We recently had the chance to connect with Chris Carthern and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My proudest moment this year was taking photos on the Tribeca Festival red carpet with my Cutting Edge Animation team just before our short film “Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II” had its world premiere.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Chris Carthern (He/Him): He is Chief Operating Officer of Cutting Edge Animation. Chris Carthern is an award-winning movie producer, director, photographer and author from Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of Morehouse College. He joined Cutting Edge Animation (CEA) to produce stories focusing on Black people because representation, or the lack thereof, is a very important issue and he wants to see underrepresented people in entertainment. Through his work as a producer with CEA, he is devoted to producing diverse and insightful content. Currently they are holding screenings of their short “Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II” and in pre-production on Captain Zero the Movie.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my father, Taylor Carthern. He owned his own real estate company, and growing up, I got to see firsthand what it takes to build and manage a successful business. From him, I learned the importance of discipline, professionalism, and taking pride in your work. I’ve seen him take ideas and make them reality. He showed me that with hard work and time anything is possible. It was him that taught me the importance of getting an education.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You can be an artist. You can make comics and video games and bring your imagination to life. Don’t hide that creative spark just because you’re afraid it won’t fit the world’s expectations. You were born to create, to tell stories, and to build worlds that inspire others. Trust yourself—you’re capable of more than you realize.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to bringing the Captain Zero movie and animated series to life—no matter how long it takes. Captain Zero isn’t just a hero; he’s a reflection of the silent battles so many of us fight every day. At its core, this project is about mental health, especially for Black men who are often told to hide their pain behind strength. Through Captain Zero, I want to show that vulnerability is powerful—that healing is heroic. This story has lived in my heart for years, and I won’t stop until the world gets to see it come alive on screen.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Chris was a social justice advocate who devoted his career to creating narratives that challenged audience perceptions through innovative and original storytelling. His work focused on portraying the world’s diversity through cinematic expression, empowering marginalized voices, and providing a platform for those often excluded from mainstream opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cuttingedgeanimation.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chriscarthern
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-carthern-b5b75b9a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscarthern
Image Credits
@gxftd
Jessica Pagan Sanchez
@dtjaaa@m
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