Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Winn.
Jason, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Twenty years ago, I was working catering on the Universal Studios backlot in Florida. On our days off, my colleagues and I would write and do storyboards. One day some producers overheard us talking about what we were doing and they gave us a pitch meeting. Well, I guess they liked what we pitched because they gave us money to make a proof of concept. That was my first job as a Director.
That job opened a few doors that lead to some high-end commercials and eventually I moved back to Atlanta to direct a pilot.
In 2009, I directed my first feature film called The Fat Boy Chronicles, based on a young adult novel of the same name. Both the book and movie quickly rose to critical acclaim, winning awards internationally, and eventually airing on Netflix for an impressive five years run.
Since then, I have directed seven feature films. My most notable works to date would probably be Shifting Gears, which went Theatrical in 2018, and Rave Party Massacre (Dead Thirsty). Both films are currently available on Amazon Prime. I also directed a movie for Lifetime called The Assault, which still airs regularly.
In 2019, my wife and I launched Wild Winn Pictures. The main focus of this company is on the creation of Narrative and Documentary style content that is both entertaining and cinematic. In less than one year, Wild Winn Pictures has already completed two films, both with expected release dates in 2020, and has several more in the works.
As a complement to Wild Winn Pictures, I started J. Winn Production and Camera Rental. By offering affordable gear for up-and-coming filmmakers, I hope to encourage creativity and sustainability in the Independent Film Community here in Atlanta.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Where do I begin? It’s been anything but smooth, however the opportunities and experiences I’ve been afforded I’m grateful for, both positive and negative. Every film is different. All the challenges are new each time and I think that’s what makes this job exciting.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wild Winn Pictures story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a director, and being a director means you have to have a clear vision of what you’re trying to accomplish. I love taking ideas that don’t exist and bringing them to life in a tangible way. I like telling stories that move people. The unique thing about directing movies is that it constantly brings me back to the human condition. No matter what kind of story it is, be it commercial, feature, or documentary; it’s all about telling a story that has an effect on your audience.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work and determination. If you have ambition and you have drive, then you can make anything happen. You just have to do the work. And if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work anyway.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jasonwinndirector.com
- Email: jwinnproduction@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jason_winn_director
- Other: @wildwinnpictures
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