Through the Lens: The Irreplaceable Ace...Christian Sutton

Born to Represent

(Christian Sutton , Big Sean , Don Toliver, Nas and Clarke Lauren)

If you are a fan of Hip Hop, chances are you have seen the work of Christian Sutton and don’t even know it because he’s that low key. The perfect quote to describe his work ethic and accomplishments would be

“I never brag how real I keep it , cause its the best secret” Nas Take it in blood

He was gracious enough to let us into his world and we are taking you, the fans, into his mind through a very candid conversation. Even while doing this interview his work ethic shines through. He’s working on many projects that monopolizes so much of his time that at times, this interview seemed like a no go! However, he’s a man of his word so even if it had to be right before he captured those rare moments of sleep, he was resolute to get it done! He’s a man of few words but when he speaks about his craft, the passion and conviction cannot be missed. Let’s get to know the humble giant behind the camera.

TW : What 10 words would you use to describe yourself?

​CS: Faithful, confident, excited, trusting, encouraging, fast, loud, engaged, fun, and brilliant.

“I’m from Atlanta…just from a place that breeds good people with hustle”

TW: Tell us about your hometown and how it has influenced you?

​CS: I was born in Houston, TX and represent but I moved to Atlanta, GA when I was 7; so ATL is my hometown. Atlanta is just so cultured, beyond just being a hub for black culture and hip-hop. It’s a big blend of everything: we’re into what’s trendy/new, traditional southern, trap, country, loud and bangin, R&B, oldies; you name it - but we have our own perception, articulation, and expression shaped by the influences you can only receive in Atlanta. I feel like I know a little bit about everything and everybody because of my experiences there. I think I’m more humble and hungry than the next guy because of where I’m from - just from a place that breeds good ppl w/ hustle.

(Christian Sutton)

“There were a multitude of events that had to happen for me to declare myself a director”

TW: At what age did you discover your passion for film and when did you decide that you wanted to be a director?

​CS: I’ve always had a passion for film but couldn’t quite articulate it until I was in high school. Growing up I had no real perception of what a director did or that it could be fun, cool, or even realistic for a young black person like myself to do how we (or I) would want to do it. There were a multitude of events that had to happen for me to declare myself a director - but the first inspiration for sure was seeing Kanye West visual album/short film Runaway (2010). I was a fan of everything he did and perceived him and Hype Williams to be the director/creator of one of the coolest things I ever experienced AND they both were black ppl who I felt were cool and smart af. It just became an instant desire of mine to have ideas that would make other people as excited as I was just from seeing/hearing some sh*t. I learned a new language. I could always talk, express myself, write, but the film gives you the opportunity to do all at once while planting seeds and ideas only the viewer can grow. That's what made me apply to film school…and some success on a few worldstar skit videos with my friend Dre.

TW : Describe the feeling you had when you booked your first project and how did your outlook change when it was completed?

​CS:It was no different than how I feel when I book something now: Overwhelmed, excited, blessed and prepared. After completion I realise I’m never “overwhelmed” but rather I care so much and place high standards on myself while simultaneously trying to do everything in the world even trying to control things beyond my control. Trying to control things you can't control makes you feel overwhelmed- accepting your position and knowing what to do next makes you feel prepared. It’s an awesome insane cycle I've been putting myself into for 8 years now. And God is good, I Wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Next thing you know we are doing a Kendrick Lamar video, as 20 year olds”

TW : How did the connection with Psycho Films come about?

​CS: Me, Joe, Dani, Sam, Jack & Tyler met at University of Southern California (USC) and started the company as a bunch of friends trying to get into Film/TV. We were like 19 so no one had any interest in investing in our careers. We decided to start doing music videos - specifically Hip-Hop/Rap because that was our favorite kind of music. We are all from different places around the country but met at SC and would debate about music, art, film - really anything and taught each other a ton about each other’s different disciplines/interests. Early on, we did videos for local artist or fellow students. But I met Hit-Boy at an event where one of our videos was showing - I pressed him to watch it! lol But after meeting him he was cool and invited us to work with him. We got to develop content, music videos, and observe a real artist at work. On top of that, we got to meet tons of rappers he was collaborating with. Eventually, some people saw the crazy videos we got to do with Hit-Boy and next thing you know we are doing a Kendrick Lamar video, as 20 year olds with the boys you started a company with inside a frat house freshman year.

“Everybody else is competition, so inspire isn’t the right word - “encouraged to do better” fits more.”

TW: Can you name some of the directors that inspire you and why?

​CS: MusicVideos…Hype Williams. Classic, amazingly visual sh*t! Goes beyond concept - is a filmmaker who plays with light and color plus spectacle. Crisp, clean, clear visuals. I don’t think our styles are similar but I’m inspired by his work. Other than that, my boyz Jack Begert & Joe Weil at Psycho Films - we learn alot from each other and I’m certainly influenced by them and their taste.

Some of my favorite videos recently have been directed by Jack, Joe, Aisultan Seitov. Everybody else is competition, so inspire isn’t the right word - “encouraged to do better” fits more.

With movies…I’m watching too much Kubrick right now (I lie and say it’s for a treatment) so I’m too blinded to mention anyone else at the moment.

In TV…Michaela Coel is my favorite writer, director and actress on tv right now. When I do TV, I want the experience to feel like her show “I May Destroy You” on HBO. It's such a rollercoaster think-tank everytime she does anything.

“I want our narratives to own the respect of Hollywood.”

TW: You talked a little about Hype Williams. Can you expand on how he influenced you and would you be open to expanding your brand to doing movies?

​CS: Hype is the prototype. I want those budgets. I want to shoot stuff that imprints on culture, leaves its mark and defines it. I want our culture to shine on the big screen. I want our narratives to own the respect of Hollywood. I want to tell our stories and I want the box office to keep us going.

TW : If you were to tell a hip hop artist’s story in film, which artist would you choose and why?

​​CS: Man! I’m calling it now, in my 40s me and the cats in my lane are going to do so many rapper bio-pics it’s ridiculous. I almost don’t want to say a name that's not obvious just so some intern at an agency doesn’t add a legends name to some Netflix flick that gets dialed in… but Kanye’s bio-pic is the kinda wild ass story I’m trying to tell! So many themes, such a great dynamic character that touches so many other characters. Epic movie; the story is still being written - and the way it's going, when he get a bio-pic its going to be the real story!

​

(Hitboy , Clarke Lauren , Nas and Christian Sutton)

(On the set of “Replace Me”)

TW: We recently saw pictures of you on set with Nas, Big Shawn, and Don Toliver. Tell us how that collaboration came about and describe the vibe on set.

CS: Vibe on set was amazing. Nas, Sean, and Don are all amazing to work with and we had a great time. Hit-Boy introduced me and Jack to Nas before the album dropped. We got to hear some of the music and were hell bent on doing some videos. Hit really gave me the ally-opp and once we got in with Nas, everybody got in pocket and executed some dope sh*t. It was like a coming out of the hole moment for me since, quarantine blocks you from those kinds of vibes and wavelengths that only those folks could create.

TW: If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?

​CS: Stop worrying about sh*t - God got you on everything. Don't be lazy - do the work. It's all worth it and experiencing failure is much much harder than any task you are putting off.

TW: What do you want to say to those aspiring to be the “next” Christian Sutton?

​CS: Let me get where I’m trying to be before you come for me lol but I’d say the same thing I’d tell my younger self: ​Stop worrying about sh*t - God got you on everything. Don't be lazy - do the work. It's all worth it and experiencing failure is much much harder than any task you are putting off. People be knowing what to do, but who's committed to doing it right?

TW: Is there anyone you wish to work with that you haven’t worked with as of yet?

​CS : Man, I've said his name too much! lol so other than Ye…Megan Thee Stallion.

TW : You have managed to stay motivated and working during this pandemic. Where do you get the strength to keep setting and reaching goals, despite the uncertainty and challenges?

CS: I was totally a crab in his shell for a few months until I asked myself: in ____ years when “everything is normal” and I haven’t accomplished the goals I set for myself, am I really going to comfortably use Covid as an excuse? Do I want to be ___ years behind because Covid-19? Let’s proceed safely but to me, it’s time to eat.

(Christian Sutton)

TW: What legacy and imprint do you want to leave in regards to the entertainment industry?

CS: Hip Hop’s Hitchcock. I want to create the films that define my culture and time so everyone forever can appreciate how great plus talented I know our people to be.

It’s this type of thinking, innovation, and all out vision that serves as clear signs that when we look back in the hip hop history books, the name Christian Sutton will be among those who are now considered legends. He might just even be the one to tell the “prototype” Hype Williams’ story to inspire a new generation. Christain Sutton and Psycho Films are on the path of greatness. He’s a testament of what hard work and self belief can do and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Houston and Atlanta stand up!!!