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Draft:Keith L. Craig

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Keith L. Craig (born November 29, 1969) is an American entertainment executive, military veteran, and former professional football player. He is recognized for his contributions to the film industry as an executive at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, where he played a key role in the distribution of numerous successful films. Craig also served in the United States Army for over three decades, earning multiple honors.

Early life and education

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Craig was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Butler, Alabama, where he graduated from Choctaw County High School in 1987.[citation needed] He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College and an MBA from the University of Maryland.[citation needed]

Military career

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Craig served 32 years in the United States Army.[citation needed] He retired as the 12th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the commander and the Exchange CEO of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for Europe and Southwest Asia.[citation needed] He also received the Legion of Merit, an award that is awarded exclusively to senior officers in the Army Marine Corps Air Force, and Navy and retired as Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army.[citation needed]

During Operation Enduring Freedom[1], he served as the Support Operations Sergeant Major for the Sustainment Brigade, providing crucial supply support to U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Entertainment Industry Career

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Keith L. Craig[2] is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, best known for his role as an executive[3] with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. During his tenure, Craig played a crucial role in the distribution of more than 50 high-profile films, including Coco (2017), which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received acclaim for its storytelling and animation. Black Panther (2018) was another major success under his leadership, earning three Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score, and making history as the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture. Additionally, Craig contributed to the success of Avengers: Endgame (2019), which became one of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood history with global earnings of $2.8 billion. Keith played a crucial role in driving Disney's box office grosses during his tenure to an impressive total of over $42 billion during major theatrical releases, including Marvel Studios' The Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Thor: Ragnarok, as well as Disney's Aladdin, The Lion King, and Lucasfilm's Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

In addition to his achievements in film distribution, Craig is a bestselling author[4]. His first book, Serving to Lead, has garnered widespread acclaim. He has since published his second book, Checkpoint Decoder, and is currently working on a third publication, which is still in development.

Keith L. Craig is a synonymous figure in both entertainment and real estate, known for his roles as Managing General Partner and Founding Member of several influential ventures. He serves as the Chairman and Co-CEO at Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution, Controlling films, documentaries, and TV series; Top Performance Housing, He is the Real Estate Advisor and service provider for professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL; Craig + Merritt + Ash Entertainment Group, which is affiliated with prestigious award shows parties such as the Oscars, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes. Fort Smith International Film Festival[5] and MidAmerica Film Market & Granville Restaurant Investment Group.

Literary Works

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Craig is the author of two books:

  • Serving to Lead: ISBN (979-8657300642) A book that reflects on his military experiences and leadership principles.
  • Checkpoint Decoder: ISBN (978-1-963961-64-5) His second publication, which delves into his strategies for success in both military and civilian life.

He is currently working on a third book, which is still in development.

Professional Football Career

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Before his military and entertainment careers, Craig was a professional football player.[citation needed] He was drafted in the first round by the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, where he played from 1990 to 1993 under head coach Jack Elway.[citation needed] Craig also played for the Wiesbaden Flyers, Rhein-Main Rockets, and several Bundesliga teams, earning recognition as a top wide receiver and winning multiple division championships.[citation needed]

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References

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  1. ^ Rivera, Hector (2013-01-17). SGM Keith Craig by Hector Rivera | Blurb Books. Blurb, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-034-19974-8.
  2. ^ Papadatos, Markos (2024-03-28). "Sgt. Major Keith L. Craig talks about his career in the entertainment industry". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  3. ^ kaybond. "Nicole Merritt Partners with Former Disney Executive Sgt. Major Keith L. Craig - HOODZ RADIO". Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  4. ^ "Sergeant Major Keith L Craig, Best-Selling Author and Hollywood Executive | Formidable Men Magazine". 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  5. ^ "Arkansas Cinema Society". www.arkansascinemasociety.org. Retrieved 2024-08-31.