Glenn Payne is an award winning filmmaker, artist, and improvisational actor. He lives in north Mississippi where he creates artwork and produces independent films with the abundance of local talent Mississippi has to offer. Through his production company, Dead Leaf Productions, Payne has produced and directed over thirty films and fifty commercials and music videos.
Payne studied painting under Brent Funderburk and Jeffrey Haupt at Mississippi State University and crafted his improvisational acting skills with his troupe West of Shake Rag, based in Tupelo, MS, as well as receiving training at Second City and Improv Olympic (iO) in Chicago, IL. Payne has spent time exploring these art forms in both Los Angeles and Chicago but prefers the inspiration of his home state, Mississippi.
He continues to exhibit his artwork through galleries, art events, and private collections around the world. Payne has also been awarded several grants from various arts and film organizations throughout the years. The multiple art forms go hand in hand when one considers the concepts of composition, dramatic lighting, color, and storytelling.
Payne considers film the most influential art form our world has ever seen. It combines painting, music, dancing, performing, and writing to create the most powerful form of artistic expression known to man. Its ability to reach the masses gives the artist a means to influence millions of viewers.
Among his many projects, “Driven”, "Killer Concept", “Stagrassle Paranormal”, and "Earthrise" can be seen on Amazon Prime, Tubi and various other digital platforms. You can follow his artistic journey on social media @glennematic. Although Payne continuously tries to find a balance between fine Art, performance, and film his overall goal is simply to continue to create and to help others do the same.