John Brister

Louisiana - DGA UPM

John Brister has overseen the production of 60+ feature films. He is bondable by Film Finances on movies with budgets up to $20 million.

John Brister is currently the UPM on Radical Studios’ adaptation of their comic book Abattoir, which will film in New Orleans. It is being directed by Darren Bausman (Saw 2, 3 & 4).

He most recently line produced the western Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink 2, starring Robert Patrick, Alison Eastwood and Frankie Muniz.

In Baton Rouge, John Brister recently executive / line produced the Starz / Encore movie Carjacked, starring Stephen Dorff and Maria Bello.

Brister was also the UPM on Stonerville starring Leslie Nielsen and Overnight starring James D’Arcy, Rachel Blanchard and Anthony LaPaglia.

In New Orleans, Brister executive / line produced Shooting Gallery, starring Freddie Prinze, Jr., Ving Rhames and Roselyn Sanchez.

Brister often consults on troubled productions like the feature Cuttin’ Da Mustard. The main investor hired Brister to provide a complete evaluation of the work required to finish the film as well as cost reports, schedules and a cash flow with required benchmarks for the filmmakers. Brister also provides post-production and delivery consulting on features like Music Within, Jimmy and Judy and Man in the Chair which were delivered to distributors such as MGM, Outsider Pictures and Shoreline Entertainment.

Prior to Shooting Gallery, Brister produced the Columbia TriStar family comedies Soccer Dog: European Cup, which was a Starz / Encore premiere and Soccer Dog: The Movie, which was a HBO premiere.

Brister’s filmography also includes the World War II submarine drama In Enemy Hands, starring

William H. Macy, Til Schweiger, Scott Caan and Lauren Holly. He developed the script, packaged the project and was the lead producer on the shoot. This John Brister Production was filmed in association with Splended Pictures and was distributed by Lionsgate.

Brister executive produced the television movie Rocket’s Red Glare starring Robert Wagner, Marilu Henner and Ryan Merriman. He was the lead producer responsible for development, production and post. He was solely responsible for the sale to the Fox Family Channel.

Previously, Brister served as Vice President of Finance and Production at Royal Oaks Entertainment, and prior to that Ashok Amritraj Entertainment. Brister’s involvement with each film included developing the screenplays, working with the sales agents, banks and bond companies to complete the financing, creating budgets, negotiating actor, director and union contracts, and supervising production. Brister also supervised the post-production process, including delivery and the repayment of production loans.

Brister launched his producing career by working his way up from the bottom. He was working as a production assistant when he as hired by Ashok Amritraj. Amritraj promoted Brister to Vice President within seven months, overseeing a slate of five to ten productions per year.

John Brister grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana. He graduated with a B.A. in history from U.C.L.A. He is a member of the Director’s Guild of America.

References: Film Finances (Kurt Woolner, Matt Warren, Dave Bennett, Steve Berman).