Ace Norton
 | Author: Jauretsi | Posted: October 31st, 2008 | Filed under: Advertising News, Film | | Comments Off |
At just 26 years old, LA-based director Ace Norton has been making waves amongst filmmakers and key media players for quite some time. With his distinct vision and increased success, Norton isn’t afraid to push the boundaries.
(Director Ace Norton, 25 years old)
Lending his craft to the likes of Zooey Deschanel & M.Ward’s “She and Him”, “Cold War Kids”, “Bloc Party” and “Death Cab for Cutie”, Norton also has tapped into the advertising market by directing spots for both Honda and Coca-Cola. I recently had the chance to catch up with Ace to get a glimpse into his brainstorming process and what he currently has in the works. A young creative force to watch — check out my 1-on-1 below.
Yale Breslin: You have accomplished more than most directors can possibly dream of at such a young age. How did you get into filmmaking? Was it always something you wanted to do?
Ace Norton: When I was in 7th grade i wanted to be a professional aggressive inline skater but I broke my tailbone jumping off some flight of stairs by UCLA. I was home bound and I couldn’t do any physical activities, so to kill time after school, I would borrow my father’s 8mm video camera and make these mini short films everyday. I would screen them to my friends and family. For me, seeing their reactions made filmmaking completely addictive. The idea that i could manipulate their emotions made me feel almost god-like. I’ve been blessed with always knowing what i’ve wanted to do with my life. That passion, coupled with lots of hard work, has made a lot possible in a little bit of time.
What do you think is different about expressing yourself through film than any other medium?
Filmmaking is the penultimate art form — we tell stories and we get to watch them. It’s the only art that combines literally everything: writing, architecture, painting, animation, theatre, costume etc, etc. A great film generally works on all these accounts…
What is your approach to brainstorming unique ideas for your concepts?
I’ll sit in my favorite coffee shop and play the song endlessly on loop for hours at a time. I write down any and every little brainstorm that comes to mind. Sometimes the ideas mold themselves into something really great, other times they’re god awful. To be honest, it’s just a whole lot of thinking and hard work. I tend to get inspired by lots of personal stuff that happens in my life. I make videos as a way to vent whatever I’m afraid to say or sometimes confront. It’s kinda like my version of therapy.
What projects do you currently have in the works that you find both innovative and boundary-pushing?
There are a few feature projects in the works. One of them is bound to happen, relatively soon, i hope:)
(Click here to see Ace Norton’s new PSA as a reminder to go VOTE on Tuesday)
– Interview by Yale Breslin for Starworks
