Dream Big… Then Live Big.
Growing up, I lived out of our local movie theater. Being only $1.75 a ticket, it was my favorite place in my world and that world took me to new places all the time. Starting in high school, I had a teacher saw something in my creative writing and pushed me with my storytelling. That is why the base of our companies is driven on the story and the characters. I wanted to be a writer and a filmmaker my whole life, but I was always told that I was just a dreamer.
Upon graduation from high school, was when 9/11 happened and I enlisted in the United States Navy. This sidetracked my journey but protecting the freedoms of our country and the people who live here, was extremely important to me. After my 4 years, I returned home. It wasn’t until 6 years later that I started my photography company Th!nktast!c Photography. 4 years of founding a local non-profit to help people in need and creating a three day music festival before my filmmaking journey and dream finally started.
May 4, 2017, a little over a year after I decided to focus fully on film. I returned the contract to for my directorial debut and companies for film “The Man Who Loved Flowers” by Stephen King. Oct 12, 2018, we premiered the film at Shocktober in Irvington Festival and did a Q&A panel. I thought this may be the only film I ever would do but now at 10 years with 5 After 5 Studios. We have been a part of award-winning Web series, multiple short films, commercial projects and community events.
Here are three takeaways:
- Graduated Full Sail University in 2023 in Digital Cinematography. Member: National Society of Collegiate Scholars. GPA: 3.8
- Member of Tomorrow’s Filmmakers.
- Business Management, Harrison College.
Building at scale
Our company heartbeat is great original stories, great writing and deep attachable characters.
In 2020 during Covid, 5 After 5 Productions rebranded into 5 After 5 Studios. We opened up SteelBridge Entertainment & Spook House Entertainment. We also created “The 5 Show” a podcast for local film, transparency on our film and company and spotlighting local talent. That show is still planned just hasn’t started. We also created ” The 5 Street Team” for a new marketing experience with fans. In 2026, Th!nkTast!c Photography was added to the 5 After 5 family. For Photography, graphic art, web design and social media consultation.