Paige Compton

Unaffiliated

What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?
The most professional thing I have done to date is my thesis film with AFI. I am currently looking for professional opportunities to direct.

How did you get into directing?
I have always wanted to make movies. So after trying all the different positions in filmmaking I found during my undergrad that directing is where I really shine.

What is your most recent project?​
I am currently in post for a web series that I directed over the summer.

I directed the second season and am excited to see its release on December 21st. It’s called Luna, the Witch. You can watch the first season (written and directed by Seth Chitwood) on Amazon.

What is the best part of being a director?
I LOVE working with my team. Hands down. I love when my team takes the foundation I’ve laid down and expands on it. What an amazing feeling that is. It’s creativity at it’s pinnacle. When everyone on the team is on the same page and in a rhythm that is flowing… it is pure magic.

What is the worst part of being a director?
There are a lot of really tough parts of directing. And honestly, I can’t think of a part that I would consider to be the worst. There are hard parts and even more difficult parts but I love every bit of it and that’s why I continue to pursue it.

What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
I am pursuing a career in live-action narrative features. My bread and butter is in inspirational stories. Stories with a message that focuses on believing in your self, following your dreams, and living your truth against all odds. I prefer uplifting and hopeful endings. I also prefer to tells stories of women and our unique perspective of the world.

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 with you?
I don’t have a specific mentor. But I have had a lot of people help me and guide me along the way. I am extremely grateful for everything they have taught me.

Who is your favorite director and why?
Oh… this is a tough one. Because I have the films that I like by certain directors and then there’s the working styles of different directors.

But one of my favorites overall is Spielberg. I have loved his films since I was kid and have always had the dream to make a feel good adventure film.

What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content?
This question is always a hard one. But after being asked it a bunch of times, I have nailed it down to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I’ve decided it’s perfect film and I’ll defend it. lol!

Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I grew up in Manteca, CA. In the middle of farm country. Until I signed up to join the Army. I spent my 20’s serving in the military and when I got out I pursued my education in film. And the rest is history.

How has the pandemic impacted your career, art, craft, shaped your attitudes and reflections on life which in turn may influence your work, approach, spirit, mindset?
I graduated from AFI in 2020. And with the lull of no work and no promise of it anytime in the near future, I made a commitment to myself to only focus on directing. Focusing on my knowledge and skills to become a more well-rounded director. And also only taking gigs that will help me to learn more and apply more skills to my directing tool belt. I committed to not wasting time on anything else.

Contact

Unaffiliated: Contact Paige Compton via email
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