Artist Statement

My name is oliver astone and I love to tell stories. I always did, even all the way back in elementary school trying to get laughs at the lunch table. I think it made it easier to make friends and I guess it still does. Somewhere along the way I found out that there is no better way 
to tell a story then through film. There is no other way where a story can 
unfold right before your eyes. A story teller can control every aspect of a story 
with film, from using music to create the tone of the movie, to the camera 
angle to give the viewer a specific feeling. This complete control of a story is 
what attracts me to make films. I like to be involved in all aspects of the film 
making process from directing to editing to writing, I believe this is the only 
way for a film maker to make a film truly his own.
 My favorite types of stories to tell are comedic dramas. I love the escape that 
comedy can give you from all the worlds problems, even if it's only for about 
two hours. On the other hand I love the journey that drama stories can take 
you on, pulling all kinds of emotions out of you on the way. But what I love 
most is what you get when you put these two kinds of stories together. You 
find out that in almost any situation, there is a way to find laughter and smile. 
Film makers like Wes Anderson and Martin Scorsese are strong inspirations 
in my love for comedic dramas, like them I strive to make audiences laugh 
even in the darkest of situations. So watch my films and join me on this 
dramatic journey, but don't forget to laugh on the way.