Frank Datzer is a seasoned video producer and cinematographer with 40+ years of experience across film, television, and multimedia. He’s served as DP on two indie features, shot music videos and network TV segments, and is represented by Getty Images for his photography and video work.

How many years have you been a judge?

5+ years

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

In college, I worked in the universities television studio.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

Many PSAs and television commercials and two widely distributed independent films

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

Keeping up with the changing technology and keeping things fresh and exciting

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

Creating a story with captivating images and an interesting flow and journey.

How do you unwind from work mode?

Sharing a quiet evening with my wife.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?

Conversations with people in and out of the industry.

When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?

Really in my career I thought I would be an engineer, but took a film elective, which gave me the bug to create more, and I changed my major to film and television

What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?

I’ve always been a techno file and the equipment along with what could be created with editing and special effects got me hooked.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The new AI image creation is a bit intimidating and threatening. I’m hoping it will not become a garbage dump where people cannot tell what’s been created compared to what has been synthesized.

What’s a work tool you use every day and what’s one that is obsolete that you wish still existed?

I am on my Macintosh computer doing video and image editing – along with social media posts, showing off the beauty of my state and my community… With a sensitivities of cameras and social media comes a lack of art when it comes to lighting and composition, I wish people could pay more attention to that beauty

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

The opportunity to tell stories in a creative and interesting way.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Occasional client projects and helping my new communities HOA communicate important information and interesting interviews.