How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

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

My first job in the industry was a Chyron operator and linear customization editor at NiteLite Studios in Pompano Beach, FL. At times I would run 4 bays over night adding the phone numbers to informercials. I had free use of the equipment if it wasn’t booked, so I lived there playing as much as I could and soaked in all I could from the senior editors. I also learned a lot about client relations.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I had the opportunity to be the archivist for the Marley family for a while, so I was able to see a lot of footage of Bob and the kids that was buried in closets that not many people have seen, so that was pretty cool. I’m also extremly proud of the Flex Seal projects. The team and quality continue to evolve and that means a lot to me.

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

The most challenging part of my job for me is managing the team, I’m not a natural manager, but I’m working hard to be a good leader.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video and television?

I’m a very visual and technical person, so I lean to appreciate a well shot and edited piece vs a more well scripted piece, like some of my peers would.

How do you unwind from work mode?

I like to unwind by blacksmithing, woodworking, doing home projects and appreciating the time with the kids before they grow up.

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

If I’m struggling to get the wheels turning, I’ll meditate and visulize what I’m trying to achieve, then I hit the Chill House or other EDM playlists.

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

When I started interning at NiteLite, while going to the Art Institute and started learning more about the art in general.

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

I grew up in Northern Michigan diving the preserved 1800 schooners and the goal was to shoot underwater documentaries. I still have yet to shoot one…

In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

I feel the ability for anyone with a phone today has the opportuinty to make outstanding looking content and has an outlet for it is amazing. When I started you needed a pretty big check for equipment and getting distribution was tough. The ramp up of AI is just mind bending and impressive how fast it’s evolving.

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

The absolute necessity is my laptop. It’s amazing at how powerful they are today and I can do so much from such a small device.

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

Every new product release at Flex Seal excites me, with a nice sprinkle of panic.