Meet Clayton Guiltner | Producer-Director

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

Hi Clayton, why did you pursue a creative career?
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that no matter what path I’ve taken, creativity has always been at the center of it. Whether producing and figuring out the business side of things, writing a screenplay, directing a project, or coaching actors, storytelling has been the thread that ties everything together.

From an early age, I gravitated toward the arts. Growing up as the youngest of six in a busy household, I often found myself left to my imagination. I spent hours crafting puppet shows in my shared bedroom, weaving stories and bringing characters to life. When I discovered acting in junior high school, something clicked. The camaraderie of the theatre, the thrill of live performance, and the ability to step into another character’s shoes sparked something deep inside me. By high school, I knew I wanted to pursue this passion professionally.

Initially, I set out to earn a theatre degree to study acting, but I quickly found myself drawn to all aspects of storytelling—scenic and lighting design, directing, and writing. I loved seeing how every element came together to shape a story. After working as a professional actor and director, I felt the need to better understand the business side of the industry, which led me to pursue a master’s degree in business leadership. And yet again, my desire to deepen my craft as a director brought me back for a Master of Fine Arts in Directing. Education has always been an essential part of my artistic journey, and I truly believe that knowledge and critical thinking are vital to an artist’s ability to express themselves fully.

Through all these experiences, I’ve blended my creative instincts with strategic thinking, allowing me to build a career that bridges both art and business. Now, after thirty years in the industry, my passion for storytelling remains as fresh as it was in my early days—only now, I feel much more confident in my business acumen, which I’ve come to see as a key ingredient in fostering and enabling creative work.

Looking back, I see a journey that has been anything but linear—but that’s the beauty of a creative life. The arts have given me purpose, a voice, and a way to contribute something meaningful to the world. And for that, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art, for me, has always been about storytelling—whether through theatre, film, or creative expression. I see storytelling as a way to connect people, evoke emotion, and inspire change. My journey has taken me from the world of live theatre to film and television, a transition that wasn’t easy but one that has been deeply rewarding.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge the raw, intimate energy of stage performance with the cinematic language of film work. My work is rooted in truth—whether directing actors, developing scripts, or crafting a story that resonates long after the credits roll. I thrive on collaboration, and I believe great storytelling comes from an ensemble of passionate artists working toward a shared vision.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my recent feature film, Hope’s Hollywood Christmas. Bringing this story to life was a testament to the years of experience, perseverance, and creative risk-taking that have defined my career. Seeing the film premiere with an audience, knowing that it will touch lives during the holiday season, is incredibly fulfilling.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. I started in theatre, where I built my foundation, but transitioning into film meant learning an entirely new language of storytelling. Theatre shaped everything about the way I tell stories. I learned how to craft a scene visually, using movement, composition, and blocking to communicate the dramatic action. Tempo and rhythm became just as important as dialogue—they dictate the energy of a moment, the rise and fall of tension, the heartbeat of a scene. As a director, I never just staged a play—I dissected it. I took a deep dive into script analysis, breaking down not only character and structure but also the political, religious, and socio-economic forces at play in every story I told. Every detail mattered because storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about truth.

That foundation in theatre set me apart when I moved into film. I know how to pull great performances from actors because I understand their process. I know how to shape a scene with intention, not just visually but emotionally. And I know how to bring together a creative team in a way that allows everyone to do their best work.

But the truth is, I’m still on this journey. Even after years of working in film, I still feel like I’m in a transition—continuing to refine my perspective, my voice, my approach as a director. That’s what excites me. The best artists are always evolving, always searching for the next layer of their craft.

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 my best friend were visiting LA for a week, I’d want them to experience the city the way I do—through its history, creativity, and, of course, its food. LA is a city of contrasts, where old Hollywood meets new, where you can step from a bustling street into an ocean breeze in the same afternoon.

We’d start at the original Farmers Market at The Grove. It’s been around since the 1930s, and there’s something special about grabbing breakfast from one of the old-school vendors before strolling through The Grove’s open-air shopping scene. From there, we’d head to The Getty Museum—not just for the art, but for the view. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why LA is one of the most visually stunning cities in the world.

Of course, you can’t visit Hollywood without actually feeling Hollywood. We’d walk down Sunset & Vine, just steps from my office, and literally stand on the Walk of Fame—because, let’s be honest, everyone secretly hopes to find their favorite star’s name. And since walking makes you hungry, we’d grab a pizza at 800 Degrees, my go-to for a great slice. A few blocks away, we’d hit up Iguana Vintage Clothing, one of my favorite spots to dig through racks of retro Hollywood fashion. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect to find an old costume from a classic film.

At some point, we’d have to escape the city energy and get some sand between our toes. I’d take them to Manhattan Beach—clean, quiet, and exactly what a California beach should be. But LA’s beach scene is more than just relaxation, so we’d also hit Venice Beach for the spectacle of it all—street performers, skaters, and an energy that’s uniquely Venice.

Then, we’d take a scenic drive through Westwood and Beverly Hills, admiring the stunning homes and tree-lined streets. My personal favorite stop? Elvis Presley’s old Beverly Hills home. There’s something about standing outside that gate and picturing the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll looking out over the city that never gets old.

And for the full Hollywood effect, dinner at Musso & Frank, where you can practically hear the ghosts of old Hollywood legends swapping stories over martinis.

The rest of the trip would be about balance—maybe a hike up to Griffith Observatory for that classic panoramic view, or a drive along Mulholland Drive just to soak in the winding roads and city lights. And, of course, we’d eat—hot dogs from Pink’s, and grab coffee in Silver Lake before heading to the airport.

LA isn’t just a city—it’s a collection of experiences, and I’d want my best friend to leave feeling like they truly lived it, not just visited.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to the late Martin Landau, who was not only a legendary actor but also an incredible mentor to me at The Actors Studio in West Hollywood when I first moved to LA. His wisdom, generosity, and passion for the craft shaped me in ways I’ll always be grateful for. He had a way of pushing artists to dig deeper, to find the truth in every moment, and to never settle for anything less than their best.

I still remember the first time I sat in on a session with him. It was a hot summer Tuesday in West Hollywood, and the Actors Unit was packed with performers, many of whom I would later recognize on the big screen. Landau was working a scene with two actors from a well-known script, and his insights were razor-sharp. The adjustments he made were precise yet profound, helping the actors refine their choices in a way that felt both natural and revelatory. That day, upon meeting him, he was warm and inquisitive, immediately wondering who the new face in the studio was. He welcomed me in, making me feel like I belonged from the start. His impact on my role in the industry was immense.

Lou Antonio had been the one responsible for bringing me into The Actors Studio as a guest, and eventually, I was honored to be invited as a member of the Directors Unit. His belief in me gave me the confidence to step into this city and industry in a meaningful way, and his guidance has had a lasting impact on my journey. Seasoned directors and actors such as Antonio and Landau viewing my directing work and shaping my skill has only made me better as a director, producer, and storyteller.

The support and mentorship I received from these two giants in the industry remind me that no one succeeds alone. Their lessons stay with me, shaping the artist and director I am today. I hope to pass that same encouragement on to the next generation of storytellers, just as they did for me.

Website: https://www.guiltnercreative.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcfilmshollywood

Linkedin: @claytongultner

Facebook: https://facebook.com/gcfilmshollywood

Other: TikTok: @gcfilmshollywood

Image Credits
Haley Earls Photography