Carter McCormick

As a child I encountered a Black Panther late one night with my father. The two of us were creeping home in old pickup through the thick fog that frequents Lookout Mountain in late fall. We were less than a mile from the house I grew up in when it happened. Spotting wildlife had always been sort of a competition between the two of us. It was always a point of pride to be the one who spotted the herd of deer in the distance or the red tailed hawk circling above. The speed at which that cat came out of the brush that night was enough to trigger a fight or flight response in any animal. Both of us stared jaw slacked as the large black cat jumped from the left side of the road. The Panther was mid air just feet in front the truck’s grill like an enormous hood ornament. It’s feet never touched the pavement.

The next morning we were still in a fever and telling our story to anyone with an ear. Men sipped their coffee at the store where we ate breakfast and shrugged us off. Our friends and family expressed their doubts. We had quite an experience but only each other for validation. I remember sitting wishing that I had a camera then. Although I didn’t realize it, that was the moment which led me to find my calling.
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It seems strange to say that I have always identified with nature. Like everyone and everything else I am just a piece of it. Being such a young species we tend to forget that the world doesn't revolve around us. Today earth is undergoing global environmental changes and species loss at the highest rate in recorded history. Humanity is killing the systems that we depend on to survive. Ancient cultures revered other species and the forces of nature around them as divine. They lived harmoniously with the natural world, learning from it and respecting it. That connection must be rekindled to ensure the longevity of life on earth.

Filmmaking has taken me around the globe collaborating with others for the betterment of our planet. I have worked with political parities to cover environmental news and create campaigns to inspire green practices. I’ve made films with researchers, scientist, professors, and guides on the relationship between man and other species ranging from shrimp, to crocodiles and jaguars. I have also worked with NGOs, production companies, and research institutions to bring information to children and adults about environmental stewardship. My life’s work will be fostering a healthy relationship between humanity and the rest of natural world by educating and inspiring action through documentary filmmaking.

Scuba, Hiking, Tracking, Paddling, Spelunking, Sci-Fi, Anime, Reading, Studying, Writing