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 Smooth Motion Media Group, formerly known as Smooth Motion Films. Smooth Motion Media Group is based in Los Angeles, California, with two production company subsidiaries Dark Arts Entertainment  (Motion Picture Film & Scripted Television production), and Primordial Entertainment (Reality, Science & Documentary Television). Career. 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. It was produced by Academy Award Nominee Martin Mhando. The film instantly achieved critical acclaim with Ronan's Escape screening at 17 international festivals around the world earning the film & A.J. a total of 13 award nominations  and 10 wins. Awards include "Best Short Film" at the prestigious 16th Annual Sedona International Film Festival, Director's Choice Awards, judged & 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 8th Amsterdam International Film Festival. The continued success of Ronan's Escape has seen it shared more than 54 Million times over Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. Hollywood stars such an Ashton Kutcher also shared the film via Facebook & Twitter to millions of fans, as well as footage from  the film being used in the music video for U.S pop star Demi Lovato's smash hit 'Believe in Me', contributed to the film forming its own presence in pop culture among teens associated with its primary theme of School Bullying. Prop 23 commercial: 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. In December 2016, Carter completed filming back in his home town Perth, Western Australia, as 2nd Unit Director for multiple features including John V. Soto's crime thriller "The Reckoning", starring Jonathan LaPaglia and Luke Hemsworth, and Sci-Fi thriller "The Gateway" starring Jacqueline McKenzie. In 2018 A.J's screenplay "6 Miles" made  the final shortlist for the Warner Bros. Pictures / The Black List / Veerhuis Pictures screenwriting competition.