Student showcase: Tristan Winchester
Interview by John Warner
Tristan Winchester is a first-year film and television student with a minor in entrepreneurship. He’s also the CEO of his self-started company, Atlantic Dream Production.
What project are you currently working on?
Currently I’m working on “ The Fashion Archive.” It’s a detailed series of short films about fashion lookbooks composed by myself for my company, Atlantic Dream Productions. I created this series extemporaneously based on my friend, John. The project explores the real meaning of “sophisticated fashion” as well as the versatile relationship clothing and culture. This project is very much dedicated to showcasing the ingredients behind my generation’s new version of style and the individual aspects of the art form to its core. What’s most interesting to note about this project is that it will only feature SCAD students.
Where do you garner your inspiration?
Steven Spielberg is a film producer that I really look up to. The type of films he creates isn’t what inspires me, it’s the narrative behind them. He’s able to break down the concepts of characters to details that make them who they are. That’s the same process I use for my films and what I am currently doing for “The Fashion Archive” project, breaking down the concepts of the subjects involved by showcasing how influential fashion is in their lives.
Why did you choose film and television as your passion?
My dad inspired my choice. For 40 years he wrote songs and everyday, when I was younger, I’d hear him play new music every morning and every night. What I really loved about him was his ability to create an artistic experience for me when I came back from my un-artistic school. His work ethic and drive inspired me to find my creative passion as well. Ergo, at 10 years old, after watching him for so long, I decided to grab a webcam and started to make short videos about his music. From that moment, I decided I wanted to do the same thing for others: capture experiences that will be remembered forever.
What does your art stand for?
I believe my art demonstrates the drama and intrigue within the fashion and film industry. I believe that the amount of pain we experience growing up can be used to create beautiful artwork. What I am bringing to this industry is the ability to transform something lackluster into something mesmerizing. I’m also striving to become the largest name in the industry by following Tyler Perry’s example and being my own actor, writer and director for my own TV show. I believe his ability to grow in each position has led to his many successful projects and I believe I can attain the same success. Granted, this dream sounds far-fetched, but that’s exactly why I’m committed to making this dream happen. Too many times we are told we can’t succeed because we don’t have years of experience. I want to be that first-year student who changes this narrative.
What challenges have you faced growing into a film student and entrepreneur?
The ultimate challenge I’ve had was not being able to connect with other creatives in school. The worst experience I endured was in middle school when I was bullied into deleting my YouTube channel that featured all of my short films. I thought that would solve the problem, but the hatred never stopped. I then realized that if I want to be successful in this industry, I need to use those emotions to create projects to inspire others.
