Growing up skating and surfing
in a small beach town taught me the importance of authenticity and its crucial role in the creative process. Traveling the world working for ESPN, Outdoor Life Network, Fox Sports and more opened my eyes to the beautiful cultures of so many different countries. Cutting commercial spots and short films in the Bay Area for over a decade has allowed me to work with the best and develop a unique style.
These experiences have shaped me as an artist and informed how I tell stories. I believe great edits come from finding unique movement in the camera or within the frame, genuine moments in people or characters, utilizing a collection of cuts to motivate scene changes and emotional beats. I feel it’s vital to build sound design while editing picture in order to heighten excitement and connect sequences. I love how collaborative filmmaking is. Working as a team to build beautiful stories and special edits can feel like one of the most creative art forms.
Being an editor for so long has given me real confidence when directing. I understand how to direct in pre-pro and production in a way that helps the post process come to life in a wonderful way. Knowing what to plan for in the pre-pro, and knowing what to shoot in the production so it all stitches together smoothly and in a way that allows for creative exploration.
When I’m not directing or in the edit suite I’m usually hanging with my family and our pup, or on the golf course.
For inquiries please contact: carl@carlsturgess.com
Awards/Noms:
2023 Official Selection - Milwaukee Film Festival: Clark’s Revival - Director
2023 Official Selection - 16th annual Hamptons Doc Fest: The Bridge - Director
2022 Gold Telly Winner - Branded Content Documentary - Editor - Our Chinatown
2022 Gold Telly Winner - Branded Content Documentary - Creative Director - Dear Dad
2022 Webby Award Nominee - Branded Documentary - Editor - Our Chinatown
2022 Webby Award Nominee - Diversity & Inclusion - Editor - Our Chinatown
2022 Webby Award Nominee - Diversity & Inclusion - Creative Director - Dear Dad
2020 Gold Telly Winner - Branded Content Documentary - Creative Director - Forged In Flint
2019 Silver Telly Winner - Branded Content - Editing - Sister Hearts
2019 Gold Telly Winner - Branded Content Documentary - Sister Hearts
2019 Bronze Lion Winner - Canne Lion International - Non-fiction Film - Sister Hearts
2019 Vimeo Staff Pick Premiere - Exit 12
2019 SXSW Jury Award Winner Documentary Short - Exit 12
2018, 2019 Official Selection - SXSW Film Festival - Exit 12 & Sister Hearts
2018 Webby Award - Best Editing - Made In Iowa
2018 SFIFF Official Selection - Made In Iowa
2018 D&AD Graphite Pencil - Branded Content - Sister Hearts
2018 Tribeca X Award Winner - Sister Hearts
2017 Tribeca X Award Nominee - Yassin Falafel
2017 Clio Awards - Bronze Winner - Yassin Falafel
2017 Webby Award Winner - Long Form (Branded) - Yassin Falafel
2017 People's Voice Webby Award Winner - Documentary (Branded) - Yassin Falafel
5 Time Vimeo Staff Pick - Yassin Falafel, Made In Iowa, Sister Hearts, Forged In Flint & Exit 12
Graduated San Francisco Art Institute 2011