Brian Patrick Butler is an American actor, film director, screenwriter, and film producer. He is known for writing and directing the film Friend of the World (2020), writing and performing in the film Hemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink Tea (2023), and appearing in the films South of 8 (2016), Thane of East County (2015) and We All Die Alone (2021).
Life and career While pursuing a degree in theatre arts at San Diego State University, Butler directed a production of Stephen Adly Guirgis's play The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. He also attended British American Drama Academy at Magdalen College, Oxford. After graduating, Butler performed at New Village Arts Theatre in the West Coast premieres of The House Theatre of Chicago's The Nutcracker and Sarah Ruhl's Stage Kiss. He was also cast in Return to the Forbidden Planet at New Village Arts and played KJ in Ion Theatre's production of Annie Baker's The Aliens. During this time, Butler acted in the feature films South of 8 and Thane of East County before writing and directing two short films: Hatred and The Phantom Hour. In 2017, Butler starred in the short film Assumption and later in Hacksaw, a feature-length slasher film with Sadie Katz and Cortney Palm.
Released films
In 2016, Butler formulated a script titled Friend of the World. In 2020, the film premiered virtually at the Oceanside International Film Festival during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the premiere, Butler mentioned he was inspired by the works of John Carpenter and Samuel Beckett. The film was distributed by Troma Entertainment in 2022 and is listed as one of the 100 Best Zombie Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer.
In 2023, Butler starred as Liz Topham-Myrtle, a ruthless landlady, in a film made from his screenplay Hemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink Tea. Directed by Tony Olmos, it was distributed by BayView Entertainment in 2024. Butler was nominated for acting, writing and editing at the 13th Oceanside International Film Festival.
Upcoming film: A Corpse in Kensington In 2024, Butler directed a film titled A Corpse in Kensington, based on his own screenplay. Produced by Butler and Justin Burquist, the film features Michael Madsen, Ryan Bollman, Derrick Acosta, Vinny Curran, and Kimberly Weinberger. The film entered post-production in late 2024. In 2026, Butler confirmed the film will be a psychological slasher romcom set on Halloween 2010 in Kensington, San Diego.
Filmography Year Title Writer Director Actor Producer RoleNotes 2015 Hatred JohnShort film 2016 The Phantom Hour BryceShort film2020 Friend of the World 2023Hemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink TeaLiz Topham-MyrtleTBA
Acting roles in other films Year Title RoleRef.2015 Thane of East County Matt2016 South of 8 Ryan Bertrand 2017 Assumption 2019 Buy Roses for Me Leo 2020 Hacksaw Tommy Zach King's Day Off Brian Butler 2021 Graduation Afternoon Ben Dorne We All Die Alone Riley Continuance Loren2022 Mike & Fred vs The Dead Fred 3 Little Kungpoo Goats One Leg / Hyena (voice) 2023 The Godfather The Crime Boss
Accolades EventYearAwardFilmResultRef.Horrible Imaginings Film Festival2015Best Dramatic Short FilmHatredDowntown Los Angeles Film Festival2022Best Ensemble Cast in a Short FilmWe All Die AloneOceanside International Film Festival2022Best Supporting Actor2024Best Actor in a Lead RoleHemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink TeaBest Editing in a FeatureBest Screenplay (Feature)Video Librarian2022Top 15 Best Narrative FilmsFriend of the WorldAtlanta ShortsFest2022Best Ensemble CastWe All Die AloneGeorgia Shorts Film Festival2022Best ActorSimply Indie Film Fest2023Best Ensemble CastSan Diego Film Awards2015Best Supporting ActorBirthday Wish2020Best Narrative Feature FilmFriend of the World2022Best Ensemble CastWe All Die Alone2024Best Ensemble Cast in a Narrative Feature FilmHemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink TeaBest Lead Actor in a Narrative Feature FilmBest Narrative Feature FilmBest Original Screenplay in a Narrative Feature FilmSan Diego Film Week2023Best Dark Comedy Feature Film
References
External links Official website Brian Patrick Butler at Moviefone