Our aTEEN cover guy, Aaron Ellis: Success is the best revenge

The new issue of Attitude’s special digital magazine especially for young LGBT people, aTEEN, is out now to download for just £1.99. Our cover star for this issue? Inspiring young filmmaker Aaron Ellis.

When we’re young, many of us dream about becoming film stars or directors. But for most of us it remains just that – a lifelong dream. But there are some who, thanks to hard work and determination, make that wish come true. Meet 21-year-old Aaron Ellis from Slough.

He has recently returned from the film capital of the world (er, L.A. just in case you hadn’t worked that out already) where he was presented with a Best LGBT Feature Film award at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase Film Festival for his feature film Beneath The Skin. But that’s not all, The young filmmaker has also scooped an array of other gongs including an Accolade global film award for Best LGBT Feature Film, an IndieFest film award for best LGBT feature, plus one for Best Actor In A Leading Role. Not bad going for a guy who’s just about to turn 22.

But if you think he’s one of those lucky fellas who went to stage school or was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, think again. Gentle speaking Aaron is the first to admit that growing up has never been a bed of roses. At school, he was targeted by savage school bullies who made his day-to-day existence a living nightmare, and at just 10 years old, was devastated by the unexpected suicide of his father. One of four siblings – which includes a bi, a lesbian and a straight sibling – Aaron was forced to grow up faster than expected and helped his devoted mum look after the family during their darkest time.

In his interview with aTEEN, Aaron looks back at his tough upbringing and how his determination to succeed is the best revenge on those who made his life a misery. Here’s a preview:
 

So, Aaron, where did the idea for the film come from?

Well, I’ve always wanted to write an LGBT film but I never thought it would get made as there’s so little funding support out there for LGBT films. The idea of the film Beneath the Skin is mostly inspired by my teen years as a young gay man and I wanted to create a romance/drama using my experiences. However, unlike a lot of LGBT films I wanted to it to be teen friendly and not too sexy. We shot the film in Nova Scotia, Canada.

You come from a large but close family. How was your coming out experience?

I never actually came out to my mother. I knew she knew, she knew I knew and that was it. She raised four children: a Straight, a Bi, a Gay and a Lesbian. There’s nothing I’m more proud of then my family. My mum is proud of all of her children. She was even more proud of us for coming out gay. An ex-partner said something homophobic once when Hollyoaks was on and my mum took him to the front door, spent the best part of two hours telling him how ignorant he was and how my home is the only place in the world where she can make sure I never have to hear anything like that and then that was it, she ended a two year relationship over a vague homophobic comment. She waves the LGBT flag more than I do and I love her for it.

Was growing up a happy time?

It had its moments but if I’m honest, no it wasn’t. Everything was perfect as a child but when my father passed away when I was 10 things took a turn for the worst.

What happened?

Dad had been acting unusual for a while. He and mum were arguing a lot, just as most parents do. One day mum and dad argued and mum took me to her friend’s house. But because I missed dad I asked her if I could stay with him for the weekend and we had the best time. A few days later, when I was back home with mum, I found her crying. Me and my sisters knew straight away something was wrong. Eventually, mum told us that dad had passed away. I would later find out that he had taken his own life.

Was school an escape for you?

Not at all, as I was severely bullied for most of my teenage years. I started secondary school a year after my dad died and it was awful. It was pretty clear that 90% of the boys in my year were trouble, and most of the girls were spiteful. I made friends, the best friends I could ever ask for, who got me through the tough times. I didn’t tell mum just how serious because I knew she had enough to deal with and I didn’t want to add it. 

When did things change?

It wasn’t until year 10 when Glee first started. It was very popular at school and the gay characters on the show made everything much easier in school because the kids in school liked the characters and I eventually found I was bullied less for being gay. The Kurt and Blaine storyline made me like the idea of kissing a guy. I knew then that I was a little different to the other boys and though I didn’t come out until a few years after this, I had accepted it. Accepting who I am made me feel invincible to the bullies and that’s how I beat them. I like being gay. School’s over now, and good riddance to it. 

You’ve won so many awards already. What’s next on the agenda?

I’m currently in the process of completing post-production for my teen horror film. We’re looking at distribution for Beneath the Skin and I’ve just wrapped my short film inspired by what I went through when my dad passed entitled Each of Me. I’m currently looking for the right agent who can support me in my career. I’m heading back out to L.A. at the end of next month too.

info: Issue four of aTEEN is available now to download from pocketmags.com/aTEEN.