Cory Cross
Directing
Filmmaking
Advertising
Guiding brands to deeper audience connection through purposeful, strategic visual storytelling
I'm a filmmaker first — deeply hands-on, especially when it comes to capturing intimate interviews, b-roll of architecture, landscapes, or fine details. I enjoy the full creative process: shaping the look and feel of an image, selecting lenses, lighting, locking down the camera, directing movement, and refining the footage through editing, sound, and final grade.
But I also understand scale and my personal limits. When a production expands to a skeleton or mid-sized crew, I’m comfortable shifting into the director role, bringing in a trusted network of collaborators. This allows me to stay focused on what matters most: creative direction, story, talent, cinematography, and ensuring quality through post.
I’m not a marketer by title, but I’m obsessed with quality, creative alignment, and strategic execution. I bring the mindset of an imagineer: idealistic but grounded, always pushing for visual and emotional impact within realistic business constraints.
My strength lies in translating creative vision into strategic, brand aligned content. I collaborate with brands not just as a freelancer, but as a methodical and strategic partner, someone who listens, aligns with your goals, and develops a clear plan of action that drives results across web, social, broadcast, print, or in-person experiences.
Selected works
18–25
Snap Kitchen
From prep to doorstep, a look inside multiple Snap Kitchen campaigns built for modern appetites.
Spaces
Where architecture lives in details, from landmark residences in DC to iconic commercial spaces in Manhattan.
Meta
Capturing Morehouse College’s groundbreaking Metaversity program, where science, innovation, and immersive learning meet.
Inside the Brand
Capturing the spirit of a brand through its people and the spaces they work in.
My process.
What Makes This Work
When this process is followed, we get deliverables that feels cohesive, emotionally resonant, and effective. When it’s skipped, you get scattered assets with no real direction — and no real return.
I work best with brands I believe in, those who care about quality, want to tell meaningful stories, and are open to building a relationship that goes beyond just a deliverable. If that’s you, we’ll do great work together.
My Approach
1. Research & Alignment
I start by deeply understanding your brand, audience, values, and business goals. This research phase includes discussions around brand archetypes, creative guidelines, and marketing needs — ensuring we’re aligned before a single frame is shot.
2. Blueprint Development
We build a quarterly or seasonal creative blueprint — a roadmap that outlines story arcs, deliverables, platforms, timelines, and roles. This document is flexible, but foundational. It ensures we’re not just reacting, but creating with purpose.
3. Scalable Production
Whether it’s a solo shoot or a multi-day campaign, I scale the team to meet the needs of the project. I can direct and film, or step into a high-level creative director role, managing trusted crew members while overseeing quality at every stage.
4. Post-Production Oversight
From edit to color grade, audio to delivery, I stay involved throughout post to maintain creative integrity and ensure brand consistency — never handing off without intention.
5. Strategic Iteration
We review, reflect, and adjust. Whether for quarterly rollouts or long-term retainer relationships, I make sure the creative evolves with your brand and market needs.