Exclusive Interview: Andrew Pierson (A Soldier’s Descent)

What made you get into the film industry?

I didn’t choose the film industry—it kind of chose me. The moment I stepped on set, I was hooked. From acting to producing to executive producing, I’ve been lucky to wear a lot of hats on over 160 IMDb projects and counting. I thrive on the grind, the creativity, and the chaos that comes with building something epic from the ground up. Especially in horror—where I can take real-world issues like PTSD or trauma and flip them into something unforgettable, like we’re doing with A Soldier’s Descent. I’m not here to play it safe—I’m here to make history, one project at a time.

A SOLDIER’S DESCENT ON INDIEGOGO

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-soldier-s-descent-groundbreaking-slasher-movie

Why does A Soldiers Decent need to by told?

Because the real horror isn’t just the killer in the dark—it’s the war that follows our veterans home. PTSD, suicide, domestic violence, addiction—this film doesn’t hold back. A Soldier’s Descent turns that pain into a slasher that cuts deep. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s horror with something to say.

What makes A Soldiers Decent unique?

This isn’t your typical slasher fluff — A Soldier’s Descent rips open real wounds like PTSD, veteran suicide, domestic violence, and addiction, then smashes them into a brutal, blood-soaked revenge tale. The kills are savage, visceral, and unforgettable—designed to shock and satisfy hardcore horror fans. It’s raw, it’s vicious, and it’s a horror film with real teeth and a story that demands to be told.

What do you bring to the character of Sgt. Barney Griffith?

What I bring to Barney is real—because everyone’s faced struggles and tough times, myself included. I tap into that universal fight—the anger, the pain, the moments when life feels overwhelming. Barney’s battle with trauma and loss isn’t just a story; it’s something I can relate to on a deep level. I bring honesty and raw emotion to the role, showing a man who’s flawed but fighting to survive. Horror fans will feel that realness—it’s what makes Barney not just a character, but someone you can believe in and root for.

Tell us the importance of self-marketing?

Self-marketing isn’t just important—it’s your secret weapon. In this game, it’s not enough to be talented—you’ve got to make noise, build your brand, and own your story like your career depends on it—because it does. With over 160 projects on IMDb, I’ve learned that hustling your image and connecting with fans and creatives is what turns passion into opportunity. If you don’t market yourself hard, someone else will. This industry rewards the bold—so you’ve got to be loud, proud, and impossible to ignore.

Film school comes in many shapes and forms, what was your version of film school?

Honestly, I didn’t go the traditional film school route. My film school was the grind—learning on set, project after project, getting my hands dirty and figuring things out in real time. Every set was a classroom, every director and crew member a teacher. Before that, I spent over a decade working in radio, which taught me how to tell stories, connect with an audience, and hustle like crazy. That mix of real-world experience and storytelling shaped me for my success today. Film school isn’t just a building—it’s the journey, and mine’s been anything but typical.

What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned as it applies to film?

The biggest lesson? It’s that collaboration is everything. No matter how talented you are, film is a team sport. You’ve got to respect every role, listen, and stay open because the best ideas often come from the most unexpected places. Also, patience and persistence are huge—things rarely go as planned, but if you keep pushing, adapting, and showing up, you create something real. Film’s messy, wild, and unpredictable—and that’s what makes it magic.

Why has crowdfunding become so important for indie films?

Because let’s be real—we don’t have studio money. We’re not working with Marvel budgets over here. Crowdfunding is how filmmakers like me get to tell bold, personal stories that the big studios wouldn’t touch—especially horror that deals with real issues like PTSD, suicide, addiction, and domestic violence. A Soldier’s Descent isn’t just about scares—it’s about truth, and we need support from people who believe in that kind of storytelling. Crowdfunding gives us freedom. It lets us make the kind of horror that hits hard, stays raw, and actually says something.

Who or what truly inspires your creativity?

Honestly, it’s the people who’ve been through hell and keep going. I’m inspired by real-life survivors—veterans, people battling addiction, anyone who’s faced darkness and didn’t let it win. That raw human struggle is where the most powerful stories live. I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon or a film school degree—I learned by being in the trenches, watching people fight to be seen, to heal, to be heard. That’s what fuels my creativity. I want to tell stories that are brutal, honest, and unforgettable—because that’s what real life feels like sometimes.

Do you have a five-year goal to meet in the film industry?

Absolutely. In five years, I want to be a recognizable force in the horror world—an actor known for bringing depth, grit, and intensity to roles that most people would shy away from. I’m all about playing characters who are haunted, unhinged, or on the edge—people you can’t stop watching because there’s real pain and truth behind the horror. I want to keep leveling up, take on bigger, bolder roles, and be part of projects that leave a scar—in the best possible way.

Andrew Pierson IMDb

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16222350/