Crooked Path Blog

Since I started Cinetex Productions years ago, I always felt like the identity of what I do could be much better represented.  As time went on and I created many more projects, I decided that a change was needed to better reflect my company, what I do, and who I am.  A few more detailed reasons behind the change are:

1. Cinetex Productions is a one-man-band, not a big production company.  I employ cast and crew on a freelance and contract basis.  I contract an accountant and a lawyer.  I take on partners in that they remain indepenent producers and receive shared payments.  So even though I work with alot of talented people who are vital to what I do, they are not employees.  And even though Cinetex is an LLC, it’s still just me operating it.  Therefore, Cinetex Productions was being represented as a big company when in reality it was not.  When you hired Cinetex…you hired me.  Now, will I eventually have full and part time emlpoyees?  Probably, but there are more reasons for the change in identity.
2. Crooked Path Films is a name that represents more the creative aspect of production…a creative collaboration of ideas and technology to create a final video.  Though my primary job is video production…I also come up with the concepts and the overall design.  I don’t just operate machines.  That’s why you rarely see me make a “talking head” video or event videography.  I felt that “Cinetex” just came across as too industrial…as if Cinetex was a machine cranking out videos using fancy gizmos or copying videos rather than first being a creative agency and a production company second.  Since I’m a qualified graphic designer as well as a video professional, I found I was also helping clients with their websites, logos and movie posters.  I have no problem venturing outside the normal realm of video production…because I also love the creative part as an “agency” that encompasses all of those areas.  I feel Crooked Path Films is a perfect name for that.
3. Changing from the word “Productions” to the word “Film” not only shows my ulitmate goal and desire to make feature films, but it says something about the productions I make for corporate or advertising uses.  I feel that “film” denotes a higher standard of production…which is what I strive for in every production whether it’s a commercial, music video, corporate identity video, or a tour of a bed and breakfast.  I feel that technology is closing the gap between the highest quality film-look and digital video as time moves on.  My goal if for a film-look by digital means for every client.
4. When I was running Cinetex Productions…I realized that there was a whole other side of opportunities that were’nt about a client hiring a production company.  There are many other video professionals or filmmakers who may not have the right piece of equipment or someone to use that equipment for their productions – so they hire a freelancer.  I found myself working on productions as a Cinematographer, Director, Steadicam Operator, Colorist, or Editor.  Sometimes when an opportunity came about…I would send the producer/director my Cinetex website and they would reply: “I’m sorry, we’re not interested in hiring a production company.”  My solution was to create a whole separate website… www.richardallencrook.com.  You’ll find many other professionals in the industry do something similar so that they can market themselves as a productions company hirable by companies…or a freelancer hireable as a contractor for another production company.  I started to see the line between the area gray up.  (ex. I would introduce myself and Richard Crook and people wouldn’t recognize me until I mentioned Cinetex Productions)  I decided to combine the two and have my name incorporated into the production company’s name.  I will stop referring to my self in the third-person on things such as my website or emails and call my production company and my freelance stuff as just ”me.”

I feel that this is a great change much needed to better fit my identity.  I appreciate the help from all those who gave me honest feedback on the numerous name ideas and logo designs.  After careful consideration…I’m pleased to announce Crooked Path Films.