Young Superstar Director Alec Cartio
The love of storytelling catapulted this week’s Young & Professional profilee, Alec Cartio, 30, to a world of business success. Instead of just sitting back and enjoying the entertainment that music videos provided us growing up, he decided to get his hands dirty in it. He blended his love for music, art, stories and business by founding Atlantis Pictures, a company dedicated to providing affordable top quality music videos and commercials for the worldwide market. His resume of accomplishments and milestones is impressive with his work being featured on over 20 satellite and National channels such as MTV and VIVA in Europe. Learn more about this successful multimedia entrepreneur as we feature him in this week’s Young & Professional Profile.

Company
Cartio Limited LLC
Atlantis Pictures
Founded
June 2003
Website
www.atlantispictures.com
www.alexandercartio.com
Name
Alec Cartio
Founder and Director
Age
30
Hometown
Tehran, Iran
Malmo, Sweden
Current residence
Los Angeles, California
Education
Columbia Film School, BA in Cinema Arts (’05)
Stockholm School of Media, Associates (’01)
Santa Monica College, Theatre Arts
Work Experience
Atlantis Pictures
Director and Producer
2002-Present
Code Red Productions
Music Producer
1994-1998
Malmo Fire Department
Fireman
1998-1999
Ethnicity
Iranian
About the company
Atlantis Pictures started in 2002-2003 as a sole owner production company specializing in music videos and commercials for the international market. The company later became a sister company of Cartio Limited LLC in 2006.
To date, I have directed and produced close to 120 music video’s and commercials for major artists such as Googoosh, Ebi, Moein, Arash, Kamran and Hooman and Cameron cartio and for such labels as Sony Music, Warner Music, Modev records, Bonnier, Avang, Caltex, Taraneh and companies such as Isadora, Budweiser, World Singles and Henry Zador.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
I run the company from A to Z. That means everything from client relations, writing, directing, producing, editing and promotions.
Most notable milestones
What makes you unique?
I have an unusual eye for cinematography, composition, story telling and editing.
What’s in store for the future?
A 2 hr Feature film drama which I’ve written, produced, directed and edited.
Best way to keep a competitive edge
You need to be different and creative.
Yardstick of success
Being an influential and loved film director who’s movies “move” generations.
Goal yet to be achieved
Directing feature films.
Best practical advice
Follow your instinct and work very hard to achieve your goals.
What motivated you to get started?
My dreams as a kid and realizing I had talent for filmmaking while being on set with other filmmakers.
Like best about what you do?
I love the storytelling and creating worlds which will take you away for a certain amount of time.
Like least about what you do?
The long and harsh road you have to go.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Be a pilot.
What was your first job?
I worked at a small restaurant at 13.
Biggest pastime outside of work
Watching movies.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
Steven Spielberg because I love his work.
Three characteristics that describe you
1. Sensitive
2. Split-minded
3. VERY visual
Three greatest passions
1. Filmmaking
2. Flying
3. Food
Favorite book
Evil by Swedish author Jan Guillo
Credits
Interview by Myriam Bouaziz
Edited by Sumaya Kazi