Behind the Scenes
... the talent that puts the spark in American Spark
PRESTON GANNAWAY
In 2008, Preston Gannaway won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography, so the least we can do is spell her name right: it’s two n’s. Seriously, she’s that good. And the Pulitzer is just one award of many for this California-based photojournalist. We're grateful as all get-out to be working with her.
Website: http://prestongannaway.com
LEE FRITZ
Lee Fritz is a northerner-turned-southerner. Born in New York, he now plies his craft in New Orleans. He and his wife Jenna Morse run Calm Dog Productions – set them loose anywhere and they will produce a beautifully crafted story.
Website: http://calmdogproductions.com
ANDREW HIDA
Andrew Hida is a California filmmaker - look for the lauded short film he directed about his father, Im/Perfection. Andrew has served as multimedia coach for the National Press Photographers Association and Syracuse University. He’s come a long way since his days as a conservation ecologist.
Website: http://andrewhida.com
GRIFFIN MOORES
Griffin Moores and Autumn Parry (see below) are photojournalists and videographers based in Colorado. While each has his/her own projects in the works, they often collaborate as a duo. Like McCartney and Lennon, their talents merge seamlessly, and it’s hard to tell exactly who contributed what to their masterpiece.
Website: http://griffinmoores.photography
AUTUMN PARRY
Autumn Parry and Griffin Moores (see above) are photojournalists and videographers based in Colorado. While each has his/her own projects in the works, they often collaborate as a duo. Like Taupin and John, their talents merge seamlessly, and it’s hard to tell exactly who contributed what to their masterpiece.
Website: http://www.autumnparry.com
ALEX GAZIO
While we’re all pretty cool to hang out with, Alex Gazio is as fun to work with as he is talented with a camera. Based in the Sunshine State, Alex has shot for Extreme Homes, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, and many top productions. We can’t get enough of the amazing footage he comes up with.
Website: http://www.gazioproductions.com
DAMIEN KINCANNON
Currently based in Atlanta, Damien Kincannon has worked in advertising and production environments. Damien’s a videographer and editor with a passion for storytelling - but he’ll settle for lunch.
GUNTHER FRIEDRICHS
If you meet Gunther Friedrichs, get him to show you his passport. He's a globetrotter. He’s traveled to more than 60 countries shooting videos and telling stories, and oh the stories he tells. Versed in long- and short-form documentary, Gunther immerses himself in all aspects of video production. Even making coffee.
Website: http://guntherfriedrichs.com
CHARLES TINSLEY
University of Virginia alumnus Charles Tinsley has more than two decades of production experience under his belt. His martial arts belt, too. Don’t mess with Charles - he keeps nun chucks in his production van. Not only do we enjoy working with him, he makes us feel safe.
GAVIN STOUT
Gavin Stout, who specializes in shooting and editing commercials, has branched out into editorial work as well. Based in Virginia, he loves to travel wherever the shoot takes him. And yet he’s right at home seated at a Mac editing for hours into the night.
BRIAN KLUENDER
Beneath Brian Kluender’s easy-going personality is another easy-going personality. As a skilled sound tech, he can handle audio issues like a magician. Holding a boom microphone isn’t his only skillset, though he does have really strong arms.
CAROL VASSAR
With enough award statues to start a home decor supply company, Carol’s reached the top of her field in radio and podcast healthcare reporting, garnering multiple awards from the Associated Press and the New England Society of Health Care Communicators, including their celebrated Lamplighter. We’re stoked to be working with her as she turns her microphone toward creatives on our American Spark podcast!
KYLE BROWN
I his day job, Kyle is assistant director of engagement and events at Seattle Pacific University. He graduated SPU in 2015 with a degree in communications — and the podcast bug has bitten him. He lives in Northgate, Washington married to “the girl of his dreams” (Yup, that’s Kyle’s quote. You gotta love a man who puts it out there!) Well, we love Kyle and always look forward to the stories he’s weaving for our American Spark podcast.