Andre Paras
Directing
Biography
Andre Jon Paras (born February 7th, 2006) is an award-winning film director, actor, and cinematographer, best known for his film "You Don't Know What It Takes to Come Home," in which he led his FPAC Video Production classmates with the roles of producer/director with the film being a finalist/nomination in the 2023 All-American High School Film Festival Invitational (AAHSFFI) Complete Experience category. He has previously won the award for Best Comedy at the NJHS Film Challenge for his film "Morgan and the Waves," both being film challenges constraining Andre and crew to a production with a time limit to write, shoot, and edit. He's always continuing to better his craft anywhere he can creatively, whether that involves making, or exploring the history of film. Paras was born in Freehold, New Jersey and grew up / continues to live in Howell, New Jersey today. He attended Catholic school for his education from pre-school through 8th grade, until his acceptance into his local high school, Howell High School, and their magnet program for Fine and Performing Arts (FPAC) Music, Video, and Production (MVP) in 2020. Since then, he's created mashups of popular songs which have been released on the internet, but more importantly, he had his humble beginnings in film as an underclassmen, and later surrounded himself with award-winning filmmakers alike choosing the video route of the program his junior year. Shortly after, Andre was given his biggest opportunity yet nominated by his school teacher to take on the role of assistant director as only a junior in the 2022 All-American High School Film Festival Invitational, something not done before in Howell High School's program history. As the festival concluded, Andre and team had received a finalist title, making one of three Andre has received from different AAHSFFI competitions. As of writing, Andre's currently working on other film projects to round out the end of his high school career. He will continue to pursue his passions of film in some capacity upon arrival at college. His number one goal is to create stories people can connect to, no matter how big the audience, whether that's through tears or through laughs. Outside of film in school, he's been awarded as Howell High School's 2023 Homecoming King, competed for four years with Rebel Remix A Cappella, Howell High School's varsity a cappella team, is an active member of his school's National Honor Society, engages the student body through activities and morning announcements with the board of Howell High School Anytowners, and is also currently Vice President of his class of 2024 student government board. In his free time (aside from working on and watching films), he can be found reviewing music and moderating for website Musicboard, cycling, running, playing basketball, or playing video games.
Known For
When a soldier returns home to the bustling city of New York City after the war, he comes back disoriented and out of touch emotionally with his family, friends, and girlfriend.
You Don't Know What It Takes to Come Home
An ordinary high school girl is entranced in her dream of becoming a star, and borders on the line of reality and delusion.
Maya! The Musical
Four kids are in for a surprise when they explore an infamously haunted landmark of New Jersey, disrespecting the property and each other in the process.
The Haunting of White Hill
A hitman battles his unwilling mark. This scene, created a foley experiment, features sound effects and a sound mix made completely from scratch.
TAKEOUT
Aspiring writer Luna is searching for some semblance of fulfillment. She passes her time peddling books, brainstorming stories and processes a breakup that she can't seem to shake. So when she keeps bumping into the enigmatic Sol, it seems like destiny. But is destiny really what she needs most? And why does Sol feel so familiar?
She Gazed Into The Mirror And The Sun Stared Back
The story of an unsung hero in filmmaking and the racial barriers he faced growing up and into his career, through archival footage of himself and his films, and what made his camerawork so innovative and unique.
Against All Odds: The Life of Cinematographer James Wong Howe
When three friends need to impress a girl in class, they get together to form a band to compete in their school's Battle of the Bands - but it turns out, it's not as easy as it looks.
Morgan and the Waves
An average high school guy undergoes a series of emotions after coming across a suit giving him the confidence to make a move with a girl from his class.
A Swing and a Miss
A teenager struggling with the loss of a friend has a hate for New Year's Resolutions come the new calendar year.
Change
A mockumentary following an egotistical student filmmaker driving his cast and crew crazy as he creates his 'masterpiece.'
The Making of 'The Better Man'
When a rumor spreads around school that a killer and a dead body are on the loose, it's up to this group of kids to find out; until they're knocked out one by one.
The Rumour
A school student daydreams whilst writing a 60 second plot for a school assignment.
How (Not) To Write A 60 Second Plot
A friend group sees how they've edited their own narratives at a movie theater replaying their memories.
A Ticket to the Past
A gullible consumer is exploited by an innovative music speaker company with a new technologically advanced but invasive line of products.
Never Alone Again
Two longtime pen pals meet for the first time at an amusement park for a dreamy, nostalgic, and retro first date to remember.