Craig McCourry
Filmmaker | Art Commissioner | Cultural Storyteller

Craig McCourry is an accomplished filmmaker, producer, and director with over 30 years of international experience spanning more than 70 countries. In 2024, he was appointed as the Art Commissioner for the City of Battle Ground, Washington, where he now plays a key role in supporting local arts initiatives, promoting creative expression, and fostering cultural development throughout the community.

A passionate advocate for storytelling and independent filmmaking, Craig brings a filmmaker’s eye and a global perspective to his role as Art Commissioner. He is also the founder of Banyan Tree Movies, a production studio specializing in historical dramas set in the 1930s to 1960s. The studio is based in Battle Ground and features a vast collection of historically accurate props, wardrobe, and set pieces—many of which were transported from Craig’s previous studio in Hong Kong. This resource-rich environment allows for the production of cinematic period films within the independent filmmaking budget framework.

In addition to his studio work, Craig is the organizer and host of the Battle Ground FILM House meetup group—a bi-monthly gathering of local filmmakers, film lovers, and creatives. These meetups provide a fun, collaborative space for film talks, behind-the-scenes insights, and conversations on the art and business of cinema. FILM House is quickly becoming a cultural fixture in the region, helping to grow and inspire a new generation of storytellers in Southwest Washington.

Craig’s narrative films have reached global audiences through major streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel. His World War II feature dramas—Battlebox, Hong Kong 1942, and Christmas at the Royal Hotel—have streamed in over 120 countries, earning praise for their atmospheric visuals, period detail, and human-centered storytelling. 

Before founding Banyan Tree Movies, Craig produced and directed award-winning documentary series such as Empires of Steam, The Great Bazaars, and Press Pass to the World, many of which aired internationally and premiered at festivals like the Jules Verne Film Festival in Paris, France. He studied film at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, beginning his professional career in Los Angeles before relocating to Asia, and ultimately returning to the Pacific Northwest.

As both a filmmaker and Battle Ground’s Art Commissioner, Craig is committed to enriching the cultural landscape through storytelling, public art, and community engagement. Whether it’s through his films, public service, or local meetups, Craig’s work continues to inspire meaningful conversation, creative collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for the arts.