Blake Cortes|ArtDocs.TV
Blake Cortes is a local filmmaker working across documentary, narrative, and commercial projects with an eye toward stories rooted in human experience and cultural identity through ArtDocs.tv. As a cinematographer and director, his work often centers on real lives and creative communities, emphasizing the visual poetry of everyday people and places. His portfolio includes short documentaries, narrative shorts, and collaborations with public broadcasters like PBS.
ARTDOCS TV is a documentary series concept developed by Blake that focuses on artists and creative voices, particularly those in St. Pete, Tampa and the broader Central Florida art scene. The series showcases the personal journeys and creative practices of diverse visual artists — from painters and sculptors to multimedia makers — through short episodic profiles.
Documenting artists’ stories makes the creative process more personal and helps audiences understand why art matters beyond aesthetics — grounding it in identity, struggle, and community.
In an era where fine art and documentary storytelling often occupy separate worlds, ARTDOCS TV blends the two in accessible form.
This approach:
• Brings visibility to regional and emerging artists outside of traditional gallery circuits.
• Democratizes the local art scene by sharing creative insights with broader audiences through digital and broadcast platforms.
• Preserves cultural insights that might otherwise be overlooked in contemporary arts coverage.
By focusing on personal stories and creative processes, Blake contributes to a more inclusive understanding of art and artists in Tampa Bay and beyond — particularly outside major museums and galleries.
