Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Crane.
Hi Aaron, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey behind the camera started back in middle school with a black and white photography class, and from that moment on, I was hooked. In high school, a foot injury sidelined me from football, but instead of sitting on the bench, I picked up a camera and started filming practices and games to help my team. That unexpected twist set everything in motion.
While still in school, I began working for a sports site called Utah Sports Action, where I filmed games and created highlight reels. Sports became my gateway into the world of digital media, and it gave me a front-row seat to the power of storytelling through visuals.
When I got to college, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to major in. But every semester, I’d sneak in a photography class “just because.” Eventually, I landed at Utah Tech University, where a meeting with my academic counselor changed everything. He mentioned that the head of the film program had worked for NFL Films, and right then, it clicked. That was the moment I decided to make film and photography not just my major, but my career.
And that decision paid off. I graduated in 2016 with the Excellence in Digital Film award. An honor that affirmed I was on the right path.
I have been working in this field for eight years now, and have found success. In 2018 I was awarded Best in Video at Canyon Media, in 2021 I was awarded Creator of the year, and in 2023 I was awarded Canyon Media Digital All-Star.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey into this field has actually been a smooth one. Once I made the decision to fully commit to video production, things started to fall into place. I wasn’t the most naturally talented student in my film classes, but I made up for it by showing up every day, working hard, and staying curious. That mindset hasn’t changed—I’m always striving to learn more and continue improving my craft.
Right out of college, I worked for a drone company, where I gained valuable experience in aerial videography, drone licensing, and safe piloting practices. From there, I joined a local TV station, which gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how the media industry really operates. As luck would have it, that station shared a building with my current employer, and that connection led to my next chapter.
Since joining my current company, the opportunities have grown exponentially. I was given the chance to create my own sports show from the ground up and collaborate with other talented professionals on a variety of creative projects. One of the most rewarding has been producing a monthly music series that highlights local artists, a project where I not only direct and produce the content, but also seek out and give a platform to the musicians themselves.
After six years with the company, I was promoted to Video Production Manager. Today, I have the privilege of leading our video team and continuing to build meaningful content that tells stories, supports our community, and pushes creative boundaries.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the Lead Videographer and Video Production Manager for Canyon Media and St. George News, where I oversee a talented team of six video professionals. Our team handles a wide range of productions each week, typically between 8 to 16 projects. including commercials, social media content, radio promotions, and original programming. We work across a diverse set of industries, producing content for real estate, concerts, dentists, law firms, water parks, and more.
In addition to my role at Canyon Media, I also run my own freelance business, Crane Creative Productions. This side of my work allows me to explore creative projects that are especially meaningful to me. I launched the company after receiving numerous requests to film weddings, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to capture 12 weddings across four different states.
One of my favorite partnerships is with a local band based in Southern Utah. I manage all of their video content and concert coverage, both locally and in Las Vegas. This work has also given me more space to focus on photography, including senior portraits and individual photo sessions, an entirely different creative challenge that I’ve really grown to enjoy. While videography is still my primary focus, photography has become a rewarding change of pace.
Of all my work, I’m most proud of the Region 9 Recap, a sports highlight show I created for St. George News. I designed the format to go beyond typical highlight reels, offering a deeper and more engaging recap similar to what you’d find on ESPN. I film the games, write and voice the script, and edit the full episode, all in the same night, often after a full workday. Those 16–17 hour days are intense, but incredibly fulfilling.
What makes the Region 9 Recap even more special is the collaboration behind it. Other reporters contribute footage from their games, which I incorporate into the final cut. The show highlights three games, six local teams, and pairs a video recap with a written article featuring my own sports photography. During basketball season, we produce this twice a week for both boys’ and girls’ games, and I’m incredibly proud of the high-quality, team-driven content we’re able to deliver.
What sets me apart is my versatility. While I have personal passion projects, my day-to-day work spans a wide variety of subjects, formats, and creative challenges. I’m not limited to one niche, and that constant variety keeps my work exciting and fresh. No two days look the same, and that’s exactly how I like it.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Some of the most influential books I’ve read include The Master Shots series by Christopher Kenworthy, The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field, Directing Actors by Judith Weston, and Cinematic Storytelling by Jennifer Van Sijll. Each one has shaped the way I approach storytelling, visual composition, and working with talent on set.
In addition to reading, I constantly stay sharp by watching YouTube content from a variety of creators who cover everything from lighting techniques to audio setups and camera operation. It’s an ongoing mix of formal study and hands-on, practical learning that keeps me evolving as a filmmaker.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cranecreativepro.com
- Instagram: @crane_creative_production
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cranecreativepro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncrane8846
