We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful AJ Nutter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with AJ below.

Hi AJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Working on Self-Identities has been one of the most impactful and humbling experiences of my creative career. As the co-producer of this educational podcast, recorded inside the walls of SCI Muncy, a maximum-security correctional facility for women in Pennsylvania. I’ve had the rare opportunity to help amplify the voices of individuals who are so often silenced or misunderstood.

Hosted by feminist criminologist Dr. Kathryn Whiteley, Self-Identities creates space for incarcerated women serving life sentences to share their stories, not just the stories of their crimes, but the stories of their lives, their identities, and the personal journeys that have shaped who they are today. These in-depth conversations challenge the one-dimensional portrayals often found in popular media and instead invite listeners to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of incarceration, identity, and resilience.

Our goal is to shift the narrative from sensationalized true crime to genuine human understanding. Through audio, we offer a platform for connection, empathy, and reflection, reminding listeners that the women behind these walls are more than their convictions. They are daughters, mothers, artists, students, thinkers, and survivors.

Being part of Self-Identities has deepened my belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for justice and change. It’s meaningful work that continues to inspire me every day.

AJ, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m AJ Nutter, a multimedia storyteller, filmmaker, and creative producer who thrives on creating work that bridges empathy, identity, and human connection. My creative roots run deep. I fell in love with photography and film at an early age, inspired by my father’s photographic work. Watching him thoughtfully frame the world through his lens showed me the beauty of slowing down and seeing, and that early exposure sparked a lifelong love for visual storytelling.

Since then, I’ve built a career that spans commercial and artistic realms, working on everything from independent film and documentary projects to branded photography campaigns and educational podcasts. I’ve led and collaborated on numerous commercial photography endeavors, ranging from portraiture and product work to campaign storytelling, all grounded in intentional, human-centered visuals.

A defining moment in my filmmaking journey was working on the independent feature Transient, directed by Chris Ruppert. That project gave me a deeper understanding of the power of collaboration and visual narrative, and it reaffirmed my belief that stories, when told with care, can truly shift perspective.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is Self-Identities, an educational podcast I co-produce alongside feminist criminologist Dr. Kathryn Whiteley. Recorded inside SCI Muncy, a maximum-security correctional facility for women in Pennsylvania, the podcast shares the voices of incarcerated women serving life sentences—highlighting their growth, identities, and reflections beyond the scope of their crimes. It’s honest, raw, and deeply human work that challenges stereotypes and centers dignity.

In addition to my work in film and photography, I also have a deep love for music. Most recently, I’ve been creating eerie, atmospheric dark synth music under the name Holden Oaks. This project lets me explore sound as a storytelling tool, creating moody, immersive pieces that walk the line between beauty and discomfort. Releases like Cry Wolf and Witches of Ash tap into haunting themes and have been accompanied by equally spooky visuals.

What sets me apart is my ability to work fluidly across disciplines—blending visuals, sound, and narrative with intention and emotional intelligence. Whether I’m behind the camera, building a soundscape, or producing a podcast, my mission is to create space for connection, reflection, and meaningful storytelling.

If you’re someone who values authenticity, artistry, and purpose-driven creative work, I’d love to connect. I believe in the power of art to transform, and I bring that energy into every project I touch.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely. At the heart of my creative journey is a deep desire to make work that moves people, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. I’m driven by the belief that storytelling, in all its forms, has the power to open minds, spark empathy, and bring about real change.

Whether it’s through film, photography, podcasting, or music, my goal is to create work that doesn’t just look or sound good, but that feels meaningful, work that gives voice to the unheard, challenges the status quo, and invites people to see the world a little differently.

At the end of the day, I want my work to matter. If a film, a song, or a photo can help someone feel seen, ask new questions, or take action—that’s the kind of impact I’m striving for. Creating art that resonates and contributes to a better, more compassionate world is what keeps me going.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, one of the most powerful ways society can support artists and creatives is by investing in education, not just in the traditional academic sense, but in fostering creative thinking, risk-taking, and expression from a young age and throughout life. I currently teach in the new Filmmaking minor at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCAD), and it’s been incredible to witness how access to tools, mentorship, and space to experiment can completely transform a student’s confidence and voice.

Artists thrive when they’re given room to explore, fail, and grow. That means supporting arts programs in schools, funding creative initiatives, and championing organizations that prioritize inclusive, accessible arts education. It also means rethinking the value we place on creative work.

A thriving creative ecosystem needs a strong foundation: education, community support, fair compensation, and platforms where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated. When we create space for artists to do what they do best, challenge, comfort, provoke, and inspire we all benefit.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ajnutter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aj_nutter_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-nutter-b08337102
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajnutter_filmmaker
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/holdenoaks