Neil D. Burton

With an imaginative mind that never rests, creative work was a natural draw, and acting, in particular, called to Neil. But even after an offer to perform in the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake on a six-month contract, he could not get past the adage, “Don’t give up your day job.” And with that, he turned down the offer. Still, naturally drawn to any artistic endeavor, the years found Neil continuing to work to expand his experience base, which had begun many years ago in the visual arts. Eventually, Neil’s love of portraying characters grew into an even stronger desire to create the words they would speak.

Here is a writer with deep empathy. He understands the hearts and minds of the characters he creates, and his strong acting ability only aids him in finding their words. Ideas flowed. He wrote two feature-length screenplays - one winning a Finalist Award at the "America's Best" Screenplay Competition. He then focused his attention on a project that he would direct himself. "Mario and Matilda" was the first film for his company, Our Town Productions, starring Woody Jeffreys. Next, a short film titled "DEAD LINE", followed by another short, "THE HAPPY PLACE".