The stench of stale cigarettes, hum of generators and kaleidoscope of images coming from the towering wall of monitors was as captivating as it was mesmerizing.  The Masters golf tournament was broadcasting live from Augusta National to millions of viewers around the world and I had a front row seat.  Cramped in the corner of a remote production truck I was literally a kid in a “TV” candy store.  A friend of my father, the late legendary golf producer/ director Frank Chirkinian, was at the helm barking out profanity-laced production cues with urgency and biting precision.  The unrelenting pressure of live TV and behind-the-scenes chaos was an impossible contrast to the hushed serenity of Augusta National’s hallowed grounds just outside the door.

Instantly hooked, I could barely wait for a commercial break before asking what it would take for a kid like me to pursue a career in TV.  Simple yet profound, Frank’s response is as true today as it was decades ago; “A strong stomach and passion for telling stories”.  

While a strong stomach will serve any creative well, the latter - a passion for telling great stories - remains the true differentiator.  No matter the brand, project or platform - story matters.

It’s been the motive, guiding force and north star throughout my career, allowing me to work at some of the biggest media companies alongside some of the brightest minds in entertainment, news and sports.  Partnering with teams of amazing writers, producers, editors, DP’s and designers I’ve been privileged to lead countless prestigious marketing campaigns, helped brand and re-brand top-rated networks, and developed original content using all mediums on every platform.  The pursuit to craft and share great stories has taken me around the world directing large-scale shoots and into dark edit suites for what felt like days on end. Along the way, it’s garnered multiple Emmys and other notable awards, and yes… as Frank mused, at times tested the strength of my stomach.  

A lot has changed since that long-ago Augusta afternoon. Yet there is one constant.  
Great stories are indeed timeless. 

Let’s tell yours.