Where Are They Now? Cooper Knight

Cooper Knight, a 2015 graduate of Silver Creek High School and son of Niwot residents Jeff and Ali Knight, is continuing his work in the film industry in the Boulder area. Knight graduated from the University of Colorado Denver earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors in film and television production. While there, he worked on various student films, earning a Cinefest Best Editor Award in 2016 and a Cinefest Best Documentary Award nomination in 2019.

After graduation, Knight explained some of the challenges he faced. "Compared to areas like California, Texas, and Florida, work in Colorado for the film and TV industry is somewhat scarce, so it was difficult to find jobs. The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation was really helpful in finding those necessary connections and getting my first job."

He continued, "I have been gaining experience in the film and TV industry since 2016. I started mostly with my own short films and built up from there. Currently I am working on a half-hour professional film with independent film company Leaky Skylight Pictures."

Knight is a jack-of-all-trades in the film industry, but also enjoys specializing. He said, "I really enjoy animation work and drawing the concepts for different films. I have been drawing ever since I was little and that has really helped me in my film and TV work. I especially like drawing my special interest: dinosaurs."

In addition to filmmaking, Knight works with K-8 students on developing social skills with Talk to the Camera. He said, "I have been able to work there for the last five years, both with video editing and with instructing. Mentoring the students is probably my favorite part." Knight has also helped implement a hands-on 2-D animation course.

"My love for filmmaking has led me to my most recent interest, which is the development of the Unreal Engine 5. Its new virtual production abilities can cut the typical time frame for a feature film (2-3 years) in half," Knight said. One of his biggest passions is to tell stories from a neuro-diverse perspective.

Knight has wanted to be a filmmaker since he was six years old, and had many inspirations growing up. He said, "I was really inspired by classic sitcoms like "Full House" and "Friends" because episodes of that were running during the evening hours of Nickelodeon and I would watch them when I got home. I also watched daytime cartoons from Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, which inspired my drawing."

Knight offers a piece of advice: "If you have a big ego in filmmaking, everyone will notice and it will affect your working relationship. They will also notice if your perseverance is sharp." Knight also has large dreams for the future. He said, "I am hoping to get a novel that I am currently working on adapted into a full-fledged feature film. It will be a cross between WWII and dinosaurs."