Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Dorton.
Pete, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised in Ohio but I’ve been living in NYC for the past 25 years. I’m an award winning actor, producer and writer. I started out with YOLO Theatre Company back in 1996. I was co-artistic director and founder with my long-time friend Elissa Piszel. We produced mainly one-act plays and original works. Our fundraisers and Oscar parties were always great events. I love the creative aspect of being an artist but I find a lot of joy in the social aspects as well. I just recently found my way into filmmaking a couple of years ago, I took a 15 year break from acting after surviving a massive heart attack. This break gave me a chance to see what I really wanted out of life. I want to keep creating art no matter what stands in my way. Filmmaking is one way for me to achieve this.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Having to face my own mortality I realized life is too short and I want to make a difference while I’m here. I love films. We all have stories to tell and I want to tell mine as well as others. I joined a studio here in NYC called “The Actor’s Green Room” the founder Jen Rudolph has a Short Film Screening monthly, this gave me a chance to start making short films. I started with my first short titled “Lou” it’s a story of a man who has a terrible tragedy unfold one afternoon and how he has to find a way to deal with it. This movie is based on my true story. The process of making this film was a chance for me to heal by sharing a personal story with others. I love to create films that are relatable or spark something in someone. We entered “Lou” into the film festival circuit and started attending festivals. This gave me a chance to see an array of films that blew my mind. I was able to witness so many artists out there trying to tell their stories and make a difference. I want to help bring the beauty and goodness out in our world. We owe it to one another to help make this world better. I’m very optimistic that art is one way of doing this.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Financing can be difficult. CREDIT CARDS!!! I’m so thankful I have my credit cards to help finance my projects. Crowdfunding can also be useful. The bottom line is, I can’t stress enough that you need to know you probably won’t make very much money in return but if you want to tell your stories you will find any way possible to do it. Who knows, you might find the right situation where your film gets a distribution deal and that will help finance your next project. Just try to tell your story!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Our film “Lou” is being screened in The Miami Canine Film Festival at the Cinepolis Movie Theater- Saturday July 14, 2018 in Coconut Grove. The film is written and directed by Miguel Garzón Martinez.
Contact Info:
- Website: petedorton.com
- Phone: 917-750-4260
- Email: petedorton@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petedorton/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yolopete
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/petedorton
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/petedorton
Image Credit:
Bradley Hawks Photography and Miguel Garzón Martinez
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Karen McDonnell
July 12, 2018 at 9:32 pm
What a journey so far! Keep up the hard work and positive energy!