We were lucky to catch up with Preston Walden recently and have shared our conversation below.
Preston, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I love creating. It is one of the most fulling things I know there is to do, because it opens up new worlds, lives and subjects that may or may not have been there before, but will always have something new to tell from that point of view. I love seeing the process of where a film starts; from a blank screen. There, anything is possible. I believe the only limits is one’s imagination. Creating is pure freedom. It is also pure expression and leads sometimes to roads that we never thought we would take.
I’ve had regular jobs and they are def needed to pay bills, but they are jobs. Producing, directing and screenwriting is a passion and never a job.
I believe that if one is purely passionate about what they do, it will never become a job, but a love.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started out in this business acting, but soon fell in love with writing around 2005. I for sure I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera, but I came to the realization that my calling was not only screenwriting but being behind the camera. Being born and raised in Tampa, I didn’t grow up with anything dealing with the industry, but being an only child, I had an imagination, which drew me to acting at a young age.
I also, about 7 years ago or so, became an acting teacher (for a few years) but my calling was to create and make films.
I slowly learned, failed, succeeded and failed again but kept learning and growing the entire time.
I now am co-owner of Domain Pictures, llc along with Heather Fraley, who is becoming an industry success all her own.
This year alone, we will have had two feature films, “The Truth About Monsters” and “Dimming Lights”, along with a handful of short films.
Next year, we are setting our sights on Atlanta, with bigger goals and projects.
This all started with a young kid, forced to use his imagination and now is getting paid to do what he loves.
I am very blessed.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Telling a story and sharing it with others. Also, working with many other amazing and talented people, that also share a passion for this industry. I have met so many fantastic and interesting people. This is an industry like no other, because I couldn’t do what I do and meet the people I have met and gone to places i have gone to, in any other job.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I believe that one of the things non-creatives’ do not understand is that this is really a business. Many might think that this is all pretend and not real work. It actually is very hard and stressful but it’s that creativeness that drives many in our industry. It’s that love of storytelling and being able to be free enough to explore that, but also get apid while doing it. Just like in any other business, you have to learn and grow and you start from the bottom, but if you never give up, you will succeed. I truly believe that.
So, I think if non-creatives could see that, yes it is tough, but not impossible and see that it is truly work, then they might not see it as just play time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_walden2019/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preston.walden
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClSai_V-K6B5IW28oPh_NjA
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2598984/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_0_nm_8_q_preston%2520wa