For Crystle Roberson, ’05, film is a reflection of life.

The independent movie director crafts everyday experiences into compelling stories that inspire.

Roberson, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, has worked on feature films such as “Stomp The Yard,” “Why Did I Get Married?” and “Zombieland.” The 26-year-old has also worked on the sets of commercials, documentaries, music videos, and more than 50 episodes of “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

Roberson looking over edits during film production.

Her experience behind the scenes has equipped her with the know-how to fuel her true passion — directing and producing independent films.

“I love the process of filmmaking. I think about it all the time and use every possible opportunity to better myself,” said Roberson, who goes by “Crystle Clear” professionally. “I think the making of the actual film is just as much of an art as the finished product. Overall, my favorite part of filmmaking is that it lives on forever.”

In 2006, Roberson founded production company, C. Clear Cinema, LLC, for which she has written, directed and produced a number of award-winning shorts. “Standing Reign” was named Best Film

of Atlanta during the annual 48 Hour Film Festival and is featured on the “Best of 48 Hour Film Project 2007” DVD, which recorded 16 out of the more than 2,000 film entries. The film was also named Best Short at the TOMI Film Festival of New Orleans and Best Narrative Short during the International Black Film Festival of Nashville.

The National Stage

Roberson garnered national acclaim as one of four filmmakers selected to compete in the Chase Legacy Film Challenge, an opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase work at the renowned Sundance Film Festival.

Chase and Kodak provided Roberson with a grant to fund “Next Door’s Next,” a film that shares the life of young couple — Vivian and Ricky Micheaux — as they glimpse into their future.

The gripping tale won the HBO Filmmaker Award, which provided Roberson with an additional film grant and the opportunity to show her work on HBO.

“When the couple ventures next door to greet the new neighbor, they are shocked to find that someway, somehow, their own futures have moved in on the block. Vivian comes face to face with herself as an older woman, and Ricky has to face an even harsher reality,” the plot summary states. “They sit in wonderment as this old woman, Mrs. V., tells them about her past, their future. Her history is their legacy. ‘Next Door’s Next’ is a short film that forces the mind to think about its future and what we will leave behind.”

Philanthropic Pursuits

In addition to becoming a successful film and television director, Roberson aims to establish a not-for-profit organization that mentors young girls to work behind the scenes in media without compromising themselves or their vision.

A member of Women in Film & Television/Atlanta, Roberson directed the group’s annual Public Service Campaign, an opportunity that led to two broadcast PSAs for Girls Incorporated — a national youth organization dedicated to inspiring young women to be strong, smart and bold. For her contributions, Roberson was presented with the Women in Film & Television’s 2008 Woman to Watch Award.

“This type of non-profit organization is necessary because of the need for more variety behind the scenes in entertainment. Audiences consume film and television now more than ever, and it is our duty to give them a well-balanced meal with variety and substance,” said Roberson, who is an alumna of VSU’s Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. “Filmmakers, whether they are male, female, black, white, brown or yellow should have the same opportunity to show a variety of stories to the world. Film is a reflection of life, and it should be true to that reflection.”

“And … Action”

Most recently, Roberson served as the associate director for the award-winning short film, “Before I Wake,” which won grand prize in 2009 at The Doorpost Film Project — a global competition dedicated to exploring concepts such as authenticity, sacrifice, community and hope. She finished writing and directing “The Black Cage,” which stars Mykelti Williamson, who played Pvt. Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue in “Forrest Gump.” She is now working in the production department for “Footloose,” a Paramount Picture.

“I will continue to trust God and prepare myself for future opportunities. I’m excited about my path and am thankful it has been this rewarding thus far,” said Roberson, who served on the Student Government Association during her time at VSU. “Following my dreams has been even more wonderful than I ever imagined.”

Check out Roberson’s work at   www.crystleclear.com/.