Making movies is similar to playing chess… only it’s a bit more challenging. You’re not just focused on creating a winning strategy that involves numerous moving pieces (which all serve different functions), you also have to manage personalities, work inhumanly long hours, and meet impossibly tight deadlines without losing focus or integrity while staying on or under budget. Arguably, nobody in the cast or crew feels that responsibility more than the producer.

Tiffany McDonald is the award-winning owner of B22 Films and Sanddollar Pictures. She has over 100 film and television credits to her name — the majority of those credits are for producing. Whether it’s horror, action, comedy, a western, or a thriller, McDonald knows how to get the job done. She understands the assignment, is remarkably talented, and unfathomably productive. McDonald is also an active member of The Producers Guild of America. B22 Films has several movies, such as The Wolf, Bull Shark, The Pickleball Murders, and more, that you can watch right now on Screamify. McDonald was kind enough to take some time from her hectic production schedule (typically, a new film each month) to answer a few questions about what it takes to be a successful producer.

B22 Films has several movies, such as The Wolf, Bull Shark, The Pickleball Murders, and more, that you can watch right now on Screamify. McDonald was kind enough to take some time from her hectic production schedule (typically, a new film each month) to answer a few questions about what it takes to be a successful producer.

I’ve written about filmmaking for years, but I still don’t quite get what a producer does. The role seems to shift from person to person. Am I just not understanding the role? What does a producer do?

Good question! A producer gets the project made. They are involved in every step from script to post production. People call themselves producers, but are they really, or do they just give money and stand on the sidelines? A producer must be involved in every step regardless if you like the project or not. After all, your name is on it, and this just means you got it made!

What do you do that is different from the typical producer?

Besides cooking for my cast and crew during a production, I cast the projects myself.

You have made an incredible number of films over the last few years. What is your schedule like, and how do you do it?

We do at least 12 projects a year and honestly, if my husband, Brett [Bentman], wasn’t such a fantastic writer, this wouldn’t be possible. I don’t know how he does it.

Is reputation important in the film industry?

Is reputation important? YES. Believe me, people talk smack about us, and it used to get to me. Now, I just keep my head down and keep busy. We can’t please everyone. My favorite stab at a rumor is when someone comes on our set and says, “I worked for so and so and they had bad things to say about B22, but I’ve had nothing but a great experience on your set!” And yes, this has happened more than a handful of times. But my actions speak louder than words. I’ve found that 9 times out of 10, these rumors are from individuals we’ve never met, so go figure.

Do you seek out new projects, or do people bring them to you?

We have the flexibility to do both. We work closely with a distribution company, and we make what they need. No one is knocking down our door to make their projects. However, we do have the option to seek out other projects.

How many projects can you feasibly tackle in a year?

I know we can do 12, although I’d love to shorten that number and stretch out a bit for bigger projects.

What is the hardest part of the job?

The hardest part of the job is casting. And it’s not really a producer’s job, but I do it because no other casting director would do it for the budget we work with.

What is the most exciting part?

It’s always an adventure on a B22 project.

Do you have a favorite project? What was so special about making that movie?

12:03

My favorite project to work on was a feature called, 90 Feet From Home. We had a bigger budget, and everyone gave 100% on set. The actors had 8-9 months to really dig into the role, and the crew was stellar. I’d love to make another movie like that again!

What does the average person not understand about making a movie?

The budget. We make micro-budget features and a few bigger-budget projects. The bigger budgets are easier because everyone has a job and can focus on that job, which makes for a better project. With micro-budgets, there are many hats and many shortcuts along with a “we have to work with what we have” mentality.

You have incredible acting chops. Is that how you got started in this business?

I have incredible acting chops? I’m kinda giggling inside, but thank you! When I was a little girl, I always knew I’d be in this business. I LOVED TV commercials and knew every jingle. I also loved my parents’ VHS camera, and I’d make music videos and skits, puppet shows, and talent shows. My mother entered me in some big modeling agency contest at 14, and I was one of the top 12 nationwide. My dad passed away at 14, so I gave it a rest until my mid 20s. I signed with The Campbell Agency and worked consistently on commercials and print. I also worked on some TV series in New Orleans. I had a callback with Spike Lee for Oldboy. In 2017, I started B22 Films and haven’t looked back. I just decided to do it on a whim, and the rest is history.

Does producing help or hinder your acting career?

I only act if Brett needs me for a role. I don’t have an agent or manager anymore. I just focus on our projects. I’m not sure if I could get a movie done and be a lead in it.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

Brett and I have a blended family of 4. We’re also grandparents. And I hate scorpions.

Is gender still an issue in filmmaking?

Why would gender be an issue? I haven’t jumped into that rabbit hole. I cast actors who fit the role. I hire people I like and trust regardless of gender.

Is there anything I missed? Something that’s important that you’d like to talk about?

Yes, piggybacking off the previous question, this field is full of # movements. Just stop already and let’s do our jobs. Enough of the crutch and bullsh*t. Let’s stick to the basics of this business and make something happen instead of getting distracted.

Do you have any upcoming releases that you’d like fans to know about?

Minnie’s Midnight Massacre became viral news in a day. It’s a fun, ’80s camp horror flick. It should be a good watch, and hopefully, it’ll be released in early October before Halloween.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

If you want to do this, just do it. This isn’t rocket science, it’s a business of who you know and luck. Work with people who work well with you. Cut out the drama and bad energy on set. If something isn’t right, speak up. This is a live and learn business, once you get a groove, it works.

Besides watching her films on Screamify (and other streaming services), if you’d like to learn more about Tiffany’s work, search for Tiffany M Bentman [McDonald is her stage name], B22 Films, and Sanddollar Pictures on social media and YouTube. You can also visit IMDb to keep up with what’s out and what’s in production.