Who we are
And some notable awards
There's a saying that goes...
You don't have to be the smartest in the room, just make sure you hire them.
Well here at CutFocus, we happen to be pretty smart our selves! We also put together the most talented crews to make your production come to life! Here's three of our CutFocus warriors!
Carlos Torres
DIRECTOR | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Carlos Torres is a Director & DOP. Carlos is also the owner of CutFocus. In college, he made the purposeful choice of majoring in Communication with a minor in Digital Film. His mindset is if you can be a great communicator, you can be a great leader. If you’re a great leader, it can contribute to being a strong Director. That role as a director began in 2017 after CutFocus was contracted to develop three pilot episodes for Sunday to Sunday. Two seasons later in 2020, Carlos won his first Emmy from the San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as the Director for the series; and a year later, won a second Regional Emmy as an editor for a mental health PSA.His extensive abilities in editing, photography, writing, and audio engineering makes him into the director he is today. Carlos currently lives in Los Angeles, California where he continues to expand CutFocus and as a freelance. He recently worked as a camera operator for the NFL FOX45.
Jake Slonecker
CAMERA OP| GIMBAL OP | DOP
Jake Slonecker is a director of photography, gimbal operator, and Camera operator. He also Co-founded CutFocus. Winning an Emmy in 2019 as Cinematographer/Steadicam Operator for an episode of Sunday to Sunday has elevated Jake’s storytelling and narrative work. Every client has a vision. Each frame is part of a scene which is part of a story. Jake brings together lighting, composition, framing, and impact – to bring your story to life.
Karen Torres
DIRECTOR | PRODUCER
Karen Torres works as a professional actor in the SF Bay Area and LA. You can find her on national commercials and on HBO Max in her debut film as a supporting actor this November 2022. Her skills in writing fused with her experience as an actor found a new home in the creative world as a Director. As of 2020, Karen has been nominated twice for a Regional Emmy Award as a Director. After Directing her first short film "XIETY" she landed the role as Co-Director for Sunday to Sunday's Feature Documentary "On the Journey" which has aired on tv throughout the U.S & Canada. Since then, she hasn't looked back and has continued to direct and produce content for our clients. She's also accumulated over 10 awards as a Director & Actor.
website coming soon
Notable Awards
2021 Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences EMMY Award for XIETY: ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) Mental Health Awareness
Editor- Content
Editor: Carlos Torres
2020 Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences EMMY Award for Interview/Discussion-Program Special - “Sunday to Sunday: Father Chris Walsh"
Director Carlos Torres
Camera Op | Gimbal Op: Jake Slonecker
2022 Silver Telly Award Winner in Health and Wellness
My Life During Topical Steroid Withdrawal (CutFocus)
Director & DOP: Carlos Torres
Co-Director: Karen Torres
1st AC: Jake Slonecker
2021 Silver Telly Award Winner in Health and Wellness
XIETY: ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) Mental Health Awareness
Director: Carlos Torres
Co-Director & Actress: Karen Torres
Camera Op | Gimbal Op: Jake Slonecker
2019 Gabriel Award for Best Narrative TV Series and Storytelling
“Sunday to Sunday,” The Preaching Journey
Director & Editor Carlos Torres
Camera Op | Gimbal Op: Jake Slonecker
2020 2nd Place Gabriel Award for Hot Topic: Human Dignity - English Television
Father Manuel De Jesus Rodriguez: Sunday to Sunday Series
Director & Editor Carlos Torres
Camera Op | Gimbal Op: Jake Slonecker
Nominations
2022 Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences EMMY Nominationfor "My Life During Topical Steroid Withdrawal" CutFocus
Writer- Content: Carlos Torres
2022 Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences EMMY Nomination for "My Life During Topical Steroid Withdrawal" Health/Medical- News or Long Form Content
Director & Director of Photography: Carlos Torres
Co-Director & Assistant Editor: Karen Torres
1st AC: Jake Slonecker
2021 Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences EMMY Nomination XIETY: ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) Mental Health Awareness
Health/Medical- News or Short Form Content
Director & Sound Design: Carlos Torres
Co-Director & Actress: Karen Torres
Camera Op & Gimbal Op: Jake Slonecker
Since 2019, CutFocus has won 34 awards and has shown their work in over 40 film festivals.