When did you decide you wanted to be a director?

During my undergrad, I worked on a couple student narrative films as a Director of Photography, and I loved the collaborate process working to bring the stories to life. However, my passion was really in documentary filmmaking. As I had no leads on a documentary I could join as a DP, I talked with my business partner about reviving a docu-series we produced on YouTube in 2015. He loved the idea, so we reworked the original idea and applied a lot of the knowledge I had gained at university to this new endeavor. The only way for it to work was with me at the helm, so I decided to dive fully into directing and I’ve loved it ever since. However, I do still love the random shoots where I’m an AC and have no responsibility other than camera stuff. Sometimes you need a break from all of the thinking and just need to get your hands dirty working. 

How did your family react?

I think they’re still very surprised that I’ve somehow landed where I’m at. When I was younger, I didn’t have any aspirations of being involved in film in any capacity. To now be directing and producing an award winning docu-series, sometimes I can’t believe it myself. 

Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?

Every interview I’m asked to partake in, I feel like this answer changes. Sometimes I feel like the documentaries Zak Bagans produces would make him a role model, other times I feel like it’s anything Josh Gates touches. For the most part, my muse is consistently the paranormal or other dark themes that relate to it. 

Who's your biggest fan?

The easy answer is my mom, she likes all of the posts I share. Outside of my family, I wouldn’t know. I have a lot of friends that are crazy supportive of us, but I feel like I couldn’t put the badge of “biggest fan” on any of them without offending the others. Although, anyone that wants a picture with me would definitely be pretty high on the list!

What brings you inspiration the most?

My friends succeeding. I have a lot of friends who produce their own content and when they succeed, it inspires me to succeed too. 

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

This is a touch question because I mostly do documentary stuff, but if I could work with Josh Gates on something I’d be blown away.

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

Not off the top of my head. Books are written with expositions that don’t always come across well in film, so the writers have to come up with creative ways to cover the content without disrupting the flow of the story. Even some of the best film adaptations, such as the LOTR series, ends up missing out on key details that the audience either has to know already or look up elsewhere. 

What's the movie that taught you the most?

None that I can think of. Josh Gates had a few shows that I learned structure from, I would venture to say that is as close as it gets for me. 

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

All the time. There are slumps in editing where I just can’t get the vision right and I feel like I’m going through the motions. Sometimes it takes a month to get through that, and all I can do is just hang out and hope that my patience wins in the end. 

On set what excites you the most?

The one-hour setup before everyone arrives. It’s just me and the location, with all of the gear, trying to put together the best plan I can from the production notes I have scribbled down somewhere. Turning what was an empty room into a film set and seeing everyone look at it and go… “yeah, I see the vision now.”

And what scares you the most ?

Storage issues. In the blink of an eye, months of work can be gone in an instant with no chance of recovery. 

What's your next project?

We have to finish season 3 of Expedition Entity still, one more episode to film. Then over the summer I have two documentaries to edit, which the first of the two to come out will be titled Haunted or Not. 

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

Josh Gates, sorry buddy… I’m coming for you. 

A director is made of...

Crippling anxiety, insomnia, and the drive to do better the next time around. 

For you Cinema is....

An escape. Sometimes things in our lives just aren’t going well and escaping to another world, even for an hour or two, can be enough to get through it. 

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

I wouldn’t say an impact, but they have their place. I think if done correctly, such as Sin City with the splashes of color, black and white filming can fit a niche that people are looking for. 

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

I haven’t. I don’t get super excited about winning awards, so going through the whole song and dance isn’t as appealing for me. But if someone was to win an Oscar from something I filmed, I’d be right there to support them. 

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Me? No.