Full name
Aaron T Paulson
Title
1st Assistant Director DGA
Location
Local hire in Los Angeles, California and Boise, Idaho.
Blurb
Steadfast as Katahdin, hard as winter’s rain.
Biography
Originally from Portland, Maine, I came to Los Angeles in 2007 with dreams of a film career. Working my way up as a set PA, I quickly found that my calling was to AD. Focusing primarily on commercials I was the first trainee and graduate of the inaugural 2010 Los Angeles Directors Guild of America Commercial Trainee program. Since joining the guild in 2012 I have been blessed traveling the globe filming commercials with some of the worlds great creative minds. Having the honor to work for such companies as Pretty Bird, Academy, Division 7, Pulse Films, Missing Pieces, Bullitt, Pytka, Reset, RSA, Park Pictures, Smuggler, Heresy, Caviar, Films from the Range and many more. My career is my life. I love what I do and I love to make a shoot work.
I'm not your everyday AD. I like to bring a sense of calm and purpose to a set. What we do as filmmakers is a dream, and that dream gets lost in the details sometimes. I treat everyone with respect and demand the same from my crew. I feel you get more out of your crew if they appreciate and want to work WITH you, not just FOR you.
Respect is key in all aspects of life, especially on a set. Thanks for taking the time to consider me, I look forward to working together in the future.
"Be grateful for every success rather than lament every failure, because you have been given a very rare gift to be allowed to succeed in a field that so many want to, and very few do."
Education
Bachelor of Arts- Media Arts Management
University of Hartford
Experience
Jonathan Dawes, Producer
Bullitt Branded
“I’ve travelled Aaron on my most complex international jobs. Not only does he have a tireless work ethic and clear understanding of scheduling, he’s a lot of fun to hang out with and keeps the overall morale of the crew high in that dark 25th hour.”
Diego Contreras, Director
RESET Content
"I first worked with Aaron last September (2015) and since then we’ve been working back to back on projects for about 9 months straight. And it’s been nothing but a great experience. I love and appreciate having the support of a talented 1st AD that understands my creative process and is willing to move mountains to make my vision come true. These jobs can get crazy and stressful and Aaron helps to take so much of the weight off my back so I can truly focus on doing my job. But more than anything, Aaron is just an awesome person to have around. There’s nothing better than having hard-working, genuine people on your team.”
Benjamin Loeb
DOP
“I worked with Aaron over a stretch of 3 weeks traveling through 3 continents shooting spots with 3 different teams, and honestly he kept things smooth as my baby’s bottom. Theres a big difference about a 1st AD who just pushes the day, and one who also understands the creative process that needs to happen. It’s nice to have one that plays on both sides”
Brian Joe EP
Midnight Bloom
“It can be a challenge to garner the respect of your crew as a 1st AD who is running a set and telling everyone what needs to happen. But Aaron has an amazing ability to get it done while still being a fun loving guy that everyone wants to have a beer with at wrap.”
Chris Black
Director and Producer
“I’ve known and worked with Aaron for several years now and he’s always my first option as a 1st AD. Aaron is a pleasure to have on set as he brings a warmth that unites all crew from the various departments. He’s hard working and never overlooks the details, ensuring that the shoot runs smoothly and without any hiccups. Aaron is my brother, has a good heart and is fun to have on set.”
Tommy Cannon
Director/DOP
"Aaron’s presence elevates those around him. When he’s by my side I know that I can let go and focus on my craft.”
Anna Rau and Corbett Jones, Executive Producers
Films from the Range
“Paulson never shies away from a challenge, more so he approaches a complicated shoot with a contagious enthusiasm that inspires the entire crew. His calm demeanor, thoroughness, commitment to safety, and ability to adapt allow for the very best creative. With Paulson you know you are confident that everyone, and every detail, are very well cared for.”
Skills
Scheduling, Leadership, Budgeting, Safety Management, Communication, Quick Learner, Adaptable to any situation, Logistics, Creative