A.J. Carter
Encyclopedia
A.J. Carter is an Australian film director, screenwriter and producer. In his recent emerging career as a film director, his debut narrative short film Ronan's Escape awarded him and his production company a total of 12 international film award nominations and 9 award wins including several 'Best Film and "Best Director" awards. He is also the founder of the production company Smooth Motion Films with offices in Perth, Western Australia and Los Angeles, California.
(Southlands, Western Australia). The highly controversial 16 minute film written and directed by A.J. portrays the tale of a 14 year old boy who is bullied at school and whom decides to finally make his escape. The continued international success of Ronan's Escape has seen the film officially selected into more than 15 international festivals around the world and has earned a total of 12 award nominations and 9 wins (as of September 2011). Awards include 'Best Short Film' at the prestigious 16th Annual Sedona International Film Festival, 2010 Director's Choice Awards, presented to Carter by filmmaker Michael Moore,'Best International Film' at the 6th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival
in Hollywood, and the World Cinema / Van Gogh award for "Best Director" at the 2011 Amsterdam International Film Festival.
In October 2010, A.J. was contracted to direct a commercial for James Cameron
starring James, himself and Arnold Schwarzenegger
. The commercial was in the form of a political message surrounding the Proposition 23 ballot in California which altered clean air laws governing oil companies. The commercial contained trademark styles used by Carter seen in previous political commercials he had directed and was delivered in a simple, unique style with humorous elements, not typically seen in such genre commercials. The 70 second spot received over 90,000 YouTube hits and went on to form one of the most successful advertising campaigns ever orchestrated by the marketing company responsible.
Career
In February 2010 Carter's debut narrative film, "Ronan's Escape" premiered at Hoyts CinemasHoyts
The Hoyts Group is an Australian company consisting of Hoyts Exhibition, Hoyts Distribution and Val Morgan.Hoyts Exhibition manages 450 screens across 40 Australian and 10 New Zealand cinema complexes; making it Australia's second largest cinema chain. Val Morgan, the cinema advertising arm of the...
(Southlands, Western Australia). The highly controversial 16 minute film written and directed by A.J. portrays the tale of a 14 year old boy who is bullied at school and whom decides to finally make his escape. The continued international success of Ronan's Escape has seen the film officially selected into more than 15 international festivals around the world and has earned a total of 12 award nominations and 9 wins (as of September 2011). Awards include 'Best Short Film' at the prestigious 16th Annual Sedona International Film Festival, 2010 Director's Choice Awards, presented to Carter by filmmaker Michael Moore,'Best International Film' at the 6th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival
HollyShorts Film Festival
The HollyShorts Film Festival is an annual independent short film festival located in Hollywood, California.Founded in 2005, the yearly festival programmes feature an ecletic mixture of short films of various genres from around the world....
in Hollywood, and the World Cinema / Van Gogh award for "Best Director" at the 2011 Amsterdam International Film Festival.
In October 2010, A.J. was contracted to direct a commercial for James Cameron
James Cameron
James Francis Cameron is a Canadian-American film director, film producer, screenwriter, editor, environmentalist and inventor...
starring James, himself and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....
. The commercial was in the form of a political message surrounding the Proposition 23 ballot in California which altered clean air laws governing oil companies. The commercial contained trademark styles used by Carter seen in previous political commercials he had directed and was delivered in a simple, unique style with humorous elements, not typically seen in such genre commercials. The 70 second spot received over 90,000 YouTube hits and went on to form one of the most successful advertising campaigns ever orchestrated by the marketing company responsible.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role | Format | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ark | 2013 | creator, writer | Feature | Development |
| Fire City | 2012 | director | Feature | Preliminary Filming |
| Exotic Engagement | 2011 | writer, producer, cinematographer, director | Short | Post Production |
| Ronan's Escape | 2010 | writer, producer, director | Short | Released |
Awards and Nominations
| Film | Year | Festival | Award Nomination | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronan's Escape | 2010 | 6th Annual HollyShorts International Film Festival HollyShorts Film Festival The HollyShorts Film Festival is an annual independent short film festival located in Hollywood, California.Founded in 2005, the yearly festival programmes feature an ecletic mixture of short films of various genres from around the world.... |
Best International Film | WON |
| 2010 | 17th Annual Sedona International Film Festival Sedona Film Festival The Sedona International Film Festival founded in 1994 is held in Sedona, Arizona, USA each year. A workshop also accompanies the event.The Sedona Film Festival is a five-day festival that features more than 125 films, including features, documentaries, foreign films, shorts, animation and student... |
Best Short Film | WON | |
| 2011 | Amsterdam International Film Festival | Best Director (Van Gogh World Directing Award) | WON | |
| 2011 | Shorts Film Festival | Best upcoming Screenwriter | WON | |
| 2011 | Peace on Earth Film Festival | Best Short Narrative Film | WON | |
| 2011 | Australian Cinematographers Society Awards Australian Cinematographers Society The Australian Cinematographers Society is an Australian organisation established in 1958 for cinematographers to meet and discuss the issues that affected them... |
Best Cinematography- Short Fictional Drama (David LeMay) | WON | |
| 2011 | Los Angeles International Film Festival | Best Production Design (Kate Separovich) | WON | |
| 2011 | Los Angeles International Film Festival | Best Film Honorable Mention | WON | |
| 2011 | Peace on Earth Film Festival | Best Short Film - Student Choice award | WON |