BisonBison
Film Festival

Will Carter is a filmmaker, director, and founder of Hoot Owl Films, based in Kansas City. After beginning his career in television news—working as a photographer, producer, reporter, anchor, and even meteorologist—Will returned to his first love: filmmaking. His short films have earned recognition at festivals locally and internationally, including Cold Heart, which won Best Set Design at the 2024 SATO 48 Film Competition, Best Sci-Fi Film at the New York Tri-State International Film Festival, and screened at Kansas City FilmFest International, KC Fringe, the Bird Watching Film Festival, and abroad in Italy. Beyond competitions, Will has directed commercial work, short films, and is currently developing both a new short film and his first feature film for 2025.

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In addition to leading Hoot Owl Films, Will is an active force in the Kansas City film community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City (IFCKC) as Outreach Coordinator and created the One Minute Monthly Micro Film Challenge, which has already produced over 50 short films. Will also contributes behind the scenes, recently designing and constructing a set for a local feature film and serving as gaffer on a music video—showcasing his collaborative nature whether directing his own projects or supporting others in theirs. With a passion for storytelling that began in his grandfather’s workshop in Tennessee, Will continues to inspire and empower filmmakers to take risks, embrace creativity, and bring their stories to life.