Meet Rachel Keaton | Director, Writer, & Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Keaton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what do you attribute your success to?
I would say the most important factor behind my success is my openness to fail. It’s terrifying putting yourself out there-to be judged on what you have to offer the world. There are SO many people who dream of pursuing filmmaking but are terrified of not being amazing right off the bat. I think there is something so very powerful about making a choice and sticking with it. These beginning projects in your career are so essential for developing a style and learning from mistakes that you’ve made. Is it vulnerable? Yes. Is it terrifying? Yes. But is it freeing to know that mistakes are just lessons you can learn to become a better artist? Yes. I’ve watched short films from directors that I now deem to be incredible- a LOT of them made bad/unremarkable films. We’re all gonna have them. Might as well get them out of the way now!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my journey as an actor. From an age as early as nine, I knew that I wanted to be part of the film industry. My plans morphed into different directions along the journey, but ultimately, I ended up getting a Bachelors Degree in Theatre Performance. I studied and worked professionally for a couple years after graduated until I finally got the courage to pack up my car and move 2,000 miles away from home in Richmond, VA.

Around the year 2018 I was really bit by the “director” bug. But, because I had only worked as an actor, I didn’t feel like I was ready. There are so many elements to being a director, and I had such a deep respect for the position. If I stepped into the directors chair, I would want to know everything about every single discipline. So, I spent a few years acting and picking up as many crew jobs as I could from time to time. Finally, after a few years, I finished a script for what would be my first film: “Both Sides Now.”

After discussing it with a mentor, I realized that if I waited until I was “ready,” I would never make my film. I was ready in ways that mattered. I would never know “everything.” But, all I needed to do was bring on people to my team who DID know about their position.

So then I dove head first into my first production. And, with every step, I had the best time of my life. I felt so fulfilled as an artist. I realized that I loved bringing a team together and collaborating on stories that were important to me. Stories, in particular, that centered around women and their experiences.

I’m proud of the leap I took to make my first film. And now I am in pre-production for my next film “Joshua Tree,” a horror/ sci-fi short film about isolation. I’m learning that your career doesn’t have to stay in one lane forever; you can have different “seasons” for your creativity. Acting is still my first love. But for now, I am loving getting to write and direct stories about women that I’ve always wanted to see on screen.

My journey wasn’t easy. It’s still incredibly hard (and expensive!). But the life-altering experiences I’ve had while working with my team has made it all worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I’m being honest, I am the most simple person. My favorite places in all of LA all have to do with movies & being in the Valley. If I were to take a friend anywhere in the world it would probably be the Academy Museum. They’ve really curated some great exhibits over the years. It’s a place that celebrates every aspect of filmmaking- so I find it interesting and have revisited multiple times. I would also say the New Beverly is a good time. It’s a theater owned by Quentin Tarantino and it has a quaint, nostalgic vibe to it. Honestly, we are spoiled with great independent theaters in LA.

If we’re going out for food-I am trying any new restaurant that I can find online. We are constantly trying new kind of foods and restaurants that we like. One of my “old faithfuls” is Mr. Furley’s, a bar/restaurant near me. Not only is the vibe always cozy, but the food is SUPERB.

I am cliche and love taking my guests to the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. I just think it’s something that is a staple of an LA visit. t’s hard to explain, but these places take me back to my first week living out here. Reflecting on those days always brings me to a place of gratitude. I will never grow tired of or become less amazed that I get to live in this beautiful city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have SO many people I could thank for my success. For one, my Mom & Dad. It is extremely rare to have folks who completely support your extremely far-fetched dreams. My parents never once doubted my skill or ever tried to steer me in a direction that was different from my dreams.

Another important person in my story is a director friend of mine, Lilton Stewart III. He is the reason I directed my first film, BOTH SIDES NOW. He saw I had this story that I was passionate about and pushed me to really go for it. I was scared and was going to keep making excuses for why I wasn’t read. He encouraged me in ways that I needed at the time.

I’ve got a wonderful support system around me. From my friends, to my partner, to my collaborators. They all, daily, ignite me with confidence and encouragement that I have needed to keep going as an artist. I’m truly lucky.

Instagram: @rachelkeaton_

Image Credits
Production photos by Tyler Schnabel