Rising Stars: Meet London Houghton

Today we’d like to introduce you to London Houghton.

Hi London, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
My name is London Houghton, and I am a 10-year-old filmmaker from Seal Beach, California. I knew I wanted to make movies the first time I was on my dad’s set. I was 6 years old. When I went to England in 2022, I got to be on set again in London. I spent time with Ella Greenwood, who was the producer on the film. All this inspired me to want to make my own film. So, a few months after I got back, I started writing my first script called ‘Breaking Plans’. It’s a story about divorce and how important friendships are when you are going through difficult times. My dad promised me we would make the film if I got the script done. Ella came over from England to help produce it, and we auditioned lots of young people in Los Angeles. Then we filmed in June of 2023 when I was 9. It’s in post-production now, and I even have a composer called Gabby. I just found out my writing has helped me get into English honor classes when I go to middle school next year. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part was learning how to use the screenwriting software called Final Draft and structuring the story. Also, I acted in the film, and I found one of the scenes a bit difficult because I had to balance on a climbing frame for a very long time. I have also had to talk to people for the first time as a filmmaker like the composer. While I learn how everything comes together on a film. But everyone has been really nice, teaching me what I need to know. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a student at McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach, and I have good grades. Although science is my strongest subject, reading and writing are my favorites. I also love chorus and theater. I am proud to have made my first film and be interviewed by No Film School and on the front page of the newspaper because of it. It was also awesome to be in a music video earlier this year with a singer called Lola Kristine. And I get to be in a commercial video soon. I’m proud to be a kind person and to stand up for others who need help. Like when someone is being bullied. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I am still a kid, but some of my favorite memories so far include acting in and filming ‘Breaking Plans’, going to Australia and England, going to Hawaii with my dad, going to the movies for the first time to see Finding Dory, performing in Pageant of the Arts this year at school, spending time with my best friend Gracelyn, going to Disneyland with Ella, going to Florida with my grandparents and cousins and when my sister Hayley was born. 

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.londonhoughton.com/
• Other: http://www.breakingplans.com/

Image Credits
Matt Kallish
Sarah Anarna
Dreamotion Studios