We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Cross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Cross Align Media was born out of a desire to help nonprofits, artists, and small businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. I was (and still am) an actor, so my job – like so many others – went away overnight. During that scary time, I found that many nonprofits were struggling to create informative, creative, and affordable content, which was an absolute necessity with the world in lockdown. As luck would have it, I have a degree in theater AND a degree in journalism, so I metaphorically dusted off my camera and editing knowledge and got to work. I started to edit videos for theaters, chefs, yoga studios, and photographers. Word got around, and I started to get more clients. All of the sudden, I had a very unexpected business! My thought process behind starting the business was simple – there was none! It organically grew into what it is today, and I consider myself lucky to have a business that aligns peoples vision with their budget. It will always be a priority of Cross Align Media to work with those who want but can’t afford traditional video media. As we grow, our mission of contributing to a world where high quality video is obtainable to any passionate, dedicated individual, or organization that requests it stays the same.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background is in performance, so when I am behind the camera I am able to coach people who perhaps aren’t as comfortable in front of the camera. Asking questions and getting organic, unrehearsed responses is my speciality – that’s probably from my journalism background. Really getting to know a person is the way I am able to capture a video that matches the soul of the brand.

Editing video is my absolute favorite part – I love taking an interview and piecing it together to tell the story of the person or business I am working with. Storytelling is what I do – both in acting and in video.

Cross Align Media is just me! So I am the camera operator, the sound person, the lighting gal, the director, the editor … all of it. Perhaps one day I will expand, but for now I am so happy working with my niche of nonprofits, small businesses and artists.

It’s really important to me that people end up with a video that they are proud of. I have worked with so many types of people and businesses! It is fun that video is never a one size fits all. The videos that I create for my real estate client is totally different from the videos I create for The Spa Professionals Academy.

My most recent project has been working with Pole & Aerial Fitness of SWFL to film and edit video of these incredibly strong, graceful, and empowered women. This work has definitely inspired me, and I cannot wait to do more movement based video work – there is definitely a passion there!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay so I know this is Shout Out Miami – and although I spend a good amount of time in Miami for acting work (shout out to my agents at Talent Direct Agency) I am based in Naples. So for any readers who want to take the quick and easy drive across Alligator Alley, come on across! There is so much art and theater here. The Naples Players is a great venue to see live theater and it’s currently undergoing a major renovation to modernize it! My favorite restaurant is I Love Curry, a hole in the wall type place where the food is outrageously good and you might get lucky and have the chefs three year old daughter serve you. We have a beautiful park called Baker Park which has a dog park my three dogs are obsessed with. Our beaches are really some of the best in the world, so a day at the beach is a day well spent. I love going to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary which is a walk through the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. The Naples Botanical Gardens are always breathtaking, no matter the time of year. I like to get a well made cocktail from either Bar Tulia or Sidebar. Naples is definitely not as active a city as Miami, but it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy that Florida Vacation Life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to acknowledge the work of my client, The Naples Players Theater, for their tremendous work not only on stage, but the involvement of the theater in the community. TNP serves thousands of people in their wellness programs, ranging from programs and live theater performances for kids and adults with sensory processing disorders, inclusive improv classes and partnerships with other nonprofits like The Alzheimers Support Network, Youth Haven, and StarAbility to name just a few. There is also a robust children’s education program that serves kids as young as four years old! It is a theater demonstrating to the nation that theater can and should exist for the community. Visit naplesplayers.org to learn more about this amazing theater!

Website: www.crossalign.com and www.katiecross.com

Instagram: @crossalignmedia @heykatiecross

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVi0bH8dlwVfRl5MAWX2Trw

Image Credits
Headshot taken by Kristia Knowles Photography

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