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Angela Shelton
Writer - Director - Funny Public Speaker - Emmy Winning Actor - SAG/AFTRA/WGA
Professional Background
Angela Shelton is an acclaimed filmmaker with a diverse portfolio that highlights her talent as a writer, director, and producer. Her career took off in 1999 with her debut film, Tumbleweeds, which earned her the prestigious Sundance Film Festival Filmmaker’s Trophy in 2000. This film also garnered accolades for actress Janet McTeer, who received an Academy Award® nomination and a Golden Globe® for her performance. Following Tumbleweeds, Angela adapted Kaye Gibbons’ novel Charms For The Easy Life into a film that featured the talents of Mimi Rogers and Gena Rowlands, showcasing her ability to bring engaging stories from literature to the screen.
In 2001, Angela made her directorial debut with the documentary Searching For Angela Shelton, a deeply personal project that explored themes of identity and resilience. This project was transformative for Angela, leading her to pen her memoir, Finding Angela Shelton, published by Meredith Publishing in 2006. In her memoir, Angela reflects on her journey, detailing how the process of making the documentary altered her perspective on life and the issues she champions.
From 2004 to 2015, Angela became a prominent social activist, recognized for her passionate efforts in fundraising for rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. As a public speaker, she traveled globally, using her platform to raise awareness about these critical issues and inspiring audiences through her personal story and commitment to change.
In 2015, Angela wrote, directed, and produced her first feature film, Heart, Baby!, which stars Gbenga Akinnagbe and Jackson Rathbone. This film tells the poignant true story of Tennessee prison boxer George Lee Martin, who, in 1984, chose to forego his freedom and a chance at Olympic Gold in order to protect something he deemed irreplaceable. Heart, Baby! exemplifies Angela's ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences on deep emotional levels.
Currently, Angela is working on a new feature film based on another heartfelt true story, continuing her legacy of powerful storytelling that combines personal narratives with broader social themes.
Education and Achievements
Angela Shelton studied Theater and English at Santa Monica College, where she honed her skills in writing and acting. Her educational background provided a solid foundation for her impressive career in the film industry. Over the years, she has worn many hats in the entertainment sector, including acting, screenwriting, producing, and directing.
Angela has also shared her expertise and passion for storytelling in various roles. She has worked as a producer at Round Room Productions and was formerly a children’s book author at Quiet Owl Books. Her experience extends to public speaking with the Jodi Solomon Speakers Bureau, where she shared her journey and insight into the film industry and social activism. Angela previously held the position of executive producer at Film Production and has a robust background in screenwriting, demonstrating her versatility and depth in the field. Additionally, she contributed her talents as an actor and took an important role with The Safe Side, an initiative of The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Angela's contributions to film and society have made her a respected figure in both industries, blending her artistic talents with her commitment to advocacy. Through her work, she inspires others and highlights the power of storytelling as a means of connecting people and driving social change.
Achievements
Angela Shelton's accolades are rooted not only in her contributions to film but also in her impact as a social activist. Her first film, Tumbleweeds, not only won the Sundance Film Festival Filmmaker’s Trophy, but it also became a significant achievement in her career, paving the way for her future endeavors in storytelling.
With the release of Searching For Angela Shelton, she showcased her ability to blend personal narrative with societal issues, earning both critical acclaim and personal fulfillment. Her memoir, Finding Angela Shelton, has further established her as a voice of resilience and activism, encouraging others to confront their own challenges.
Angela's dedication to social causes is evidenced by her extensive work raising funds for rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, earning her recognition as a passionate advocate for women's rights and safety. Her film Heart, Baby! not only highlights her storytelling prowess but also emphasizes the importance of personal sacrifice and courage. Angela continues to impact the film industry positively and raise awareness for pressing social issues through her projects and public speaking engagements.