A FlyingSpot veteran of more than 15 years, Eric is a master storyteller with a strong technical background. From tape room to online editing to content cutter, Eric’s experience makes him ideally suited for ensuring that all aspects of your project are handled professionally and delivered flawlessly. Eric can also take some pretty ordinary library music and cut it into something meaningful. Plus, he’s comfortable jumping into After Effects if your project needs simple graphics. What can’t this guy do? And if you’re really lucky, he might let you play with his dog, Nugget. (By the way, Nugget is a registered Facebook user, so go ahead and friend man’s best friend.)
Darin Suthapong-Designer/Animator
From stop-motion animation to 2D motion graphics, and now adding 3D animation to her repertoire, Darin brings a unique style and viewpoint to her work. A great collaborator and problem solver, Darin also has a work ethic that is downright inspiring. Now in her third year at FlyingSpot, Darin’s amiable attitude, speed, and abilities have made her a favorite resource for many clients. Did we mention that Darin was a collegiate table tennis player? We have paddles, balls, and a net we can attach to our conference table so, if you’d like to challenge her, she’d be happy to beat you… uh, meet you.
Mike Amelang-Editor/Finisher/Encoder
Calm, organized, smart. Mike’s attention to detail as an editor and finisher is second to none. And as an encoder? Now in his fifth year at FlyingSpot, the thoughtful, qualitative process Mike applies to every video means your video will look great and play back smoothly, in whatever window, on whatever platform. And! And!.. Mike is really into hacking into things like iPhones and Kinect so he can make them do his bidding. (Aw, c’mon. You know you’ve been itching to do that.) Mad scientist, ya know? If you’re looking for a friend in the “experiment” business, come see Mike.
Ella Brackett-Audio/Project Manager
Leaning on years of experience, (6 of them at FlyingSpot) Ella is not only an outstanding audio designer, she is a producer in the chair. Client-service oriented and a true professional, Ella will make your audio session painless, and a great way to spend your time. Ella is well known and well liked by producers, directors, and talent throughout the region. And if you’d like to know how someone who works in a windowless room stays so tanned, Ella will be happy to share stories about her favorite sunny travel spots.
Landon Beal-Audio/Editor/Client Support
Every team has a utility player, and we have Landon. From knowing where to find that sub-master from five years ago, to digitizing, editing, dubbing, or lending support during productions, Landon provides outstanding client service. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s even more proficient at running our audio suite. Now, in Landon’s 4 years at FlyingSpot we’ve learned that he does have a tendency to break bones periodically. His. Not yours. So, don’t be surprised if he has a cast on, or his arm is in a sling, or…?
Arne Buhmann-IT/Composer
As he has done for the past 11 years, Arne makes sure our computers and networks, well… work! And his services are available for hire to the outside world. (Ask us. We know.) But besides that, Arne is a composer, musician and an inventor. There is nothing better than having a composer/musician on-site to add that necessary sting to a music track, or to craft a custom transition between two cuts of music. Or, if you have a technical dilemma to figure out, Arne can brainstorm with the best of them. Smart guy. Right brain. Left brain. Right brain. Left brain…
Shawna Martin-Project Manager
Shawna Martin (Project Manager) – Patient. Communicative. Organized. Responsive. Pleasant. Friendly. Unflappable. These words, and more like them, describe Shawna and paint a picture of how much you’ll enjoy working with her when you bring your project to FlyingSpot. If you need to hear a calm, cool, and collected voice on the other end of that phone, telling you everything will get done on time, on budget, and look really good, give Shawna a call. In her 7 years at FlyingSpot she’s seen it all, so don’t be afraid to share your darkest fears and anxieties. Consider Shawna as a human tranquilizer when you have stressful video projects.
Dave Stewart-3D Designer/Animator
Simply put, there is no better 3D animator in Seattle than Dave. From 3D animated games for sports venues to incredible photo-realistic objects and scenes, there isn’t anything Dave can’t create in 3D space. With the eye of an artist and the skills of a master craftsman, Dave is an animator and collaborator who, for the past 13 years at FlyingSpot, has taken projects to that next level everyone is looking for. We all know how boring rendering can be, so don’t be surprised if Dave breaks out his mandolin to pass the time. Feel free to bring your own musical instrument, but bring some chops, too, because Dave can really play.
Nandia Baterdene-Designer/Editor/Videographer
A recent addition to our staff, Nandia is a multi-faceted talent. We keep throwing a wide variety of tasks at her, and she keeps throwing them back successfully completed. Nandia can create motion graphics, edit, and is very good at shooting video. Her positive outlook and eager demeanor bring a tremendous amount of energy to every project. And really, how often does one have the opportunity to talk to a native of Mongolia? I mean, it’s a country twice the size of Texas shoehorned right in between Russia and China! Tough neighborhood.
Kristi Nilson-Office Manager
Office Manager is such a cold title, don’t you think? Well, Kristi is anything but cold, but she is our office manager. Kristi has a wealth of information about all things related to the business side of FlyingSpot, so feel free to call her with questions any time. If she’s calling you, be prepared that business will be taken care of very quickly, and if you have the time the conversation will turn into friendly chatter real fast. A natural nurturer, what other office manager brings fresh flowers and cookies to work on a regular basis? Can’t think of any, can you?
Pat Sanford-Designer/Illustrator
The last original FlyingSpot partner. Loitering in the industry for 35 years. 19 years at FlyingSpot. Snagged a national Emmy so long ago it’s dusty history. Lots of gray in his beard. You know the character “Old Deuteronomy” from the play “Cats”? Eerily similar. (“My legs may be tottery, I must go slow. And be careful of Old Deuteronomy”) But you know, all those years working with clients, working with the amazing people of FlyingSpot, it all means something. Pat can’t remember what it means, but having survived this many years, he believes he’s done a few things right. (Don’t burst his bubble.) And if you catch him in the right mood, or awake, he might even show you his stack of ancient hand drawn news graphics, circa 1976. Ooh. Ahh…
Rob Sturm-Designer/Animator/Editor
Bound and determined to get out of Detroit, Rob and his family made up their minds to live in Seattle. And we’re lucky to have him at FlyingSpot. Energetic, positive, talented, Rob has many years of experience for such a young guy. His toolkit covers a wide variety of design & animation applications and he’s anxious to learn more. Oh, and did we mention he’s into robotics? If you come in to work with Rob you might want to make sure it’s really him. We’ve found that holding a magnet next to someone’s head will tell you if they’re meat or metal. Try it. ;-)
Kristian Sanford-Social Media Manager/Client Research
What a coincidence! Two Sanfords at the same small company! Crazy small world. (Where are we? South Carolina?) This Sanford, however, is firmly planted in the world of today. As FlyingSpot’s social media man on the street, Kristian makes sure the world knows about FlyingSpot’s current work, our history, our interests, and our people. Typical of much of today’s constantly connected culture, Kristian has his fingers literally and figuratively on the pulse of the company. Or he’s texting his girlfriend. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m just saying…
