Meet Toby Kearton | Film Director & Screenwriter

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

Hi Toby, why did you pursue a creative career?
All of life’s questions are answered in movies. My pursuit of a career in the arts, specifically that of storytelling, was a subconscious decision I made from an early age. I can’t remember ‘the moment’ or say it was ‘my calling’, but a livelong necessity to find my way in the world. Cinema is a form of expression in the purest form, it takes the best from all art forms and brings them together. For my my pursuit in visual storytelling is an outlet for my emotions and way to trasnpire the way I see the world. My pursuit comes from ultimate goal which is to inspire and enlighten others to recongnize and articulate their own feelings as a result of experiencing a story they see themselves in. It can be challenging to accomplish that without stories, without a way to project our feelings. I aim to allow others to get closer to their own feelings and therefore to get closer to themselves and state of being.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a unique perspective in storytelling as I love to explore very contemporary themes in a historical setting. This is logistically challenging but offers a very unique insight for a viewing in asking ourselves: Have we changed for the better or changed at all?

I like to explore if our morality has shifted throughout the years despite our society having developed so rapidly. I have transported viewers to pivotal moments in history, from the Western Front in 1918 in the upcoming short film ‘Kamerad’ to Occupied France in 1944 in the short ‘The Little Picture’ and the intense setting of Vietnam in 1968 in ‘The Dust Child’. I find delving into the war genre a crucible for exploring the full spectrum of human emotions. A time where characters face life-or-death situations, testing them both physically and psychologically. Not only does this ignite profound personal transformations in characters but is a timely reminder of why war is hell and unjustifiable.

Embarking on a career in film has been a very demanding journey and it continues to be. But is it extremely rewarding and always worth it in the end. My personal path in bringing a vision to life is filled with its share of hurdles. As a young creative with new ideas and ways of doing things, can be sometimes been met with skepticism by others. From the initial challenge of securing funding to the task of assembling a dedicated team, creative differences can be an occurrence and the ever-changing landscape of film introduces an element of uncertainty. However I try to embrace my compromises creatively and my dedication and unwavering passion are my guiding force, helping me adapt and face forthcoming challenges. If you a certain in your vision and assured that your story is worth telling, these challenges seem trivial!

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?
Burbank has always been my base in Los Angeles when I first came to the city at 18, so have grown to appreciate certain icon spots in the valley. Bob’s Big Boy is iconic, have never had a bad meal there, it’s a taste and experience of classic Americana so is a must. Seeing a movie at the New beverly in 35mm is also a an experience that can’t be missed (try a midnight double feature) A movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is also one for the memories. Ameoba Records is also a place you can lose yourself in for hours and discover greta films and music. There’s always something happening in the city, screenings, events and gatherings. The best place to grab a drink is Perch LA, a rooftop view of Downtown. Again, a must.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Self discovery and being a craftsman in the arts is a very solitary venture. I have studied the great ‘master filmmakers’ but unfortunately I don’t know them personally (even though I have felt close to them though experiencing their work which speaks to me on so many levels). However, when it comes to what brought me here and where I am in life, the person who has inspired my most in term of my way of thinking and has fuelled me with confidence and passion to tell stories is my Grandfather. You could say he has indirectly mentored me, not specifically about art or film but about life. As of writing this, I don’t believe he knows the extent to which he has an impact on me. We can learn a lot from our elders, especially our Grandparents who represent another time and place, perhaps a more honest world. my Grandfather’s work ethic, his electrifying demeanour, his enthusiasm, is something I have cherished and like to think has brushed up on me in the years I have spent with him. he has never had a bad word to say about anyone and his glass half-full mentality and optimism for life resonates with me until this day. The respect and value he has for people, nature and practicalities has given me an insight in being able to appreciate the world, despite its calamities. Coming from another generation, his attitudes towards an outward show of emotion are different to mine. For my Grandfather, who is 87, his outlet is music. He plays the trumpet and cornet in a concert band and swing band. Deep down he has been an inspiration to me for not being the only creative in the family, but someone that understands the trials and tribulations in creating something from nothing. It is these lessons that I have brought to the forefront as a writer and director have allowed me to be honest and truthful with the way I tell stories and have my Grandfather, Norwood Simpson to thank for such a valuable insight.

Website: https://www.tobykearton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/to3y_kea97/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tobykearton/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TobyKearton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirectedByTobyKearton

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TobyKearton

Other: https://letterboxd.com/tobykearton/

Image Credits
Houry Magarian, Robin Morgan, Horacio Martinez, Gabriele Fabbro, Aleks Chukmasov, Louis Murrall.