Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katrina Storton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Katrina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Earning a degree in 2019 and then facing a worldwide pandemic in 2020 is already a tough situation. Make your degree a focus in Film & Archival and your job prospects for 2020 are as plentiful as toilet paper in a grocery store. By 2021 I was back in my hometown with a retail job that sucked all the enjoyment out of my days. I’d been wanting to create something, anything, to get me feeling like myself again. I made a new friend who happened to own a local thrift store, and we started creatively collaborating on advertisements and promotional shoots. For Halloween 2022 we created a Rocky Horror Show themed photo shoot and I was floored by the amount of people who wanted to be a part of it. I decided to take the chance and do something that I was passionate about, creating a community Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast. I had previously been in a shadow cast in college and consider it one of the best experiences of my life. I knew my hometown did not have any live performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show when I was growing up. I spoke with friends and family and eventually I was led to The Palm Springs Cultural Center where I pitched my idea and offered to front all costs because it was a passion project. To my delight, The Palm Springs Cultural Center took my offer. Our first show was a major success and created interest so high we had to do it again. We did, 6 months later and it was more successful than the first! It is now summer of 2024 and the idea I started has now become a production company and grows with every show. Our last show was at a new venue (A Dispensary) and feature notable actress & singer Taryn Manning. We also now have a large following and will be going beyond The Rocky Horror Picture Show and expanding to more films, plays and perhaps Shakespeare!
This project has become unexpectedly meaningful because of the people we’ve met along the way. We welcome anyone to participate in these productions, regardless of their prior experience. The talent, creativity, and positivity that have emerged from this company are truly astounding. The friendships formed, collaborations sparked, and community built have been incredible.
This company and these productions have allowed me to connect with my community in ways I never did while growing up here. So, no matter the cost—even if we only break even financially—this project will always be deeply fulfilling for the heart and soul.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Katrina Storton, and my partner is Calvin Sanger, we together created Signature Celluloid Productions and The Coachella Valley Shadow Cast. My education is in Film & Archival with a focus in Museum and Library Science. Calvin Sanger has a background in Psychology, Theatre and Literature with a focus on Shakespeare. We created Signature Celluloid to give back to the local community, create opportunities for creatives and to bring more community events to the Coachella Valley. Our productions are offered to the entire community, no role is blocked off due to lack of experience. We focus on 18+ actors with any background or interest. We teach dance, we teach acting. As we are a Shadow Cast focused company (A cast of actors who perform a film in its entirety while sync with the screen and casting a shadow onto the screen), having no spoken lines or need for singing allows more people to try theatre. Our company is a bridge between Film & Theatre and a perfect starting point for anyone interested in theatre at any age or background.
We are immensely proud of the amount of talent, creativity and positivity that has come through this company. The friendships that have been made, the collaborations that have started and the community that has come together. We have been able to connect with other non-profits in the community and gained an online presence of supporters. As something that started as a passion project, we have followed the want and will of our community. When we were done with our first show, we truly thought that was it, but the community spoke up and asked for more; and more we will provide. We are excited by the growth, support and future of our company.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The most effective way for society to support artists is by providing genuine opportunities and recognizing the true value of their work. Currently, there exists a troubling disconnect in how we perceive artistic labor. Many people hold the belief that if someone enjoys what they do, they should be willing to do it for free. This mindset undermines the dedication and skill that goes into creating art. This disconnect is disheartening for the artist and disrupts the creative process. The reality is that most artists, like anyone else, need to make a living, and relying solely on exposure often fails to compensate them adequately for their talents.
If you cannot pay for art, most artists are open to trades, skills for skill. This approach fosters a sense of community and mutual respect. However, offering exposure without understanding its actual value is often counterproductive; many people misjudge how much exposure they can truly provide, leading to missed opportunities for artists.
To create artistic opportunities, to ask for artists instead of turning to AI or templates will help your business. This will foster goodwill within the artistic community. Word travels fast, and as you support artists, you’ll find more creative individuals eager to collaborate with you.
If you are starting a new business, be upfront with your budget. If you cannot pay, clearly communicate that you’re looking for volunteers or collaborators. Acknowledge that not everyone can work for free and respect their time and talent.
Remember, creativity thrives when it is nurtured and allowed to flow freely. Constricting it only stifles potential and diminishes the quality of the work produced. By valuing artists and their contributions, we can create an environment where creativity flourishes.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My best recommendation is to not stress about the algorithms or anything else that will bog down your creative process. For your start getting something out is better than nothing. When it comes to developing your creative identity, establishing a mood or personality can be incredibly beneficial. While it helps to create a cohesive voice that resonates with your audience, don’t be afraid to try something new. Experimenting with different styles can keep your creations fresh and engaging. Additionally, I can’t stress enough the importance of teamwork in growing your presence. Work with other creatives, do collaborations, appreciate those around you for what they do not just what they do for you. Building a supportive community fosters creativity and encourages mutual growth. When you celebrate the successes of others it will create a positive cycle of inspiration and collaboration with all those around you. It is not about you being the best out there but being a beacon to inspire others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signature.celluloid/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachellaValleyShadowCast
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/signature-celluloid-productions

Image Credits

Photos Taken By Jennifer Riley & Dacia Murillo
Rights Reserved to Signature Celluloid