Biography
Alan Ray is an American filmmaker, actor, and producer whose multifaceted career as a lifelong artist across many disciplines spans four decades in independent cinema, performance, commercial production, and innovative educational media.
Ray began his creative journey in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1985, building a foundation as an actor in independent films, television commercials, and theatrical stage productions. In 1989, he produced and starred in the feature film Twisted Fate. Drawn to Los Angeles in 1996, he immersed himself in advanced training, studying acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse under acclaimed instructors Jeffrey Tambor and Richard Lawson, refining on-camera technique with Margie Haber, and developing voice-over skills at The Voicecaster. He appeared in numerous feature films, commercials, and theater productions. As a consulting producer, he contributed to dozens of graduate thesis projects at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, wearing many hats and supporting emerging filmmakers across various aspects of production.
In 2004, Ray founded CNK Digital, Inc. and served as its President, spearheading the creation of Looney Tunes ClickN READ Phonics, an animated, interactive 100-lesson children’s learn-to-read program featuring licensed Looney Tunes characters from Warner Bros. Raising $13 million in capital, co-wrote scripts, cast and directed voice-over talent, oversaw animation production, and produced a wide range of long- and short-form television commercials. The program became the core software for the EPIK Learning Tablet, distributed nationwide in 4,500 Walmart stores and achieving $100 million in sales over its final five years.
In 2023, Ray returned to acting in front of the camera, followed by a renewed focus on narrative filmmaking. In 2024, he wrote, directed, and produced the short drama Honeysuckle, a genre-bending tale that uses vampirism as a lens to examine disrupted life plans, profound loss, and questions of identity and societal expectations. In 2025, he joined the faith-based feature comedy A Very Southern Church, directed by Wesley Bros., as associate producer while portraying the memorable Sheriff I. Catchum.
Throughout his career, Ray has balanced creative pursuits with diverse professional ventures, including roles as a software engineer for Honeywell and Motorola, founding a venture capitalist consulting firm, managing the early career of singer-songwriter Celeste Stoney-securing her a publishing deal with Peer Music, a recording offer from Island Def Jam, and a Platinum Record for her feature on Ja Rule’s "Murder Reigns"-and executive producing her debut music video "My Kinda Crazy." He currently runs Kidz Rocks, an e-commerce business specializing in rocks and crystals.
With roots firmly planted in performance and a proven ability to navigate both creative and entrepreneurial landscapes, Alan Ray brings a distinctive blend of authenticity, versatility, and storytelling craft to his work. His films reflect an enduring commitment to character-driven narratives that illuminate universal human experiences with warmth, insight, and emotional truth.
