We recently connected with Sterling Carter and have shared our conversation below.

Sterling, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

It’s hard for me to pick just one. My documentary, A Beloved Community: A Healthier Linden highlighting the Linden Neighborhood in Columbus is tied for first. The videos that I filmed of the murals being created for a local initiative titled “Deliver Black Dreams” were also very meaningful.

However, my first documentary, Our Voices: The Sounds of the Silenced, resulted from me being a recipient of the ArtMakesCbus Award has been a very meaningful project in a number of ways.

This was my first project I ever submitted for a grant and was able to have total creative control over. Through this project I was able to interview multiple people who I had connected with throughout the years and bring together their lived experiences to showcase their stories. I was able to put my all into this project and I’m confident it showed.

Why did I want to film this project?

In 2020, COVID shutdown the world and the George Floyd tragedy sparked massive protests. As an artist I was still working, but in a limited capacity.

There were so many people protesting, and what came along with that was a lot of debates and assumptions. I kept reading posts online from a lot of people who felt negatively and were broadly categorizing people who were protesting as rioters and looters. However, what I was observing when I went to the protests and spoke to those participating was the exact opposite.

So instead of engaging in conversations online that would likely go nowhere, I decided to utilize my skillset and capture stories directly from those protesting to get their viewpoints. I wanted to change the narratives that were being said about the protests.

Art was my way to peacefully protest..

Around the same time, I also saw my friends who were Black Women stating they felt like they weren’t protected which led me to research deeper into the Civil Rights Movement. Through this, I discovered how Black Women were instrumental in a lot of what transpired, but they were most often behind the scenes. There were even some stories of Black Women being mistreated- yet they still found their own way to protest.

Looking at the present and reflecting on the past, it didn’t seem like much had changed, so I wanted to personally show love not only to those who were protesting and advocating but also to those who were using their own set of gifts to do it in their own unique way.

I reached out to Black Women who I connected with in Columbus and even sought out those who had historical knowledge. I also incorporated the art and protests I saw during that time.

I wanted this project to be my way of showing Black women that they are appreciated. I wanted to foster a dialogue about diversity, inclusion and social justice initiatives. I wanted to express that we all have our own gifts, and we can use those gifts in our own unique way to protest injustices.

The Director Statement for this documentary is as follows:

Black women have a painful history of being overlooked, marginalized, and silenced. “Sounds of the Silenced” curates thought-provoking perspectives about how talented Black women, through pain, are motivated to use their gifts as a voice to protest injustices. The call to action is to foster a nation that is more loving, kind, and just. To transform communities for the greater good and well-being of all, it is imperative to plot a new path forward by listening to the “Sounds of the Silenced.”

This was my first step in being more intentional about the stories I wanted to tell in the future. It also opened more doors and got me on the track I am now.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m originally from Houston, Texas. I grew up playing sports, but I found myself falling in love with anything having to do with the arts – music, acting, dancing, etc.

My fascination with videography started at a young age when I discovered how to record with my Mom’s camcorder. I’ve always had a passion for art and creative expression, I just wasn’t sure what lane that would be in. I spent time in music, theatre, broadcast television, sales and event staff. I mean, I did a lot.

I don’t think I had the discipline in my early 20’s to do what I needed to begin working as a full-time freelance Videographer so I jumped into an industry that would allow me to pay bills while pursuing videography on the side.

I started out in a smaller town in Texas by the name of Denton working with local artists and musicians who took a chance on someone who was just starting out. I kept doing any project I could, which allowed me to figure out which projects I enjoyed and which I didn’t.

And then in my late 20’s, I took the leap to full-time freelance Videography. I have done a wide array of videos, but my main focus is to simply document and help people communicate their stories and messages.

What sets me apart from others is that I approach each project with care and compassion.
Creating with an emphasis on genuine storytelling, diversity, and sharing different perspectives; I thrive to inspire hope, capture those who are often overlooked, and authentically show the good in people by shifting narratives to educate and foster change.

I’m intentional about capturing and showing the authenticity of people, the Good of people, what’s pleasant and sometimes not so pleasant.

I’m excited about where I am, the person who I am becoming, and where my career will continue to take me!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect for me is being able to create freely and not be put in a box. When that occurs, I’m able to share a little bit of who I am with others through my work.

Another rewarding aspect is seeing the impact that my productions make. Hearing people say things like – I was able to use the videos to get more sponsorships, I had double the amount of people come to the event after we showed the video, this video helped my business, I was able to get more customers, or this video allowed my non-profit to continue getting funded.

Also, when people thank me for being intentional about showing more than just the negative of a neighborhood or community, it impacts me.

When I am able to help another person with my video, and to see the actual impact my videos have made on the lives of others is when I feel the most fulfillment.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Networking- being intentional about making genuine connections and fostering relationships. Doing so not from a place of wanting a favor or something down the line, but just genuine fellowship.

Authenticity – I think people can see through fakeness, and so it’s refreshing when you’re true to who you are.

Integrity- I don’t think anyone can say they have never made a mistake. The integrity to acknowledge and admit when you make a mistake, to be transparent in that but also show how you will do better, I think goes a long way.

I try to leave positivity and love anywhere I go. I think being open minded, respectful, humble, paying it forward, celebrating other people’s success, supporting others etc. Helped build my reputation within my market.

Lastly, not letting what other people do change who I am as a person. My goal is to remain consistent, genuine, and have integrity in all the work that I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cartereffectfilms.com/welcome
• Instagram: cartereffect
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlingc/
• Youtube: youtube.com/thecartereffectfilms

Image Credits
Tyler Patterson (TP Cinematography) Mike Brown (MikeBFilms) Sterling Carter (The Carter Effect)