Tuesday, July 30, 2013

John Paxton - Atlantic City Chronicles


 
From the beginning John Paxton Jr. has always had big dreams and the courage to pursue them. Born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he was surrounded by crime, drugs and violence throughout his youth. Like others growing up in an urban environment, he watched friends and family fall through the cracks of society; adding to the frightening statistics of an Atlantic City which few cared to see in the shadows of the casinos. It is impossible to know if it was his mother's undying optimism, his father's cool, calm disposition, or the spirit of Atlantic City where big risks bring big rewards, but John managed to avoid a similar fate of those around him.
After finishing high school, John left Atlantic City for Central NJ and Rutgers University. It was here a professor who encouraged him to tell his story and others like his because they were valuable inspired him. So John took to capturing elements of his life through the lens and that was the beginning. In eight years he earned his bachelors in Psychology, and two masters’ degrees. He continues to keep close ties with Rutgers University where he is currently an adjunct professor in the Africana Studies Department teaching Aspects of Filmmaking.
In 2004 John was called to put his talents into practice after talking with several homeless people on the streets of NYC on his way from a photo shoot. It was then he was reminded of the words to spoken to him years before... tell the stories that others can’t tell for themselves. With that John created his production company and set to work on accomplishing that task. As a writer, teacher and director, John has found his way to reach others—one that allows him to use his talent and passion for writing, music, film & photography.
John's goal in directing and producing narrative films & documentaries is to bring to light the social issues that affect the world today. Through his original production company, AmmeAifos [pronounced Aim E Eye Foos] John united the arts across different media to tell stories, which enlightened people as well as entertained them. In October 2012 John founded his new company Freebird Media with a focus on continuing the original mission of his first company. 
John has written, produced, and directed several films that have garnered him awards, as well as a graphic novella. Two features “Rebecca’s Window” shot in Atlantic City, “Sniff" shot on location in Brazil, and a several short films. He is currently writing a commissioned feature and working on season two of his web series "Atlantic City Chronicles" the first offering from Freebird Media.

John is excited about the premiere of the Atlantic City Chronicles this friday at Rutgers University. I was able to grab 20 minutes and seven questions with him.



 
1). What was the first project that you produced?
I have been producing since my college days but the first full release that I directed and produced was my first feature Rebecca’s Window which won my the best directorial debut award in the NY International Film festival.



2). Does being a director require total control, base on your vision of the production?
It doesn’t take total control but it does mean total commitment and faith. Commitment to knowing your vision is the right one for the story and faith in those you have around you to execute. I have the utmost confidence in my team I couldn’t do it without them.
 
3). How much input do you have in selecting the cast members?
Casting for me is the best part. Some of my fellow directors want no part of it while I relish in the total process. You can tell a great deal about a person when in the process. I sometimes set myself up as the greeter to watch how people treat others and how they treat me. That will tell you if you are dealing with a person that is willing to give you their all, and respect everyone else while doing so. I do hand pick people that I work with but I enjoy the process. I would not be able to have successful projects if the casting was off. I can’t say that always for crew members that come on but that’s another story.


4). Tell the readers about your latest project?

In a city that relies on hope and luck...What do you do when both run out? Marine Frank Porter an Atlantic City native returns home to find that the beloved city he left has changed. The opportunities are slim and the jackpots are few and far between.

Atlantic City Chronicles is a story about what happens to and around Frank Porter. I wanted to bring some light to issues around PSTD as well. This is the trailer:
  p://acchroniclespremiere.eventbrite.com/

5). Your impression of Denzel Washington as an actor.




Denzel Washington made me root for PVT. Trip IN Glory, embrace Malcolm X and read voraciously everything I could get my hands on about the man he portrayed, Cry for Jake Shuttlesworth in He Got Game, walk Like Alonzo in Training Day, and sit in complete awe and silence after watching him as Eli in Book of Eli. He won the Oscar for the wrong role and he should have more then one as a leading man today.



 



6). How do you balance time between teaching and making film?


It isn’t an easy task but I have a great family and support system and so its more like we balance time not just I.

 


7). Your most renowned student is?








I have taught so many. I would say one of the smartest high profile students I had was Ray Rice. He was compassionate as a student and as a NFL player, he is leading an anti bullying campaign and it is really Ray doing it. I would have to include in that same vein Courtney Greene, Tiquan Underwood, Mike Teal, Jason and Devin McCorty, William Beckford, Essence Carson, Cappie Pondexter, Art Forst…I could go on they all dedicated themselves in the classroom and beyond. One who touched me a great deal was Eric Legrand. Eric suffered a horrific injury while a student of mine and not only is he battling everyday, he rejoined my class the next semester and finished in the top tier. The kid is special extremely special. There are dozens more that are doing great things and the honor is mine to educate them.






It should be noted that Eric's number 52 is being retired September 14 in a home game versus Eastern Michigan. This is the first number retired in the history of the  football program.  
I want to thank John for this interview.  John's contact information on Twitter is
                                                      @JohnnyFilmmaker   



The press release that gives details about the premiere this Friday is below. Like him on Facebook as well.



John Paxton Jr
Writer, Director & Producer
Atlantic City Chronicles





 


 
























 

     


 
  




 


 








  

 

 

 

 

 
 





 

 

 
 




















 



 

 

 
 

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