Ashton Kristopher Bracciodieta became a filmmaker after he completed his studies at Full Sail University in 2008. The Reacher is his second film as director. The previous project he directed was a suspense/horror film called “Nova Road”. Ashton credits the original 1933 “King Kong” as his inspiration behind filmmaking. Although he was only 2 years old at the time, the fantasy and spectacle of the film, along with the emotional connection to the characters, made a lasting impact. He says, “In the words of the great Ray Harryhausen, I’ve never been the same since”. Beyond his Full Sail University education, Ashton developed as a filmmaker by working on various projects and film sets. “From small independent productions to higher budget films, you learn a great deal by working physically on a set. It also doesn’t hurt to watch the behind-the-scenes of your all-time favorite films to see how they were made and what techniques were used.” Ashton says his long-term goal is to build his career as a filmmaker. “To fulfill my creative drive and passion through this particular medium. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” In response to the question: What has been one of your biggest successes in filmmaking? Ashton says, “seeing an audience’s reaction to your project in the way you hoped. The audience will be honest to every filmmaker. They will tell you if you hit the mark or not. Seeing the reaction to the first film I directed, Nova Road, was an amazing experience. The audience was both scared and terrified. They didn’t know what was going to happen next. That to me is a great success.”
As for his advice to aspiring filmmakers, “Never give up! Be who you are. Make what you set out to make. Hold true to the relationships and friendships you forge along the journey and have fun in the process!“
Ashton continues to draw from the well of love and encouragement bestowed by his mother and grandmother. Sadly, both passed away before seeing any of his completed work. Ashton shares these heartfelt words of thanks to his supporters: “To all my friends, colleagues and fellow dreamers I’ve been honored to run into and work with, I can’t say thank you enough. You’ve been a great support for me. You’ve encouraged me to keep pressing on through the good and bad. I learned and continue to learn a great deal from each and every one of you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your projects and helping me on my own. To my mother and grandmother, I love you both and miss you a great deal. I hope I have made you proud!”
We look forward to sharing Ashton’s film with you at the upcoming Cosmic Film Festival! We have no doubt that you will be moved by the story and its characters. We are excited for what the future holds for this developing filmmaker!