Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Haughton.
Travis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Yes! Well first, my name is Travis Haughton and I’m a film director and writer from St. Louis, Missouri. I’m currently a first-generation senior at Webster University, majoring in Film and Video Production, minoring in Scriptwriting, as well as pursuing a certificate in Entrepreneurship.
Funny story, back in high school, I actually had a lot of interest in Broadcast Journalism. I loved interviewing people on and off-screen, but once I took an acting class with Carolyn Kovar at McCluer North High School, everything changed. I then tucked Broadcast Journalism in my back pocket and started to pursue acting. When I tell you, being in those acting classes not only helped me step out of my comfort zone, but it helped me network with a bunch of talented people who I am still connected with today!
Long story short, I started off in Acting one and I worked my way up to Acting four. Before I decided to take Acting four, I found out that students who are in that specific level are able to direct and write their own stage play, and of course, I signed up right away! During that time, directing and writing was very new to me, but when everything came together, I instantly fell in love with both, leading me to where I am today. Although I had so many interest in a lot of different fields, I found myself in directing and writing!
I then attended Webster University to pursue Film, Television, and Video Production. As I became more mature, I realized that I needed a backup plan for my career just in case things would fall through. I decided to minor in Scriptwriting, and pursue a certificate in Entrepreneurship because I see myself writing and directing my own films in my own production company, “A Travis Production!”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. In life, I feel that you have to have downfalls to have that uprise. I have messed up so many times when it came to my grades in school, my directing and writing skills for film, and or bills, etc. but looking back, I have learned from all of my mistakes and look where I am now.
Everyday I am continuing to educate myself in my field as well as mentally and physically preparing myself for my life after college. Everyone’s life isn’t the same, and I only can speak for myself. One year, I’m living my best life, and the next year I’m drowning in my regrets. I want to emphasize that I’m learning and growing everyday and that no one is perfect so keep going, keep doing you, and keep being great because that’s what matters.
A Travis Production – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Telling authentic stories from the Black perspective is what I do best. If you visit my website (Link below), you’ll see my work which includes a five-part series thriller “I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE,” an intense drama BLACK IN AMERICA, and BACK TO BLACK, a story that touches on mental health in the black community and more.
Competition? The only person I’m competing with is myself, and I’ll leave it at that. In the film industry there shouldn’t be anyone competing against each other, if anything we should be working together as a TEAM, but I don’t think anyone is ready to have that conversation though. With that being said, as I stated above, telling authentic stories from the Black perspective that focuses on mental health in the black community is what sets me apart from others. There is a lack of stories being told on mental health, specifically black mental health, and so I decided to shine the light on this topic because it’s very important to have conversations about especially with the time we are in now!
Entering my last year of college, a requirement for my senior thesis project is suggested that I create a 10-minute short film, but due to my dedication to accurately tell stories that connect with people, I decided to do a full feature film instead. This will make me the first black person ever to direct and write a feature film at Webster University!
With part of the proceeds that the film makes back, I will create a scholarship to support black students at Webster University with financial need.
In order to make this happen, we need your assistance! Please visit Indiegogo.com and type “Black Card- Feature Film” in the search engine or visit my Instagram account (Link Below). Any amount donated will help achieve the goal of $30,000! Thanks in advance!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Shoutout to everyone who has helped me through this journey of mine! Friends, family, faculty, I really appreciate each and every one of you! I wish I could name everyone!
Carolyn Kovar, Kem Smith, Kevin Hampton, Kyu Park, Corey Hawkins, Larry Morris, Vincent Flewellen, and the list goes on and on! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atravisproduction.com
- Email: taughtbyt@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taughtbyt/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.haughton1/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/blackcardmovie/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Webster University GMC
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