Film directors progress through their industry much like other creatives – from novice to master through experience that includes overcoming challenges and perfecting technical abilities. Additionally, it requires shaping imaginative visions into cinematic realities.
Raised in the Idaho countryside, Wesley Alley’s journey to the director’s chair reads like a Hollywood script. His rural upbringing influenced his creative style, embracing hard work, simplicity, and perseverance. His parents played the role of his mentors, guiding him at every step with determination. They instilled in him the toughness of rural roots. Perhaps they sensed their son would need tenacity for the future, despite not knowing what was to come.
In Wesley’s childhood years, his parents went through a divorce. During that challenging time, his only solace was watching movies with his father. He recalls a clear memory of watching the hit 1985 adventure comedy film “The Goonies” with his dad.
Saddened by his parent’s divorce, Wesley lost himself in the cinematic world of a misfit group of kids fighting for their lives and saving their homes and parents. At that moment, everything was okay. His early love and appreciation of movies awakened a calling to use his humor and creativity to put a smile on people’s faces.
Wesley had dreamt of being a filmmaker since childhood. However, he faced financial hardship in a small rural town which called for taking on various jobs to support himself. At an early age, Wesley took on a job as a dishwasher and quickly through hard work, moved up to a line cook. While other teens struggled with math, Wesley struggled with work, and making time for homework.
Wesley recalls, “I was a storyteller and actor throughout high school, even holding the Drama Club President title my senior year.” Naturally, his passion for filmmaking led him to get an education in this field. He studied at Boise State University and again at Full Sail University where he obtained degrees in Film and Television Production and a master’s in business.
Fast forward to his directorial debut in 2020 with a feature film, “The Voices.” The movie was a psychological thriller, complete with many twists and turns. It starred Amanda Markowitz, Victoria Matlock, Lin Shaye, and Brandon Sexton III. He had achieved directorial success in 2017 with the hit horror short film “SockMonster.”
A story of a mother named Anne who is shattered by the loss of her young daughter who suddenly goes missing. Only she knows where her daughter has gone. The despondent mother, camped out in front of her washer and dryer reliving old memories, knows someone or rather “something” took her daughter. Refusing to let her go, Anne finds that it’s not only socks that go missing in the dryer.
In his award-winning directing and writing, through film, music videos, and commercials, Wesley wants to make films that not only entertain, but transport audiences into a new worlds and situations, giving them a temporary escape from their daily lives.
Wesley’s story emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic. In situations with limited resources, it can make all the difference. It can have a similar impact on life that innovative special effects have on movies. He insists on continuous learning.
Wesley’s story from rural roots to the red carpet is the sequel we needed. It’s a story of growth, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Wesley Alley is definitively making his mark in the film and television industry.
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