ABOUT CATALYST
Catalyst isn’t built on theory. It’s grounded in what works in the real world.
Founded by filmmaker Lance Dreesen, it draws on more than three decades of making films, mentoring artists, and continuing to develop new work. The principles behind Catalyst are the same ones Lance continues to use in his own career.
FOUNDER
Lance Dreesen
Directing Sonny Shroyer and Susan Savoie on The Way Home
Like many aspiring artists, Lance moved to California in his twenties with little more than a dream of becoming an actor and making films.
Over the three decades since, he has become an internationally award-winning filmmaker and a member of the Writers Guild of America. He has written, directed, and/or produced seven feature films and developed projects for numerous studios and production companies including Universal Pictures and Paramount.
THE FILMS
His directorial debut, the comedy-horror film Full Disclosure (originally released as Terror Tract), starred Bryan Cranston and John Ritter. Lance produced the film and co-directed it with his longtime collaborator Clint Hutchison, with each directing half of the anthology's segments. It premiered at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills and Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre, and won top honors at festivals in Europe and the United States before its release by Universal.
Lance next wrote, directed, and produced Big Bad Wolf, starring Richard Tyson and Kimberly J. Brown. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, the film developed an enthusiastic following that has continued for nearly two decades. In 2026, /Film ranked it on its list of the 15 best werewolf movies of all time.
Lance also wrote, directed, produced, and edited The Way Home, based on the true story of the search for a missing two-year-old. Released by Lionsgate, the film set new ratings records during its television premiere and continues to be widely streamed.
Filming on location
He produced the supernatural thriller Conjurer, starring John Schneider, which was an official selection of the Slamdance Film Festival and later premiered on Showtime.
Lance’s produced screenwriting credits also include Charlie’s Ghost Story, directed by Anthony Edwards and starring Cheech Marin; Arthur’s Quest; The Heart of Christmas; and The Life Between Us, a drama about one person’s gift of life to a complete stranger, currently in post-production. He has also worked as an uncredited script consultant, brought in by production companies to identify story problems and rewrite material on projects already in motion – sometimes days from shooting, sometimes headed back for reshoots.
TEACHING & MENTORSHIP
Alongside his filmmaking career, Lance has spent more than twenty-five years teaching and mentoring actors, writers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals.
He began teaching at Theater of Arts in Hollywood – the oldest drama conservatory in Los Angeles, in continuous operation since 1927 – and has since led workshops in acting and filmmaking for thousands of students. His teaching experience includes a long-running collaboration with Emmy-winning casting director Shay Griffin.
Lance’s approach as a teacher and coach comes from lived experience. His years on set and in the classroom have given him a close understanding of the obstacles artists encounter while trying to move their work and careers forward.
That combination is the foundation of Catalyst.
RED FIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Red Five Entertainment is Lance’s production company and the home of the film and television projects he continues to develop.
His current slate includes The Fifth Horseman, A.G.E.N.T.S., and Southern Pines – all currently planned for production over the next two years.
By continuing to develop and produce new projects, Lance keeps the guidance he offers through Catalyst grounded in the realities of today’s industry.
Bryan and Lance on the set of Full Disclosure.
IN BRYAN CRANSTON'S WORDS
“Many years ago I was intrigued by a role in a comedy-horror film that Lance Dreesen was producing and co-directed, called Full Disclosure (originally released as Terror Tract). It was a low budget, short schedule (26 days), sprint to the finish-line movie making experience. Under those conditions a director/producer is tested. It’s easy to lose your cool or become impatient under the constant stress.
But that isn’t what happened under Lance’s leadership. He handled it all with aplomb. A bounce in his step. It was obvious that he loved the process and the gift of being a storyteller. I found him to be a thoughtful and talented filmmaker who genuinely understands actors. He brings insight and deep respect for the craft. And embraces the difficulties of the creative process and its challenges. Like me, I think artists working with him will be in very good hands.”
BRYAN CRANSTON
Bryan and Lance on the set of Full Disclosure.