Feels Like Home Welcomes Director Paul Santana

Boutique production house Feels Like Home today announces the addition of Paul Santana to its directorial roster, for representation across Canada. 

Paul was born and raised in Los Angeles, attributing his surroundings for instilling a love of film in him from an early age. He went on to study at The American Film institute and Brooks Institute. Graduating from school and yearning to hone his skills and put his learnings into practice, Paul moved to Hollywood, progressing through the ranks as a cameraman to become director of photography. 

He made his directorial debut for the American Cancer Society, which established Santana as a director to watch within the commercial market. The film, entitled 'Odds' was recognised at SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase and the AICP Show, and is currently part of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The campaign was praised by NPR as one of the most effective smoking-deterrent ads ever made. 

Building on this success, Paul has worked across the globe for brands including Nike, Coors, Budweiser, Samsung, Coca Cola, Jeep, Toyota, Chevrolet, Home Depot, Microsoft, Philips, Ford, and Canon to name a few. A career highlight for Paul has been filming annual campaigns for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism. Taking a break from LA, these campaigns allow him to immerse himself within the natural beauty of the province and interact with the people there.

Beyond advertising, Paul has seen success in narrative filmmaking. In 2018, his screenplay ‘Rebuild’ was a finalist in the Los Angeles WeScreenplay competition. His horror short film ‘Oct 23rd’, meanwhile, premiered and was honoured at the Santa Monica International Film Festival.

As part of Feels Like Home, Paul will continue to build upon his success as a director, director of photography, visual effects artist and editor. Finding new ways to enhance his storytelling, connect with audiences and tackle challenging narratives.

Paul Santana, director, Feels Like Home, said, “There are a few things that attracted me to Feels Like Home. Firstly, it was Marni [Luftspring, president]. Her reputation as a genuine and fair person drew me in, and the fact that I could not find anyone who didn’t have glowing things to say about her sealed the deal. She has a passion for art, and the process of what we do. I was also attracted to Feels Like Home’s roster. I felt it was critical to find one that had a perfect landing spot for me and what I bring to the table. I found that place with Feels Like Home. I could make a joke about it feeling like home but I’m guessing that’s been done before.”

Marni Luftspring, president at Feels Like Home commented, “I have been a fan of Paul's work for many years. He has a beautiful ability to capture emotive stories. You feel his work when you watch it. He has an amazing eye and being a director and cameraman, he knows where to put the camera to tell the story best. Paul has the right personality that works with Fees Like Home’s culture, which has a no-asshole policy. He is a team player with an amazing reputation. He has been working in Canada for many years and I am excited to collaborate with him as he continues his journey and commitment to the Canadian market.”