A 25-year veteran of the film and video industry, I combine entrepreneurial agility with large-scale production expertise. For the past decade at Westfall Gold (and 15 years prior as a founder and entrepreneur), I have managed multi-million-dollar budgets and currently oversee an extended team upwards of 100 professionals across pre-pro, production, and post-production. Operating at a massive scale, I lead a team that produces 150 to 200 videos annually, resulting in an average of one finished video every two to three days.

As a Producer & Director, I have consistently created award-winning content across a broad range of formats. My portfolio includes national and international commercials for global brands like Toyota, PBR, and Microsoft, as well as TV series, long-form documentaries, and short films for major organizations such as Zondervan and Trinity Broadcasting Network, and productions streaming on Amazon.

As a proud recipient of multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Telly Awards, I bring a deep, hands-on understanding of exactly what it takes to craft award-winning content.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

I am excited to celebrate passionate filmmakers who are crafting original concepts with flawless execution.

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

The first time I stepped foot on a set was as a PA on an IMAX film with German skier gold medalist and film director, Willy Bogner, and pop star, Pink. We spent our days traveling the best iconic southwest locations, sponsored by Audi, hotels in Aspen, rare stays on Indian reservations, with outrageous stunts, phenomenal talent, and amazing food. I learned that this was where my passion was – creating special moments on camera. I also very quickly and unfortunately learned – staying in Aspen eating at fancy restaurants wasn’t the norm for crew.

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

Letting go and delivering the master file. No edit is ever truly finished, it’s only abandoned. Beyond that, the challenge is the sheer weight of the medium itself. Storytelling is an ancient art form, and it often feels like it’s all been done before. How do we reinvent the same old story arcs? How do we produce big visions on tight budgets and strict timelines? How do we find the right talent, keep egos from busting our shots, squeeze just one more setup before sunset, and manage to not strangle each other by wrap? That’s the true challenge of the industry. It requires rigorous planning and grace, but the reward is ending every shoot with an indescribable, battle-forged bond with your crew.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

We all say we are storytellers, but a truly dynamic story arc that blends originality and elicits emotion is always #1 for me. From there, I look to see if you are both a storyteller and a filmmaker. Can you produce and direct with a level of execution that elevates the story making it artful, professional, and demands the attention of your audience?

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

I love people and I love stories. Who wouldn’t love a role that combines both? While a big part of my responsibility is building the operations and systems that give our team the breathing room to be their creative best, my role goes far beyond just ops and strategy. I love rolling up my sleeves and digging in the sandbox. I actively work to inspire our team and push their creative boundaries, collaborating on everything from early concept and development to scripting together. I stand shoulder to shoulder with them to solve complex brainstorms, manage budgets, and navigate the inevitable challenges of production. We get through the mud together, and we win together, fostering a culture of deep trust and grace.