Alumnus Guiltner ’95 Directs, Produces New Christmas Movie

University of the Ozarks alumnus Clayton Guiltner '95, a Los Angeles-based writer, director, and producer leading GC Films LLC, will release his first feature-length film, "Hope's Hollywood Christmas," on Amazon Prime Video on November 25.

The film is written, directed and produced by Guiltner, an accomplished director who recently transitioned from theatre to film and television. A native of Oklahoma, Guiltner graduated from Ozarks in 1995 with a degree in theatre.

Produce by Guiltner's GC Films and filmed in Oklahoma, "Hope's Hollywood Christmas" is described as a "heartwarming film" that tells the story of a struggling single mom who takes a temporary job with a has-been, aging movie star and teams up with the star's chauffeur to stop a scheming lawyer and agent from stealing her fortune. Together, they find love, a new sense of family, and holiday magic along the way.

"This film was a labor of love," Guiltner said. "It not only captures the magic of Christmas, but also the spirit of generosity and coming together, which is what the holiday season is all about."

The films stars Lisa Fenimore ("American Underdog," "The Story Behind the Story"), Charlie Wood ("Billionaire Daddy," "I Wish It Were You"), and Claire Montgomery ("Reagan: From Movie Star to President," "Christmas with the Foxes").

For the first time since filming wrapped this past summer, the film's stars and Guiltner will reunite at the film's red-carpet world premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Main Theatre at The Los Angeles Film School.

"I'm overjoyed to reunite with our team and celebrate the debut of Hope's Hollywood Christmas, particularly in the iconic Hollywood setting," Fenimore said.

Guiltner said in a 2017 interview with U of O's Today magazine that he considers his Ozarks education the foundation of his career.

"Not only did my major in theatre expose me to professional methods in the entertainment industry that I use each day, but many other courses I took in humanities and business have shaped my understanding of the entirety of my work," he said. "College for me was not only about the coursework and instruction, but the life skills I learned in time management, discipline, organization and responsibility. These are invaluable skills all of us need in any industry."

Guiltner previously was the producing artistic director of The Grex Group Theatre in New York City and Grex Group-LA in Los Angeles. He is a lifetime member of the Directors Unit of the renowned Actors Studio, where he was mentored by the late Martin Landau and director Lou Antonio.

In addition to his degree from U of O, he has earned a pair of master's degrees.

"My career began with a passion for storytelling and performance, which led me to pursue a formal education in the arts," Guiltner said, "With a bachelor of arts in theatre, a master of arts in business leadership, and a master of fine arts in directing, I've always strived to bring a combination of creativity and professionalism to all of my work."

A classically trained actor, he embarked on his career touring nationally with the Act One Drama Company before transitioning into directing and producing. For the first two decades of his career, Guiltner focused on directing and producing live theatre, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and classical theatre, in various venues throughout New York City and the U.S. Encouraged by his mentors at the Actors Studio, he began exploring film and television directing and producing. He initially worked as a creative producer, director, and writer for a boutique film production company in Orlando, Fla., where he gained comprehensive knowledge of filmmaking.

Since 2015, Guiltner has directed and produced an Indie television series, short films, and developed numerous films, refining his producing skills, business acumen, and creative storytelling abilities. His other films include, "The Prevalence" (writer/director) and "Some Things Private" (writer/director). His original TV Series, "Finding Miles," was featured in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan.

In addition to his professional directing work, he currently serves on the faculty counsel and as lead faculty for the entertainment business program at The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood where he teaches a wide range of courses in performance, entertainment business, and leadership as well as serving as an adjunct professor teaching script analysis and acting at Ventura College.

In a recent interview with Canvas Rebel, Guiltner reflected on hitting the 30-year milestone in show business.

"When I celebrated 30 years in this profession, I realized just how much I've given-years of study, financial struggle, and even relationships," he said. "It's frustrating when people who haven't walked that path don't see the difference between a hobbyist and someone who's spent a lifetime perfecting their craft. I like to think everyone has a creative side. Whether it's the accountant planting flowers on the weekend, the manager streamlining work systems, or the teacher making lessons fun-creativity shows up in all kinds of ways. But there's a big difference between someone who enjoys it as a hobby and someone who pursues it as a career. When creativity is your career, it comes with financial hardship, personal sacrifice, and years of training. It's not just about passion-it's about the grit to keep going when the challenges pile up."

"This isn't about arrogance. It's about recognizing that mastery takes time and sacrifice. Just as a first-year medical student isn't on the same level as a seasoned doctor, the same applies in the arts. Behind every great film, play, or song are countless hours of learning, failure, and hard work. So, to anyone new to the arts: stay humble, stay curious, and be ready for the long haul. The creative journey is full of rewards, but it requires dedication, patience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence."

Guiltner lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Erin, and four kids.

Topics: Alumni, Alumni Stories

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