Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Dillard.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Bryan Dillard’s journey to success is a testament to vision, resilience, and relentless creativity. It began at Florida State University’s Business School, where he studied marketing and honed his entrepreneurial spirit by launching an e-commerce business. His knack for identifying opportunities and telling compelling stories quickly evolved into a burgeoning career in media production with the creation of Viral Crew Media. This company became a hub for creative storytelling, producing commercials for local restaurants, videos for FSU’s student activities, marketing materials for Aramark’s campus meal plans, and promotional content for major nightclubs, festivals, and apartment complexes.
Viral Crew Media’s success opened the door to collaborations with international clients like world-touring DJ/Producer R3hab and corporate innovators like Env Group, which blended real estate, fashion, music, and wellness into modern living. But Bryan’s ambitions extended beyond media. Partnering with friends in South Florida, he helped expand “Smile Share The Vibe,” a clothing brand and positivity movement, into 13 retailers while also growing its online presence. This venture deepened his expertise in branding and merchandise, paving the way for him to co-found MerchMonster.com, a company specializing in customized promotional products and apparel for clients nationwide.
Despite his accomplishments in merchandise and branding, Bryan’s heart remained with storytelling. In 2016, he co-founded Media Monsters, a creative powerhouse that allowed him to channel his passion for video production and photography. Over the years, Media Monsters has worked with brands, agencies, and charities, blending innovative content creation with marketing expertise to drive results. A significant milestone came in 2022 when Bryan and his team signed a contract with a developing streaming network in New York, producing long-form content like reality shows, documentaries, and even a feature film—an experience he refers to as earning a “Doctorate in Film Production” by the age of 33.
In early 2023, Bryan and his team (Jordan Bolch, Travers Robertson, and Alejandro Arenas) returned to Miami and launched MM Collective Studio, a premier space for film and music production. This exclusive studio has become a creative haven, attracting world-renowned artists, business leaders, athletes, and fashion icons who thrive within its walls. While the names of these luminaries remain confidential, the energy and creativity fostered at MM Collective Studio have elevated Miami’s cultural landscape.
Bryan Dillard’s path is marked by a rare combination of entrepreneurial savvy, creative vision, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. From his early days at FSU to shaping the future of Miami’s creative scene, Bryan’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for those who dare to dream big and work tirelessly to make those dreams a reality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to success in any business, especially in the film industry, is filled with challenges, both predictable and unforeseen. One of the most consistent hurdles we face is the rapid evolution of technology. In film, the tools of the trade—equipment, software, and workflows—are always advancing. Staying ahead in such a dynamic field requires more than just effort; it demands dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace constant learning.
At Media Monsters, we take pride in putting in the extra hours to master emerging technologies and ensure our work remains cutting-edge. Whether it’s refining our process with the latest equipment or diving into new software tools, we make it a priority to stay at the forefront. In fact, we occasionally collaborate with companies during alpha and beta testing phases, offering critiques and insights that help developers shape their products for the industry. It’s this commitment to excellence and innovation that fuels us. It’s why we call ourselves “monsters”—not because we’re fearsome, but because we approach our craft with a relentless pride and ego that drives us to push boundaries.
Of course, technology isn’t the only challenge we’ve faced. Every business encounters unpredictable trials—whether it’s a global pandemic, an industry strike, or a natural disaster. These moments test resilience, creativity, and our ability to adapt. For us, it’s not just about surviving these challenges; it’s about finding ways to continue thriving in the face of adversity. We take these moments as opportunities to recalibrate, innovate, and remind ourselves why we’re here: to live the dream of telling stories and creating powerful visual experiences.
These struggles aren’t setbacks—they’re part of the journey. They’re what sharpen our skills, strengthen our resolve, and inspire us to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles come our way. It’s not just about staying in the game; it’s about setting the standard, even when the odds seem stacked against us. That’s the monster mentality, and it’s what keeps us hungry, motivated, and ready for whatever comes next.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Media Monsters, our work revolves around bringing ideas to life in ways that captivate, inspire, and connect. We specialize in storytelling and creative commercials, blending 3D animation, visual effects, and cutting-edge techniques to craft content that stands out. Beyond production, we offer live streaming services, equipment rentals, and state-of-the-art studio spaces to empower creators and businesses alike.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the work we’ve done—it’s the journey we’ve taken to get here. We’ve stayed true to our vision and values, never compromising on the integrity of our craft. I’m incredibly proud of the people who’ve joined me on this path, the talented individuals who’ve grown through the experiences and opportunities our business has provided. Watching their successes unfold is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
Media Monsters is more than just a production company; it’s a community where creativity thrives. We’ve built a space where people love to create, where like-minded individuals connect, and where ideas flourish. This culture of collaboration and innovation is at the heart of what sets us apart.
On a personal level, I believe my ability to relate to all walks of life and my deep sense of empathy are my superpowers. These qualities allow me to understand clients, collaborators, and audiences on a deeper level, helping us create work that resonates with authenticity and purpose. At the end of the day, it’s this connection—to people, stories, and the craft itself—that drives everything we do.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For Bryan Dillard, success isn’t just about accolades, revenue, or the size of his portfolio—it’s about staying true to his vision and creating a lasting impact. Success is defined by the journey, the growth, and the connections built along the way. It’s about fostering a space where creativity thrives, where people can collaborate, learn, and grow together.
Success, to him, is measured in the stories told, the emotions evoked, and the lives touched. It’s seeing the people who’ve worked alongside him grow not just as professionals but as individuals. It’s creating a place where ideas come to life and where like-minded creators feel empowered to push boundaries and explore their potential.
Ultimately, success for Bryan is about balance: pursuing excellence while maintaining integrity, taking risks while staying grounded, and achieving personal and professional growth while lifting others along the way. It’s about knowing that the work he does matters—not just to him, but to the clients, collaborators, and audiences he serves.
Contact Info:
- Website: MMCollective.Studio
- Instagram: @MediaMonsters
- Other: Monsters.Video
Image Credits
Natalie Svors Joaquin Anico
