The Art of Storytelling Ideas
WHAT MOVES ME
Leveraging expertise in developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies, including AI, machine learning and immersive experiences, and their associated IP, my career has been spent identifying cross-industry opportunities and devising strategic growth plans for startups, mid-sized enterprises, and Fortune 100 companies.
Motion capture system experimentation
EARLY INFLUENCES
In my late teens, I enlisted in the U.S. Army while simultaneously pursuing a degree in theatre at the University of Minnesota. The contrast between military service and stage performance shaped my perspective, revealing that even the most seemingly unrelated paths can intersect and enrich each other in surprising and valuable ways.
First theatrical production at the Charles
Nolte Theatre in Minneapolis
ADVANCING NEW TECHNOLOGY
This spirit of heterodoxy continued into my first career at Walt Disney Feature Animation, where computer graphics collided with traditional hand-drawn animation. Over my four years at Disney, while also honing writing skills at the American Film Institute, I was part of the industry’s major shift from stacks of celluloid to rooms filled with computers.
CONTENT CREATION
I carried this innovative spirit into my own film projects, seamlessly integrating new technology into production. Transitioning from the 35mm film cameras I learned to use in the Army and on my early films, I embraced digital cameras and experimented with cutting-edge techniques. This included pioneering the use of remote control systems, drones, and generative AI to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
LIVE AND EXPERIENTIAL
Integrating curated content into live production created more dynamic experiences that significantly enhanced audience engagement. I had the opportunity to implement this approach at the Verizon Arena (now Simmons Bank Arena) in Little Rock, AR, where I directed the opening ceremonies of the ATA World Championships for 5 years. We also introduced innovative systems like text-to-vote, interactive tutorials, and an advanced content portal for licensees worldwide.
INTERACTIVE
The transition from linear broadcast to streaming in the early 2010s sparked my enthusiasm for interactive video, ultimately leading to my first patent and the founding of a company. Its successful reception of the nascent tech at the Variety Venture Capital Summit served as a launchpad, propelling us into numerous pitches that attracted capital from both angel investors and institutions, including Quake Capital and Rice University. This momentum culminated in the acquisition of our core technology, delivering favorable exits for investors and shareholders.
Presenting to Prince William and Princess Catherine in Beverly Hills, CA
INTERNATIONAL
My family then relocated to Aix-en-Provence, France, where I earned my second master's degree in international relations, which included field studies at NATO, the United Nations, and the European Union. This program enabled me to delve into how technology and regulations influence various countries across Europe and North Africa.
Room XVII of the Palais des Nations, Geneva
NATO Headquarter, Brussels
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
My recent focus has been on AI, where I designed and authored a visual recognition patent while also completing advanced programs in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at MIT and Oxford. This work culminated in the patent being awarded in early 2024.
University of Oxford, Oxfordshire UK
COMMUNICATION
At the core, it’s about recognizing non-obvious opportunities and pairing them with strong storytelling and presentation skills. Whether in boardrooms or classrooms, a clearly expressed idea has the potential to snowball. While I’m passionate about exploring advanced technology, I firmly believe that human-to-human connection remains the most powerful tool for effective communication.
