Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.

Indie production and distribution company.

What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?

We specialize in producing and distributing indie films and documentaries.

How can people join or learn more about what you do?

People can learn more about my work and Aloha Spirit Rising by following my work and updates on distribution, screenings, and new projects through social media, where I share updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and news about upcoming screenings. We’re also expanding into distribution, so for anyone interested in collaborating or bringing the film to new audiences, they can reach out directly through my company, Satyricon Pictures.

Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?

The documentary Aloha Spirit Rising was produced completely independently in Hawaii, a true one-man show that I carried out over the course of a year. During that period, I was also nominated as a producer for Season 8 of The Bay, which received five Emmy nominations. In addition, I earned two Telly Awards as a producer for Season 9 of the series. Receiving three Telly Awards in 2025 was an incredible accomplishment that really underscored the range of projects I was able to bring to life.

What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?

I was able to build trust with the local community, encouraging them to open up and share their experiences, stories that hadn’t been documented since the 1970s, when they first moved to the Puna jungle on the east side of the Big Island. Filming on my own, off the grid, presented real challenges. I faced extreme weather conditions and difficult, often remote locations, but those obstacles became part of the journey and ultimately shaped the authenticity of the documentary.

Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?

Great video storytelling is the art of capturing truth with emotion, so that audiences not only see a story but feel it.

Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?

I took some big risks while filming Aloha Spirit Rising. At one point, I was hit by an unexpected wave and pushed offshore; another time, I was shooting right at the edge of an active volcano. Working in such unpredictable, off-the-grid locations meant that I sometimes paid the price. I ended up breaking both my camera and my drone in pursuit of those powerful, immersive shots. But those risks were part of the process, and they reflect the commitment I had to capturing the raw beauty and spirit of Hawaii.

Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.

The most memorable response came during the full-house theater premiere. The energy in the room was electric, the audience was fully engaged, and their enthusiasm was overwhelming. Seeing people react so passionately, many of them deeply moved and even emotional, made me realize that the story truly resonated. That night confirmed that Aloha Spirit Rising wasn’t just my personal journey, but a shared experience that connected with others in a profound way.