Meet Tristan and Gavin Winchester | Film Director and Co-Founders of 2100films

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tristan and Gavin Winchester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What projects are you currently working on?
T: At this point in time, we are working on an abundance of short films and a brand new feature film called “Mr. Smile.” Alongside this, we have decided to open up our own horror-based film festival, right here in Los Angeles, California. It’s called Friday Night Frights, and anyone is welcome to submit.

G: Currently our main focus is our first feature film called Mr. Smile, which we have just began a crowdfunding campaign for. In the meantime of trying to hit our goal, I’ve been personally writing another horror feature called “Vacationland.”

Does your last name, Winchester, have anything to do with your work in the horror genre?
T: Not necessarily. I think personally I’ve been interested in horror for as long as I can remember, but only learned that my last name came from a haunted origin just these last few years. I will say, however, we have a very close connection to somebody that became a relative to Sarah Winchester in the Winchester Mansion.

G: No, but it is definitely fitting for us, considering we’ve had a love for horror ever since we watched “The Walking Dead” as kids. I’ve always been interested in ghost hunting and the supernatural as well, so having the same last name as the famous mansion is super cool. P.S – don’t get us confused with Sam and Dean from Supernatural. Many people ask about that… you’d be surprised.

What brings you to LA? How has your first year in LA changed your perspective on your career?
T: I came to LA with my brother for the same reason that most flock to this city – the film industry. We met someone who became pretty important to us, and ultimately decided that it was the right move for the time being. Perspective wise… I feel as though we’ve stayed our true selves throughout all of the negativity in the city. I learned really quickly that you either have thick skin, or you don’t.

G: Simply the industry, for I am not a city person. I came out here for the arts to try and make our dreams come to fruition. Originally it was going to be San Diego… a much more calm location. But, if you want to make noise, you have to find the source of it, first. My perspective changed when coming in contact with certain individuals in this city of angels. Some are super helpful, and give you great insight. Others end up using you as a stepping stone to further propel their own career.

I know you have a feature film campaign going on. What is the best way for people to stay in the loop?

T: The best way for people to see what’s going on is by keeping up to date with our instagram. We’re always posting and updating there the most. Donations are also a great way to keep up with us, as you’ll receive a bunch of cool perks that have to do with the movie.

@2100films and @tristan.winchester / @gavin.winchester

G: Keep up with us on all social media platforms. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. Here you’ll see updates and more on what is coming with Mr. Smile.

How to know whether you should keep going or give up?
T: I’ve had many thoughts of giving up. It’s not something I want to think about, but it comes from a place of fear. I think that anything worth doing is worth trying for, again and again and again. If it’s a passion, you better chase it. I always look at it like, you have one life… you may as well stay restless, because we all know what lies ahead, and that is infinite rest.

G: I think if you really want something in life, no matter how hard things may seem in the moment; like there’s no way out – you just have to keep your head up and find that light at the end of the tunnel. When you reach the end and look back you’ll realize it made you into a stronger, more resilient person, and with that, you’ve finally gotten what you’ve always yearned for.

How do you define success?
T: I define success as the willingness to keep going, no matter how tough something can be. Mentally, physically, emotionally… if you can keep your head above water, without sinking, you’re succeeding to me already.

G: I define succeeding by finally getting the thing you’ve chased and worked so hard to achieve for so long, as well as being able to give back to the individuals who stuck by your side.

Wonderful! Our last question for today – Risk taking: how do you think about risk, and what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
T: We as brothers have taken a stupid amount of risks. Some calculated, and some… well.. not so calculated. I love risk. I think risk is healthy, and opens new doors when you least expect it. For the longest time, I was always the risk-taker. I liked the feeling of the unknown, the feeling of the POSSIBILITY. That’s a huge portion of what keeps me going in this career field.

G: I believe taking risks is a necessity in one’s life. Without taking risks, you’ll stay in the same place, that comfortable place. But – with risk, you can really find things out about yourself that you wouldn’t believe were possible. No risk = no reward.

Contact information:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/2100films | www.instagram.com/gavin.winchester | www.instagram.com/tristan.winchester

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@2100films

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