Meet Scott Winn | Filmmaker & Songwriter

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

Hi Scott, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has changed drastically over the past few years. In the beginning, it was all work, no time for self or family. The business grew and I became successful with this pattern, but it was not sustainable. One of the hardest things I ever did was press pause on everything so that I could re-evaluate this imbalance. Prior to making the decision to shift things, my mental and physical health were in steep decline. Creating a healthy routine, prioritizing sleep, better eating, exercise and time for self and family – it made all the difference in my overall well-being. It gave me more energy and focus to put into the time I allocate for work. It has helped me live more in the moment, and feel less stressed about the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was originally on track to be a doctor. Until a film festival flyer outside the University cadaver lab sparked my creativity. I made a super original dramatic short about love and death. The film had its flaws, but the packed auditorium of college kids didn’t seem to mind. At one point, there were sniffles in the audience! I was dumbstruck. And immediately hooked.

It was the first time I was truly excited about something. And when that happens, I go all in.


So I got to work. And got rejected. Many, many times. But I devoured as much film knowledge and on-set experiences, continually thirsting for more. Boldness and persistence landed me on the set of the TV show BONES, shadowing the director of photography. I asked him for advice on working my way up the seemingly never-ending ladder that was filmmaking. His simple answer was pivotal—


“Don’t climb the ladder. Do something on your own and make Hollywood want YOU.”


Damn, it hit hard. I went home to a small town in Utah and started creating. Short films about flying cats, dancing stormtroopers, real life Fruit Ninjas. I sucked up my insecurities and finally put my music out into the world too. I wanted to tell stories, create characters. Ultimately, I wanted to make the audience feel something. 

The videos went viral. One after another. Before long, I had over a billion views across my films and over a million subscribers who wanted more. My original music was even landing on the iTunes Pop & Hip Hop Charts. I started working with major brands like Ford, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Budweiser, Oreo. I was making videos with The Rock, Ryan Seacrest, Wiz Khalifa, Kerri Walsh.

Then it happened. “Hollywood” hit me up. I had the opportunity to meet with producing legends Lorenzo DiBonaventura (Transformers, Red, Matrix) and David Womark (Life of Pi, Deepwater Horizon). And currently we are developing a feature film based on my successful High School Dance Battle series.

It’s been a whirlwind with a lot of ups and downs, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that doctors and filmmakers are kind of similar. I think we’re both just trying to make the world a better place, one human interaction at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First thing is I’d make my friend take a bike ride up the coast (And I’ve done this to numerous people already, haha). I live in Hermosa Beach and I ride my bike up and down the coast almost every day. I discovered that the bike path is almost entirely connected from Palos Verdes to Pacific Palisades. It’s a good several hour round trip, but I think everyone should experience part of it. Each beach city has its own vibe which is amazing.

Some other gems that I love: Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, hiking in Palos Verdes or Temescal / Will Rogers area. There’s an incredible restaurant I just discovered in Long Beach called Heritage that changed my life. I’m also an avid Sweetgreen fan, and it’s my goal to hit up every single one in LA. There are a lot and I’m probably halfway through that side quest.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The biggest shoutout goes to my wife, Becca, who has been with me on my journey since the beginning. We met in 9th grade German class and became high school sweethearts. She’s been there with me through the ups and downs. She’s pushed me when I’ve been stuck. She’s given me hope when I’ve had doubts.

Website: https://scottdw.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottdw

Youtube: https://youtube.com/scottdw

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hUrqXCHL05LOcNvHozEsD?si=GXG_A_4bSk2DdxYOPGt96w