Clayton Vila, a multifaceted individual from the picturesque Block Island, Rhode Island, has traversed an extraordinary career path, transitioning seamlessly from a professional skier to a writer/director.
Despite being born and raised on a remote island 14 miles out on the ocean, devoid of any mountains, Vila's passion for skiing led him to become a professional skier at the tender age of 18. Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved remarkable success, including winning an X Games medal and starring in numerous prominent ski movies.
As his skiing career progressed, Vila began to take on a new challenge, directing the very ski movies he had once starred in. He quickly developed a profound affinity for the craft and subsequently expanded his creative horizons, venturing into various aspects of the film industry.
In 2018, Vila directed a feature documentary for ESPN, aptly titled Back to Life, which marked a pivotal moment in his career as a filmmaker. This project not only showcased his versatility but also paved the way for his future endeavors.
Today, Clayton Vila resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to excel as a writer and director, creating documentaries, national TV commercials, and narrative films for a diverse array of brands and studios. His unique understanding of professional athletes and their internal struggles has enabled his films and branded content to garner widespread recognition, including prestigious awards from the Webby's, Clios, and multiple Oscar-qualifying film festivals.
