Meet Newton Carlicci | Writer, Director and Cinematographer

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

Hi Newton, how do you think about risk?
Risks are a big part of structuring the way I strategize my life. Big risks can be daunting to most and I can see how the “what if’s” start meddling inside your head. However ever since being young I can remember taking risks in all sorts of ways but mainly failure. We learn best from failing in my opinion. If you do not try then how would you have known if the said goal or thing you want to achieve could have been done? I will be the first to say I have failed at many things but it has helped me narrow down my choices, build and grow from the mistakes, and mold myself into a fine tuned creative engine that I can now place my self in situations and know where my role will best be suited. Moving from a small town in Utah to the big city of Los Angeles and not knowing a single person was one way I took a big risk. I knew I had a goal in mind and I stayed and have continued to be laser focused on that end goal. In the film and entertainment industry working various gigs and small jobs as either a grip or gaffer as trained my eye to know what I the camera sees. This has helped me greatly in becoming a good cinematographer and hone in my craft and sharpen my skills. The cinematography side of this craft within the creative world has brought my skills full circle in preparing to be a director. Taking risks in being in charge of the entire operation has taught me to not let the risks control you or ruin you but rather mold you, and shape your vision. You realize the stakes and what is priority and you thus can hyper focus on the end game. You must allow yourself to be one with risk and use risk to your advantage. The risks will always be there but it is how you look at them, analyze what you can manage, and handle the tasks at hand…all while being a collaborative creative amongst your peers.

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.
A big part of my art is immersion. From the visual story telling to the outer world the audience sees it in. It all plays a big role in translating my art and creative works into their mind. My goal is to leave people with a sense of want, and to be moved by my artistic projects. Nothing is easy and one thing I have learned a ton, especially over this past year is collaboration. Nothing big you want to produce can be done by yourself and working together is key. Finding those people with like-mindedness and similar tastes and styles is vital. Once you find your creative collaborative circle, always keep them close. Communication is one of the most important things any creator can learn and use it to tether your connections together. It is key!

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?
One of my favorite chill spots to either grab a bite to eat, get some drinks with friends or just sit down and write a script or work on a project is a place here in Hollywood right on the boulevard called “Te’Kila”. A casual bar with great Mexican food and drinks. I will be honest though, I am totally addicted to their buffalo wings and draft beer. Another must see spot is Griffith Park and the observatory that sits atop the mountain. Not only great for hiking but a peaceful and relaxing location to escape the noisy city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my amazing parents. They have put up with my antics during my youth, helped mold me into the strong person I am today and always continue to support me no matter what my path in life holds. I also want to give thanks to the Los Angeles Film School for their continued mentor ship in helping me sharpen my creative craft and all the connections I have gained through them. The city of LA for helping meet so many great collaborators that without them, I would not be anywhere close to where I am. For all the actors who I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from including Carson Grant and many more!

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