Aron Paul Orton

How did you get into directing?
When I was young, I would do re-enactments of scenes from Star Wars with my action figures. I would make the Death Star out of cardboard and fashion elaborate elevators with string and Styrofoam cups. I’d take over the entire living room.
And in my version, Darth Vader always bested Luke, and Chewbacca and Leia always ended up making out. My stories, my way.

What is your most recent project?
I just finished shooting a music video for Nick 13 of Tiger Army (Epitaph Records). He just released his first solo project and I’m a real fan of Nick. I fell in love with the song, “Carry My Body Down.” The song evoked such a strong visual for me, so I pitched the idea and he loved it!
We shot out in the California high desert here in the Inland Empire in March. We had storms and wildlife to contend with but the location was perfect for the old world feel I was going for.
I also have a spot for Toshiba Copiers filming this month that’s really funny. It’s my first foray into costumed characters, I’m really excited about it.

What is the best part of being a director?
The best part of being a director is actually seeing your vision on the screen at the end of the day.
To look back at the storyboards and the animatics and think, “Wow, that’s exactly what I saw in my head.”

What is the worst part of being a director?
Drawing storyboards, Thank god for software like Frame Forge. I lost my ability to properly draw in the forth grade and I don’t think it’s coming back just because I’m directing.

What is your current career focus: commercials & branded content, TV, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
I want to do them all. I’m a storyteller.

Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates most with you?
Somewhere along the way I learned that keeping your crew is extremely important. To have your departments understand you as a director and how you communicate is invaluable. I believe that all my people on my crew have been my mentors.

Who is your favorite director and why?
Tim Burton. He is a refined, visual storyteller that brings to the table a real sense of art that evokes emotion. Whenever he has something coming out, I’m there.
He’s always been my hero.

What is your favorite movie? Your favorite commercial or branded content?
This is an easy one:
Favorite Commercial: Procter & Gamble’s “Best Job.”
I believe that every great commercial should have at least one true moment that the audience can connect with.
Every frame of this spot is truth.
Favorite Movie: I love ALL movies, even bad ones!
The good ones inspire you to go places you’ve never been.
The bad ones teach you where not to go.

Tell us about your background (i.e. Where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I started in the mailroom of DGWB Advertising and worked my way into the creative department within a year. I started editing soon after and actually built the in-house edit bay.
I’ve cut spots for some of the most amazing clients and I’ve had the good fortune of working with some of the top creatives.
Some of the larger clients include Wienerschnitzel, Toshiba Copiers, Ryka, Hilton Garden Inn, and the Dodgers.
And this year I cut my first feature film, Delhi Belly, a movie I’m very proud to be associated with.

Contact

aorton@mac.com