Tony Tost’s journey to Hollywood isn’t your average success story. Growing up in Southern Missouri, his roots are far from the flashy life of Los Angeles. His parents were custodians, and before embracing his passion for writing, he worked in a pickle factory. “I’m a small-town guy,” Tost said, “even though I live in Los Angeles now.”
Tony studied at the College of the Ozarks and earned his MFA from the University of Arkansas, where he met his wife, Leigh. The couple still visits their home in Fayetteville every summer and plans to settle in Arkansas once their sons finish high school.
On August 22, 2025, Tost will debut his first feature film, “Americana,” in theaters. The film boasts a talented cast, including Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser. Tost describes it as a modern western revolving around a stolen Lakota Native American artifact, which sparks a thrilling chase among the characters in South Dakota.
Despite not fitting the typical Hollywood mold, Tost is determined to tell stories that resonate with people from America’s heartland. He acknowledges that the entertainment industry often overlooks these regions. “People write stories in cities, but my heart is in wide-open spaces. That’s who I am,” he explained.
Tost believes his unique background gives him a distinct voice in the industry, shaped by influences like Clint Eastwood and Jim Jarmusch. “My upbringing, filled with westerns, crime films, and pro wrestling, is my core,” he shared. After realizing his talent for writing, he earned a PhD in poetry but chose not to pursue a career in academia. Instead, he aims to blend his academic side with the storytelling traditions he loves.
With “Americana,” Tost will finally share his vision with the world. He wrote the script on spec, meaning he had no funding or guarantee it would become a film. “I knew I wanted to direct, and I didn’t get paid upfront,” he said. His experience as a writer and showrunner on series like “Longmire” and “Poker Face” equipped him with the skills needed for directing.
Producer Alex Saks played a crucial role in bringing “Americana” to life. Tost and Saks connected over a different project, leading her to support his film. The movie premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2023, receiving a positive response that relieved Tost. “Seeing the audience react so well was incredible,” he recalled.
After spending so much time writing and editing, the premiere showcased the hard work. “I came out knowing I want that feeling again, to chase it for the rest of my career.” Tost’s commitment to authentic storytelling continues to grow, and he hopes to inspire others with his films.
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