Winston Titus Tao
- Director
- Writer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Originally from Orange County, CA, Winston Titus Tao's foray into
filmmaking began by first stepping in front of the camera. Realizing he
then had the potential to write and create his own stories, he decided
to pursue filmmaking at the prestigious Chapman Universities Dodge
College of Film and Media Arts.
While at Chapman, Winston was able to sit under the mentor-ship of industry professionals such as Betty Thomas, John Badham, and Dezso Magyar, and was accepted as one of five recipients for Chapman's prestigious OL Halsell scholarships. It was during this time that he, along with his twin brother, Aaron, were able to create over 7 short films, with Aaron writing and Winston directing.
Winston quickly made a name for himself as one of the schools most promising and talented students. His thesis film, "Picture. Perfect." swept Chapman's Annual Cecil Awards Ceremony with Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Production Design while simultaneously picking up grants from the Leo Freedman Foundation, and Hollywood Foreign Press Association to make a DPX master of the film. It was then selected as one of five films to screen at the DGA in Los Angeles to represent Chapman's Annual 2012 First Cut showcase to Industry Professionals. In addition, the film has gone on to play in over 30 festivals worldwide and has picked up numerous awards along the way. Some of the festivals include: Academy-accredited Warsaw International Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival, the prestigious Heartland International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Charleston International Film Festival, Omaha Film Festival, Durango Film Festival, and Asiana International Film Festival to name a few.
Winston usually works in collaboration with his twin brother, Aaron John Tao, and direct under the moniker TwinTaoers. Together, they are an Asian-American multi-award winning filmmaking duo that pride themselves with their unique ability to create emotionally touching films through relationally authentic storytelling. By approaching each project they undertake with a cinematic eye and acute attention to detail, the twin brothers strive to make every character and story relatable so audiences can connect with them worldwide. "Sleep Well, My Baby," won silver at the Cannes YDA Awards for "Changing the world frame by frame," and was also shortlisted for "Best Short Film." It was awarded a Webby Honorable mention, Vimeo Staff Pick, and was distributed as the fourth installment of the FilmSupply Presents series. Their branded film, "SuperMaarko" won them a Webby Award for People's Voice, as well as nominations for "Best Emerging Directors," and "Best Narrative," at the One Screen Film Festival. Their work has played at academy accredited festivals and have been official selections at Cannes Short Film Corner, Beijing International Film Festival, and Warsaw, as well as the DGA in LA. They have also secured distribution on various New Media platforms throughout Asia and America and were featured in the 2016 Source Creative Presents Los Angeles Showcase. Their work has spanned both the international and domestic markets. TwinTaoers currently reside in Los Angeles.
While at Chapman, Winston was able to sit under the mentor-ship of industry professionals such as Betty Thomas, John Badham, and Dezso Magyar, and was accepted as one of five recipients for Chapman's prestigious OL Halsell scholarships. It was during this time that he, along with his twin brother, Aaron, were able to create over 7 short films, with Aaron writing and Winston directing.
Winston quickly made a name for himself as one of the schools most promising and talented students. His thesis film, "Picture. Perfect." swept Chapman's Annual Cecil Awards Ceremony with Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Production Design while simultaneously picking up grants from the Leo Freedman Foundation, and Hollywood Foreign Press Association to make a DPX master of the film. It was then selected as one of five films to screen at the DGA in Los Angeles to represent Chapman's Annual 2012 First Cut showcase to Industry Professionals. In addition, the film has gone on to play in over 30 festivals worldwide and has picked up numerous awards along the way. Some of the festivals include: Academy-accredited Warsaw International Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival, the prestigious Heartland International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Charleston International Film Festival, Omaha Film Festival, Durango Film Festival, and Asiana International Film Festival to name a few.
Winston usually works in collaboration with his twin brother, Aaron John Tao, and direct under the moniker TwinTaoers. Together, they are an Asian-American multi-award winning filmmaking duo that pride themselves with their unique ability to create emotionally touching films through relationally authentic storytelling. By approaching each project they undertake with a cinematic eye and acute attention to detail, the twin brothers strive to make every character and story relatable so audiences can connect with them worldwide. "Sleep Well, My Baby," won silver at the Cannes YDA Awards for "Changing the world frame by frame," and was also shortlisted for "Best Short Film." It was awarded a Webby Honorable mention, Vimeo Staff Pick, and was distributed as the fourth installment of the FilmSupply Presents series. Their branded film, "SuperMaarko" won them a Webby Award for People's Voice, as well as nominations for "Best Emerging Directors," and "Best Narrative," at the One Screen Film Festival. Their work has played at academy accredited festivals and have been official selections at Cannes Short Film Corner, Beijing International Film Festival, and Warsaw, as well as the DGA in LA. They have also secured distribution on various New Media platforms throughout Asia and America and were featured in the 2016 Source Creative Presents Los Angeles Showcase. Their work has spanned both the international and domestic markets. TwinTaoers currently reside in Los Angeles.
