We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Peyton Michelle Edwards. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peyton Michelle below.
Hi Peyton Michelle , thanks for joining us today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?
The search for management as a creative can be frustrating. For a long time, I was on the hunt for anyone who might be willing to represent me. People were always taking about finding the right fit; I didn’t find compatibility all that relevant, I just wanted representation. I auditioned for countless agencies through pay to play organizations and sent cold email after cold email to any agent or manager whose contact details I could find. This lead me to freelance for an agency that sent me on auditions for projects for which I had no interest. The agency did not get to know me and did not help me in pursuit of my artistic goals. It was a horrible fit. After about a year of this, I ended up seeking new management. I interviewed with a few different management companies following the premiere of my first theatrical release as an actor (in which I was lucky enough to play the lead). Finally I was at a point in my career where a manager saw the value in having me as a client, and I was wise enough to know I needed someone on my side whose vision for me aligned with my goals. When I met my current representation, I knew immediately we were a good fit. I felt seen, heard, and understood. As our working relationship developed, I was sent projects that actually interested me and aligned with my goals, and if this was ever not the case, I felt that I could voice my opinion without risking the relationship I have with my manager. It is safe, productive, fulfilling, and mutually beneficial. That is the kind of relationship one should always be seeking with management and I am lucky to have found that with my manager.
Peyton Michelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Professional storytelling began for me as an actor in college. Taking my first acting class showed me how much empathy and compassion is created through storytelling and I knew it was where I wanted my focus to be. After training, I became a professional actor on stage and screen, the latter becoming my main focus. The challenge of remaining believable when a camera is so close to your face is thrilling and I believe the accessibility of film allows audiences to see themselves represented honestly and learn about others’ experiences in an intimate manner. As I grew as a film actor, I found myself guiding other actors in their audition tapes, learning to direct and itching to write, so I began writing screenplays in my spare time. This progressed and others in my artistic community encouraged me to fully produce a film. With the help of my long time collaborator, Matthew Brennan, I was able to fully execute the production of my directorial debut, short film “Skateboard” starring Young Mazino (Beef) and Nokomis Lenox. The film premiered at the Regal Cinema in Union Square as a part of Dances with Films: NYC film festival. I hope that my audience feels deeply when they watch my movies, wether it is a film in which I have performed, written, or directed. It is my belief that this type of expression allows us to see each other more clearly, understand ourselves and others better, and have compassion – something I believe our society desperately needs.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing people make connections through art. Unlocking memories, having people share with one another, or reach deeper understanding of something within themselves or someone else because of a work of art are beautiful things to witness. Simply being able to give someone an experience is a gift. As a filmmaker, this is what is most rewarding for me.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In our modern society, is so important for people to get out and support the art that they love. Find artists you love and follow their work. Find artistic events, groups, or galleries you love and attend. Go to film, music, and art festivals. Take a risk and watch a bunch of short films you have never heard of. Go see a music artist playing in a small venue or nearby bar. Find an artist that you love and see who they support, who they have in their network and see if that art speaks to you as well. Seek to fill your life with creative content that fulfills, entices, and sustains you. Consume art that calls to you, not just art that is fed to you by mainstream media. That is some of the best support the widespread creative community can have- and it is so mutually beneficial!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peytonmichelleedwards.com
- Instagram: peyton11
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/peyton-michelle-edwards
- Youtube: @peytonmichelle6215
- Other: vimeo.com/peytonmichelleedwards
Image Credits
Michael Hull, Thomson Ngyuen, Matthew Brennan, Cas Koenig, Jessica Battista