Cranston Forte

I started in the video production industry in 1991 as a grip for a free-lance company. I soon learned the different areas of camera operation, audio, lighting and editing. We worked on such productions as fashion shows, commercials, documentaries, large weddings, sporting events and cable television shows. In 1999, I became the video production technician for a community college here in Phoenix, AZ. I am currently employed here as the audio/visual coordinator.

In 2001, I started to work with other enthusiasts in independent digital cinema. We were using digital video cameras to produce low budget out of pocket projects. We developed a collaborative association where everyone contributed their expertise in certain areas. I myself contributed in the areas of camera operator, lighting and editing. A friend and I wrote two stories for a feature length and a thirty minute short. I directed and edited both projects. These projects have been submitted to different film festivals. Another associate wrote a thirty minute short film and I was brought on to coordinate all the technical aspects of the project (cinematography, lighting, sound, and primary editor).

I have a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Interdisciplinary Arts and Performances. The emphasis was in digital media where my senior project was a thirty minute short film. For short films I prefer the thirty minute format because I produced a thirty minute cable access program for four years. Every movie is a series of short stories woven together. Every character has a short within them.

I currently have five projects that I have written the stories for and they are in different stages of development. These are two thirty minute shorts and three feature length movies. All have story lines and synopsis. Some have character outlines, scene outlines, scripts and/or treatments. We recently wrapped on another short film project with another associate who is a writer and director. This project is in post-production right now. As of right now, I am writing stories, submitting to film festivals, putting together development investment groups for projects, and gathering as much information as possible on the art and business of moviemaking.