Welcome to West Forty

The Road We Travel

Why West Forty

West Forty Studio is a narrative film studio grounded in the belief that cinema is a human art form—made by people, for people, and meant to be experienced together. We work collaboratively, with respect for every role, knowing that filmmaking is a shared endeavor built on trust and craft. Our films are conceived first for the theatrical experience, where stories can be fully felt, while recognizing that not every audience can gather in a theater and that meaningful access matters. For that reason, we embrace thoughtful paths beyond the cinema that honor the work and the viewer alike. We also believe stories should live beyond the screen, and we seek opportunities to create real-world experiences—physical moments, gatherings, or artifacts—that allow audiences to step into the world of the film in a tangible way. In select instances, we partner with brands and organizations that value this same level of care, offering a cinematic, high-touch approach to commissioned work that places story and craft above convention. We do not reduce filmmaking to “content,” nor do we replace human performance with automation. We value authorship, intention, and the choice to move forward on one’s own terms—because the stories that matter most are made by those willing to choose their direction and follow it.

Our Founder

Charles "Chuck" France founded West Forty Studio to channel decades of visual storytelling into intentional, human-centered narrative films that honor cinema as a human art form and extend stories into meaningful real-world experiences. His journey began as a photojournalist for the Associated Press, capturing unfiltered truth across global events and assignments—building an eye for authentic moments, emotional depth, and visual truth that still defines his work today.
He expanded this foundation through award-winning stills and video for prestigious institutions like Harvard University and major outlets including The Wall Street Journal and Time.com. As Chief Photographer at the University of Kansas, he crafted impactful marketing communications visuals that connected audiences and conveyed stories with clarity and persuasion.
Freelance cinematography followed, delivering high-profile narrative and branded projects for Disney (D23 and branded content), Warner Brothers, Sigma lenses (former Cine Ambassador and worldwide guest writer), and Mattel. Mentored by legendary cinematographer Roy H. Wagner, ASC, Chuck honed a refined approach to light, performance, and collaboration.
Now directing through West Forty, he brings this accumulated empathy, craft, and visual rhythm to purposeful narratives—films made with intention, for people choosing their own direction.

click play to see our visual foundation

Foundation of Craft

These selected pieces represent the visual language and storytelling foundation I've built over years as a cinematographer and director—capturing authentic moments, mastering light and composition, and guiding narrative through the lens. From photojournalism roots to independent shorts and features, this work honed the craft now at the heart of West Forty: intentional, human-centered cinema that honors performance and extends stories beyond the screen.

Collaborations

Select narrative and commissioned work, developed in partnership with brands and organizations that value story and craft.