Will Carter is a Kansas City based independent filmmaker and the owner of Hoot Owl Films. He has been making short films since he was a teenager and would use his grandpa's garage as a sound stage. With an extensive background in television news and theatrical production design, he understands how to bring together talent, production elements, and timelines to achieve success in filmmaking. Will recently won Best Set Design for his film "Cold Heart," which was a SATO48 film challenge submission. This film has been showcased in several regional festivals. He also directed "Smash Hit," which won one a best actor award in IFCKC's 2024 One Night Stand film challenge. He is passionate about collaboration and educating the next generation of filmmakers, often teaching workshops in his spare time.