By Steffon Olsen
Tyson Kroening and Evan Cannon are two of the brightest up-and-coming independent film mavericks in the industry. After successfully collaborating on and finding distribution for the film, ‘I Will Not Take Care of You,’ they embarked on a full-length documentary film about Scorpiusfest titled, “Spectacular By Comparison”. Upon the completion of the documentary, they made a bid to become new owners and management of the small film festival out of Park City, Utah, in order to carry its vision forward. ScorpiusFest has since, taken on a vibrant, new life-force and began to explode under their direction.
Scorpius Magazine was recently able to interview Tyson Kroening, the primary driving force behind the documentary and the new direction of ScorpiusFest.
Scorpius Magazine: What has the transitional experience been like to go from being an independent filmmaker to taking on an international, independent film festival?
Kroening: It’s been a learning experience for sure. Wasn’t something I expected, or honestly really ever wanted to do, so, I was certainly not as prepared for it as I’d have liked. It just kind of happened and I ran with it because I didn’t wanna see the festival die after everything you’d (Steffon) put into it. Seemed like a real shame to finally put out a documentary so people can learn about it only to end the movie with, “And it’s gone.” Ultimately, I’m glad we did it and I think we’ll (or at least Clarence and Brittany will) continue to get better at running it, even if I’m sorta floundering in the shadows.
Scorpius Magazine: Tell us about how you met Evan Cannon and the odyssey of working on “I Will Not Take Care of You”?
Kroening: I first worked with Evan years ago in corporate land at a small company called Craftsy. We quickly became friends and continued to work together after that job had run its course. When I decided I wanted to do “Take Care” I was at a different corporate job and wanted to make something that wasn’t. I knew I didn’t have the resources to make a full feature, but I could provide post, so the pitch to my friends was, “You can write whatever speaks to you as long as it’s within the theme, you shoot it, and I’ll handle everything else.” To my surprise, many said yes and Evan was one of them. From there we decided we should keep making movies and so Subjective became a real thing.
Scorpius Magazine: What can you tell us about the new ScorpiusFest crew?
Kroening: Biased as hell here, but I think they are wonderful people. Brittany is brilliant graphic designer who handles all the branding, Clarence (who was also a filmmaker from “Take Care”) handles everything on the backend. Together we all watch the movies and make the calls on what screens and whatnot. We are trying to run it in the same spirit you did. Filmmakers first, money 5th.
Scorpius Magazine: In the wake of the success of the new chapter of ScorpiusFest in Boulder, Colorado, what can you tell us about the experience, memorable moments, and after-thoughts?
Kroening: It honestly felt a lot like making SBC – we didn’t know if it would work at all. We were all very pleasantly surprised by the turnout and the enthusiasm of those who submitted and attended. The entire time I was so worried we weren’t doing well enough to make the gamble worth it for the Dairy Arts Center where it was held, but at the end of the day they declared it a success and asked us to come back. So, we’re gonna do that with a new edition in March 2027. It was all pretty memorable to be honest but also so exhausting that it’s kind of a blur – you’ll have to ask Britt or Clarence if you want specific highlights.
Scorpius Magazine: ScorpiusFest is now being produced by independent filmmakers, for independent filmmakers, have you found it to be particularly rewarding, considering that fact?
Kroening: It is rewarding, yeah. The film festival circuit isn’t quite what it used to be. People aren’t getting massive deals on their indie movies anymore and there’s more than a few laurel mills on submission sites that are more interested in the entry fee than the work itself. No judgement to any of our peers, but it’s something I’ve experienced firsthand trying to navigate that world, so to have this festival exist as a place for people to come with no preconceptions of grandeur to share their work and be around people who give a shit about it, is cool. I’m glad we get to facilitate that opportunity for people.
Scorpius Magazine: What thoughts might you have regarding ScorpiusFest 2027 and is there anything particular you would like to mention or highlight concerning it?
Kroening: It’s three days instead of two this year so we don’t have to do screenings quite as early or as late. Which is a win for everyone, I think. I also think it will be good and that everyone should come. Please and thank you.
Scorpius Magazine: In the after-glow of the distribution of, ‘I Will Not Take Care of You,’ are there any new film projects in the works for you?
Kroening: Overall, it wasn’t a hit, but it wasn’t made to be. I’m just glad we made it. We’re finishing up a documentary now about Irish / Welsh Folklore called “Fae Folk: A Search for Connection.” That’s sorta the primary thing on the plate the moment. But both Evan and Connor (the other thirds of Subjective) have scripts in the works that’ll come at some point after.
Scorpius Magazine: What are the most exhilarating aspects of both filmmaking and producing ScorpiusFest?
Kroening: For making movies: I like seeing the pieces come together. Especially in documentary where there’s no guarantee you’ll even find anything. When a moment clicks in post it’s something special. For ScorpiusFest: Seeing the filmmakers get recognized and have their work screened in an actual theater and what that means to them is awesome.
Scorpius Magazine: What can you tell us about the digital release and distribution of, “Spectacular By Comparison,” in August 2026?
Kroening: We don’t have an exact date yet, but we’re told it should be streaming on Tubi in August. We’ll let everyone know on the socials when we have a real date.
Scorpius Magazine: What is your vision for the future as a filmmaker?
Kroening:I hope we can keep making stuff our way. I’m so uninterested in making something that’s “marketable” for success’s sake. Don’t get me wrong, I think it would be awesome to one day make something that wound up being liked by other people, but we’ve not had much luck there and aren’t really attempting to change that, so I really just hope we can keep scrounging up the means to continue making things. Even if it’s just for us and the folks at ScorpiusFest that’d be enough. Not really any bigger vision than that.
