Richard LaForge

Richard LaForge is an instrumental artist, producer and entertainment executive whose life has been shaped by music, storytelling and the creative process. He has played acoustic guitar for most of his life, often on the same well-loved 1992 Martin J-40 that has accompanied him through family life, cross-country adventures, victories, disappointments and the beautiful chaos of being human. His acoustic, folk and cinematic instrumentals are inspired by love, gratitude, changing seasons, watching children grow and discovering that an ending may also be a beginning. Richard’s entertainment career spans more than 25 years, from creative development within the imaginative world of Maurice Sendak to leadership roles at DreamWorks Animation, NBCUniversal and Focus Features. Today, he works as an independent producer and consultant across film, music and entertainment. His producing ventures include TAONGA, a New Zealand feature film exploring humanity in the context of love, loss, resilience. Together with friend and collaborator Patrick Avalon, Richard is building Avalon LaForge Music—an independent home for original music created with intention, humanity and heart. Whether producing a film or discovering a new melody through an alternate guitar tuning, Richard’s purpose remains the same: to create stories that bring more beauty, understanding and light into the world.