The entertainment industry can sometimes be overwhelming for young people to break into. That isn’t the case for 17-year-old former Macon County resident Aaron Cravens.
“Since I was around 7 or 8, I have been around actors and musicians,” said Cravens. “My dad and I work at Eazy Cheezy in Westmoreland to make ends meet, but we follow our dreams while doing that. He has worked on TV shows, movies and in the music industry. It’s in our blood. My dad wouldn’t have a sitter a lot of times, so he would take me on set when he had to. I got to see how things worked and meet so many people during those days. I still get to do that.”
Just weeks ago, Cravens directed his first music video, with no prior experience.
“I have wanted to work in this industry since I started going with my dad,” said Cravens. “We did a movie together called ‘Red Forrest,’ and I knew right then that I wanted to work in the industry. My dad got a call from Rhinestones and Rust about them needing help with a new video, and when we got to the location, J. Marc (Bailey) of Rhinestones and Rust handed me a gimbal with his phone attached and said here, play with this for a few minutes. I did, and then they asked if I was ready and we just went in and shot the video for their new single called Hell of a Ride.”
Cravens shares other things he enjoys as well.
“I really want to get a good drone,” said Cravens. “Having one of those will really help me do more with filmmaking and videos. I also like to listen to music and play piano. Beethoven is one of my favorites.”
His ambitions are high, and his goals are set.
“If I get to express my vision on a project, I will be happy,” said Cravens. “I know it won’t always go my way, but I at least have to have the chance to show what I think would look good.”
When asked what the future holds for him, he couldn’t share specifically what is coming up.
“I have a few projects already lined up,” said Cravens. “I just hope that what I am doing inspires other people my age to follow their hearts and believe in themselves. Hopefully they have a great support system like I do with my dad.”
If anyone would like to see the new Rhinestones and Rust video (Hell of a Ride) that Cravens directed, it can be found on YouTube under the same name.
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