For Calgary film-director and businessman Doug Cook, it’s ambition and creative insight that allow him to succeed in the different, yet surprisingly complementary, worlds of film and furniture. Whether he's developing story-boards for his latest music video or transitioning one of Calgary’s longest running furniture stores into an interior design hub, Doug's extensive knowledge and business savvy balance his drive and passion for creativity.
Artistically inclined, Doug spent hours drawing, acting and exploring photography as a child. Even at a young age, Doug knew his creative muscles would be best flexed behind the film camera as he was captivated by the emotions and magic of film-making.
Over a 15 year span, Doug attended Vancouver Film School, studied marketing, graphic design and photography, travelled extensively and ran his own company called MindFuel Inc. A limitless imagination and innovative approach to teamwork enable Doug to excel in film-making and ironically, made him the ideal candidate to re-invent his family’s business (Calgary Ethan Allen).
Stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Ethan Allen, Doug provided a boost of adrenalin, leading the way for organizational change and transition. It was Doug's father, Bill Cook, who recognized how Doug's filmic knowledge and "think-outside-the-box" approach would benefit the family business. Doug finds the parallels between directing a film crew and the team at Ethan Allen both invigorating and rewarding.
Doug takes pride in seeing film projects from concept to completion and rises to the challenge of translating a vision from the internal workings of his mind to film. To date, one of his greatest career achievements was having his short film “Ringfinger” screened at the Toronto International Short Film Festival. Doug's passion for film is continuously evolving, and although he’s directed dozens of short films and documentaries, as well as produced various corporate materials, his current aspirations lay within the fusion of music and film in music videos.
Music videos are an outlet that stretch the limits of Doug's ingenuity. The ability to take a song and translate it into a new realm is fulfilling for Doug, and nothing makes him happier than watching an artist's reaction when they see their completed video for the first time.
This talented Canadian director and film-maker has come a long way from stocking movies on Blockbuster's shelves. He has mastered the ability to channel emotions into the powerful force that is film. Just as music creates memories, alters moods or helps people express themselves, Doug's music videos enhance the sentiment artists convey through their music. Doug Cook may not play instruments, but he does know how to make music come alive on screen.