I know everyone doesn’t have the
same mindset, so I just do what I love most. I’m driven to make good, solid,
entertaining work. And when I can, I like to help people in the business.
Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in a day to do it all, but I will keep
trying.
What can we expect from STREET 2 DEATH FIGHT? Anything you can give
away?
Expect to see familiar faces. I am bringing back some of the previous cast of
STREET I. Mark Ryan from “Transformers” and “Black Sails.” The young rising
actress Gigi Cesare , whom I adore, and International model Joanna
Krupa from “Housewives” franchise and my film “You Can’t Have It,” both
actresses have pivotal roles along with actor Sean Stewart, son of legendary
music Icon Rod Stewart. You will also see character actress Mindy Robinson and
of course Matt Mitrione, an actual MMA fighter who appeared in the first
STREET. Gregory Fawcett, Shannon Gallagher along with others will also return
with additional acclaimed stars to be announced.
STREET 2 DEATH FIGHT will have a human trafficking element written in the
script. We have partnered non-profits bringing awareness to human trafficking
and will be donating portions of proceeds from the soundtrack and film to these
organizations. Mission Save Her and Phantom Rescue are on our list and will be
playing significant roles in the making of our film. The soundtrack will feature
prominent musicians and artists. Again, we are currently in conversations with
these artists and cannot disclose at this time.
What challenges are there in making commercial films in the US in this day
and age?
Financing is always a challenge. When filming domestically, we like to produce in
a state that offers tax incentives to film makers. Tax incentives allow returns on
funds to our investor(s) faster and in return provides more leverage for
promoting, releasing and distributing the movie. California could make some
improvements to the way their incentives are structured to keep projects in the
state. But the best location for the plot is also always considered.
You have assembled an impressive cast so far Mark Ryan, Mindy Robinson,
Joanna Krupa, and Gigi Cesare to name a few, is casting compete? How
do you choose your actors?
We use traditional casting methods as well as targeting A-listers with a few nondisclosed
names in conversations and options on the table at this time. We will
be able to offer more talent and crew opportunities with the larger cast numbers
on STREET 2 DEATH FIGHT.
What can fans of the first STREET film expect from this one and the future
STREET films?
Fans can expect the STREET franchise only to get bigger, more exciting and
merchandise. We are adding more well-known actors to the roster, and an action
packed twisting story line. The audience may or may not think they have the plot
figured out, and it may or may not be twisting at that very moment.
STREET 2 DEATH FIGHT is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Social Media
Instagram @lylehowry @streetthemovie
https://m.facebook.com/LyleHowryOfficialPage/