We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alton Willoughby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alton, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I wrote and produced a short film, Heart of a Woman, based on memoir I Rise-The Transformation of Toni Newman by Transgender Author Toni Newman. When a minority community so stricken by drug abuse, sexual exploitation, and explosive murder rates, has a voice rise out of it as courageous and profound as Toni Newman’s, you do everything you can to make sure it’s a home run heard the world over. British Director/Producer Keith Holland and I worked together to give this memoir a voice.
Heart of a Woman short film is about three diverse individuals, one male, one female, and one who’s wrestling with the decision, are working in the sex industry to survive, while they struggle physically, emotionally and spiritually to find understanding and legitimacy in a morally corrupt world that takes no prisoners. I Rise-The Transformation of Toni Newman tells how Toni Newman transitioned from being a man to living as a transgender woman. As an educated college undergraduate of Wake Forest University, she could not secure respectable employment. She was forced into a dark world of sex for hire that was made tolerable by the money, glamour, and celebrities, but sharply punctuated by drug abuse and violence.
Our goal is to do a feature film on Heart of a Woman and let the world know everyone should live their authentic self and be courageous to walk in their truth.
Alton, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Alton Demore is an African American fitness model and sag/aftra actor. I am originally from San Diego, CA, and after attending college for 2 years, I became a big club promoter. I was also a dancer/choreographer and have resided in the Los Angeles area for the past 25 years. Since living in the Los Angeles area, I have studied acting intensely with a variety of different teachers and techniques. I have been in commercials, television, and film. I enjoy working out, hiking, rock climbing, bicycling, fishing, and playing basketball. I am quite a physical guy so outdoor activities are a big plus for me. My truest desire is to produce work with substance and meaning. I am a very focused, driven, and dedicated individual.
Alton is president of SPI Productions LLC which is a entertainment and production company based in Los Angeles. The company has a teleplay and screenplay called “Heart of a Woman” with British director Keith Holland and also wrote and produced a comedy webisode called Douche Bros starring Jamie Zevallos and Chris Conrad directed by Keith Holland. My latest project is The Disconnected written and produced by myself and Sean Cully directed by Keith Holland. My production company is seeking funding to do a full feature on Heart of a Woman.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the finished project and watching others enjoying the work. Doing meaningful works with substance that tell a message is quite rewarding for me. There’s something special about creating something that resonates with others and has depth.
Artistic fulfillment is such a powerful feeling—it’s like you’re not just creating for the sake of creation, but for something deeper. It’s when your work feels truly aligned with who you are or what you believe. When you’re in that zone, it almost feels like the pieces fall into place on their own,
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I come from modest means and watching tv and entertainers perform as a child gave me hope. For me, I’d say my “mission” is to help foster connection and understanding through conversation. In the way artists create work that resonates or tells a story, I aim to guide meaningful interactions and spark ideas. I want to be a part of those moments where thoughts are explored, questions are asked, and new perspectives emerge.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www/altondemore.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alton23demore
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alton.demore
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alton-willoughby-10794657/
- Other: http://www.heartofawomanfilm.com
http://spiproduction.com
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1655482
Image Credits
1)Alton Willoughby
2)Alton Willoughby
3) The Disconnected poster (Written and Produced by Alton Willoughby and Sean Cully)
4) Heart of a Woman short film team (Director Keith Holland, Author/Writer Toni Newman, and Producer alton Willoughby)
5) Heart of a Woman poster