A.J. Carter
A.J. Carter (born 21 September 1980 as Adrian John 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 13 international film award nominations and 10 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.
Career
In February 2010 Carter's debut narrative film, Ronan's Escape premiered at Hoyts Cinemas (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 19 international festivals around the world and has earned a total of 13 award nominations and 10 wins. 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.
Filmography
Title |
Year |
Role |
Format |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 |
creator, writer |
Feature |
Development |
|
The Ministry |
2013 |
writer, director |
Feature |
Development |
VeronicA |
2013 |
writer, director |
Feature |
Development |
Prisoner Zero |
2013 |
writer, director |
Feature |
Development |
2012 |
director |
Feature |
Pre-Production |
|
Exotic Engagement |
2011 |
writer, producer, cinematographer, director |
Short |
Completed |
2010 |
writer, producer, director |
Short |
Released |
Awards and Nominations
Film |
Year |
Festival |
Award Nomination |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 |
6th Annual HollyShorts International Film Festival |
Best International Film |
WON |
|
2010 |
17th Annual Sedona International Film Festival |
Best Short Film |
WON |
|
2011 |
Best Director (Van Gogh World Directing Award) |
WON |
||
2011 |
Best upcoming Screenwriter |
WON |
||
2011 |
Best Short Narrative Film |
WON |
||
2011 |
Australian Cinematographers Society Awards |
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 |
|
2012 |
Focus Film Festival |
Best Film - Best of Festival award |
WON |