Meet Travis Haughton | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis Haughton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking has always been a crucial part of my journey. In film, and especially as a director, you’re constantly making decisions that could push you out of your comfort zone. For me, risk is less about the fear of failure and more about the opportunity to create something unique, something that resonates with people on a deeper level.
I think the best risk I ever took was deciding to step behind the camera and direct, rather than just acting. It felt like a huge leap at the time, but I knew it was necessary to fully express my vision. That decision led to the creation of my company, ‘A Travis Production,’ where I could explore not just directing but also producing and writing.
There’s also the risk of telling stories that feel uncomfortable or unrepresented, especially when focusing on themes like mental health. It’s not always easy to put something out there that challenges perceptions, but it’s something I feel passionate about. I believe it’s necessary to take those risks to help spark conversation and bring important issues to light.
At the end of the day, I think risk is about being brave enough to take chances, knowing that you might fail, but also knowing that without that leap, you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of creating. Some of my most rewarding moments in my career have come from taking those risks and seeing them pay off in ways I didn’t expect.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply rooted in storytelling that reflects the experiences, struggles, and triumphs that I have been through. As a filmmaker, what sets me apart is my focus on using film as a platform for not just entertainment, but for sparking conversation around important issues, especially within the Black community. I’m passionate about creating stories that explore mental health, identity, societal challenges, and topics that often go unaddressed in mainstream cinema. For me, film is a way to challenge perceptions and create space for narratives that are raw, real, and impactful.
What I’m most proud of is the journey of staying true to my vision, even when the road was tough. Starting my own production company, ‘A Travis Production,’ in 2016, was something I’m most proud of because it birthed during my years in Highschool just playing around in my Broadcast Journalism class with my good friend Paris Ambus, which later turned into something very serious and impactful. After a while, it allowed me to take full creative control over the stories I want to tell and give a platform to other Black creatives who share similar passions. One of the things I’m most excited about is the growth of my company and the opportunity to collaborate with other filmmakers and artists who are pushing boundaries just like I am.
Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy at all. Like most filmmakers, I faced a lot of challenges, financial constraints, moments of self-doubt, and the struggle to get my foot in the door. But those struggles taught me some valuable lessons. The biggest two being perseverance and patience. There were times when things felt like they weren’t moving forward, but I had to remind myself that growth doesn’t always happen overnight. Overcoming the fear of failure was another lesson. It’s easy to let doubt creep in, but I had to push through it and take risks, even when I didn’t know where they’d lead.
I’ve also learned that building a strong network and community is essential. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and colleagues who have supported me and pushed me to keep going. And equally important, I’ve learned to trust my own voice as an artist as time. There’s a fine line between taking advice and staying true to your own vision, and I’ve learned that the best work comes when you’re not afraid to stand behind what you believe in.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m committed to telling stories that matter. I want to make films that challenge the status quo, that spark conversation, and that offer something new. My journey is one of resilience, passion, and the desire to create art that leaves an impact. I want my work to inspire others to push boundaries because at the end of the day, it’s about using your voice to create change and to tell stories that haven’t been told before.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sorry, I’m going to keep that to myself haha, but I will say one of my favorite spots in the city of Atlanta, Georgia is Colony Square. It’s a nice food court, great views, and a great time, okay that’s all you are going to get from me. BUT make sure ya’ll follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my Youtube, I may have some new things up my sleeve!! #travisproduction

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think success is always a mix of personal effort and the support we get from others. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by people who believed in me and helped me grow, whether it was through mentorship or just sharing knowledge. There’s a real power in learning from others, and I’ve been fortunate to have guidance from people who pushed me to see the bigger picture.
I also have to acknowledge the influence of Black creatives who have paved the way, especially Jordan Peele. His work has had such a huge impact on me; not just as a filmmaker, but as a storyteller. The way he blends social commentary with genre filmmaking has shown me the power of using film to push boundaries and spark important conversations. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for his ability to create unique, thought-provoking stories.
And honestly, I have to give some credit to myself as well. There’s a lot of self-doubt in this industry, and sometimes the hardest part is pushing past that and continuing to bet on yourself. Taking the leap to start my own production company, directing my own projects, and staying true to my vision; those were all risks I had to take on my own. I think it’s important to acknowledge that resilience and belief in yourself, because at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to make it happen.

Website: https://www.atravisproduction.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taughtbyt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travishaughton

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPm85P3HPwjLFqeU2XatbYw