Photo Credit: Fernando De La Cruz Films
Dear Readers,
I could not wait to introduce you to Darrel Pullie! He is a dear friend of mine, and his art is truly inspiring. See the interview below for guidance and inspiration.
1. What inspired you to become a film producer?
I’ve always been deeply passionate about storytelling. Producing, for me, was a natural extension of that—it’s the part where you get to make the magic happen behind the scenes. What really inspired me was the idea of taking something from script to screen while creating opportunities for others. I love collaborating with talented people and building something together. There’s no better feeling than watching something you’ve nurtured come to life.
2. Can you describe your journey to becoming a producer?
My journey really began at the Joey Travolta Film Camp, which was a huge turning point for me. Being taught by people like Joey Travolta himself and Barry Pearl—yes, Doody from Grease—was surreal. They introduced me to the fundamentals of acting and filmmaking, and more importantly, they made me believe I belonged in this industry. From there, I kept creating: writing scripts, filming with friends, learning by doing. Eventually, I realized I was just as drawn to the producing side—handling the logistics, assembling teams, and making sure every moving part worked together. That’s when I founded Pullie Productions, and it’s been a ride ever since.
Picture above: Darrel’s first year at the Joey Travolta Film Camp.
3. How do you handle unexpected challenges during production?
With calm and flexibility. Things will go wrong—it’s the nature of filmmaking. I always try to stay focused on solutions, not stress. I listen to my team, lean on my experience, and remind myself that some of the best moments come from adapting. Having a strong crew helps tremendously—we support each other, and that makes even the toughest days manageable.
4. Pullie Productions participated in the Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project. Please explain this process to our readers, and why the Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project is a big deal?
The 48 Hour Film Project is exactly what it sounds like—you have just two days to write, shoot, and edit a complete short film. It’s intense, exhilarating, and incredibly rewarding. Pittsburgh’s film scene is growing, and the 48HFP here showcases so much of the local talent. It pushes everyone involved to think fast and work together under pressure, which is a great test of your creative and technical skills. It’s also a fantastic way to meet other filmmakers and get your work seen.
5. Darrel, you are so talented! You are an actor, writer, director, filmmaker, YouTuber, and Founder of Pullie Productions. How do you balance your various talents? Also, how do you make sure your talents are intertwining? Do you have any advice to give to inspiring artists?
Thank you! Honestly, it comes down to passion and planning. I don’t see my roles as separate—they all feed into each other. Being an actor helps me write more human characters. Producing teaches me how to manage time and resources, which helps with directing. My YouTube channels, Darrel’s Wonderland and Pullie Productions, lets me experiment and engage with fans in real time. My advice to other artists: lean into what makes you unique. You don’t have to limit yourself to one title. Let your creativity overlap and don’t be afraid to fail. Every project teaches you something.
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6. You are a stylish person. How do you stay up to date on fashion trends? Your outfits never disappoint! How do you effectively balance your fashion choices with the dynamic nature of your daily activities? One minute you will be at an acting class. Then, you will be at a premiere.
That’s so kind, thank you! I’ve always believed that fashion is another form of storytelling. What you wear says something about who you are and how you show up in the world. I keep an eye on trends, but I also love mixing in vintage pieces and putting my own twist on things. My Wheel of Fortune-inspired suit at the premiere is a great example—it was fun, bold, and totally me. Comfort is key too, especially with such a busy schedule. I dress for the moment, but I always want to feel like myself. You’ll hardly see me dress without a fedora on, though. Been wearing them since high school they stuck with me ever since.
Above photo: Darrel Pullie in his Wheel of Fortune- Inspired Suit.
7. Why do you see art as an importance to society?
Art is how we process the world. It’s a mirror, a megaphone, and sometimes a refuge. It connects people across cultures and experiences. Whether it’s a film, a painting, a song, or a dance, art challenges us to think differently and feel deeply. Especially in today’s world, where there’s so much noise and division, art can be the thing that brings people together. It reminds us of our shared humanity—and that’s powerful.