After high school, I served four years in the United States Marine Corps, deploying to Kuwait, Mogadishu, Somalia, and Okinawa, Japan. I was honorably discharged as an E4 Corporal. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, I transitioned from my military uniform to the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the entertainment business. My journey in the entertainment industry has been transformative, showcasing my adaptability and growth. My initial role as a production assistant allowed me to work on set as a key set PA and an office PA in the commercial and music video sectors, contributing to projects for esteemed companies like Anonymous Content, Propaganda, BOB Industries, HSI, DNA, MJZ, and Believe, among others.

 

My path in the entertainment industry led me to the sound department, where I diligently honed my skills in playback for music videos and boom operating for television. This experience paved the way for my advancement to the role of production sound mixer, a position I have proudly held for over two decades. During this time, I perfected the art of production sound mixing in the commercial and television realms while nurturing my passion for photography. I am a proud member of the Cinema Audio Society.

 

2010, I recognized the potential of integrating remote-controlled drones into filming processes. This foresight led me to acquire my first basic servo-driven gimbal, which I mounted on a single-rotor RC helicopter. By early 2015, I had the honor of receiving the 25th 333 exemption in the United States, allowing me to operate commercially for feature film and television work. This achievement underscores my unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry, instilling confidence in my ability to innovate.

 

My transition from the sound department to the camera department was a natural progression in my career. Drone technology opened the door to the camera department, where I could fully explore my love for operating cameras. I have enjoyed collaborating with renowned directors to determine all aspects of shots and providing practical and creative input to scene planning, which attests to my passion and dedication.

 

I have worked as a studio grip on the lots at Paramount and Warner Bros. and have grip experience in the commercial space. Some of my responsibilities included assembling camera rigging, including dollies, jibs, static rigs, cranes, and tracks.

 

My recent transition to the office was a deliberate move to gain insight into the offset side of the entertainment business. With its fast pace, the production office requires a high level of organizational skill to manage the diverse administrative and logistical demands of feature film and television productions. I learned to help keep productions on schedule through various short-term and long-term plans, gaining expertise in setup, vendors, staffing, shooting, and wrapping. Additionally, I was responsible for maintaining and organizing complex calendars and documentation both digitally and in print.

 

Working across multiple departments and having held union cards as a production sound mixer, camera operator, grip, and assistant production coordinator/production coordinator has given me a broad understanding of production.