Meet Tristin Thompson

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

Hi Tristin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For so long in my life, I was pulled toward and was good at more artistic things such as dance, theater, and film. I knew in my heart that I wanted to work in the entertainment industry, yet I was always told that it would not pay well because I would not make it “big” so it would be a silly career to go after. This held me back. For so long I tried to pretend to be interested in a “normal” career just to please the people that I wanted to be proud of me. I soon learned that in order to please them, I was abandoning my dreams and turning away from who I truly am. It was hurting me, so much that I was scared. I felt I had no plan for my future just because I was not interested in or adept at the things they wanted me to be good at. My mindset changed in 2019 when I was watching the Oscars, just before the Covid-19 shut down. I was about to go into my senior year, and college applications were coming close, so my career plan was heavy on my mind. I remember being so in love with the pure joy everyone had on that screen, and was reminded of the impact that cinema is able to have on people. I said to myself, and then to my mother, “I want to be there one day, I want to be in the entertainment industry.” I did not care about the struggle, or the pay, or if I would make it “big”. I told myself I was going to do whatever it takes to attain my dream. My mom, who has supported each of my endeavors, told me she believed in me and would be there every step of the way, even though the film industry is not her area of expertise. I think something inside me clicked that moment I was watching the Oscars, and I realized I had been pushing away what I was talented at, what I felt I was called to do for far too long. From then on, I started pursuing what I feel I am meant to do with my life and what makes me the most happy. I began ignoring everyone who doubts me. To me, putting my happiness and talent on the back burner for the sake of money is a waste of a life, and you only live once. So pick a career you enjoy and wake up excited to go to, and avoid dreading going to work the rest of your life. I haven’t looked back since I have started pursuing my dreams and I am in love with what I have done so far.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout high school, I did many theatrical productions that I am very proud of, but I did not get into the dynamics of film production until I started college just last year. I have always been a film buff, but never dipped my toe in my own creative ideas. Just recently, I shot a short film with a small, independent student studio that was developed and created by creative friends I met in college. Based in Dalton, GA, S.T.E.P. Studio was founded by Jacob Poag around two years ago and has since grown. As of right now, S.T.E.P Studio is non-profit, but we are merging small film studios together and hope to submit more short films into festivals this fall. After the project last year, I was hired as a branch manager while also getting accepted into SCAD. I will be going to the Atlanta campus in the fall, while also working on two short films this summer; one of which I am co-directing. In my spare time, I work as background characters on film/TV sets. Most recently, I finished a theatrical production of Othello by Oglethorpe University theatre, directed by Marlon Burnley. Since I am a college student, I have learned along my journey that I need to be easy on myself. I believe I am doing all I can now so I can be successful in the future by networking and adding projects to my resume and portfolio, but sometimes it’s hard to believe in yourself when a lot of people are expecting you to fail. I am still working on not letting that negativity affect my hard work, and that I should not overload myself with projects just to prove someone wrong. No matter what I end up doing, as long as I am happy with my career I will be proud of myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Anytime a friend asks to hang out in Atlanta, I always check the concerts and theatrical productions going on that weekend. Concerts are my favorite thing to go to, and Atlanta always has someone performing from the Tabernacle to the State Farm Arena. For shopping and eating, I love Ponce City market or Town Brookhaven. Both have great stores and cool shops, and so many options for food. My favorite place to go to, though, is Just Love Coffee in Sandy Springs. Coffee + yummy waffles are a must have for a perfect day, and I take all of my friends there when they visit.

Website: www.stepstudioinc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tristhompson/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristin-thompson-8248b6234

Other: (S.T.E.P. Studios is open to donations)

Image Credits
Ashlee C. Photography (@ashleecphotogrpahy on instagram) Hannah Jacobs (@tcl_photography20 on instagram) Casey Gardner Ford (@caseygardnerford on instagram) Jennifer Carter Johnson (@jennifercarterjohnson on instagram)