Jason Smith

Experience

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  Preferred AudioFiles - mobile disc jockey

  Aug 1990 - Jun 1994

  Owner/Operator

  Full-service mobile Disc Jockey with a comprehensive skill set in managing and operating audio mixers, cabling, speakers, wiring, lighting fixtures, trussing, related control surfaces, and special effects equipment such as fog machines, specialty lights, and strobe lights. Proven track record of effectively maintaining equipment and creating immersive audiovisual experiences for various events.Key Responsibilities:• Demonstrated proficiency in maintaining a working knowledge base, in addition to an electronic database of music titles, artists, and genres to meet client preferences and event themes.• Set up and dismantled audio and lighting equipment efficiently, ensuring a smooth production.• Expertise in curating and sequencing music playlists tailored to specific occasions, such as weddings, graduations, and dance parties, to enhance the overall event atmosphere. Show less

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  WZZM-FM Target Market Radio

  Mar 1992 - May 1993

  On Air Host

  Format: Adult Contemporary • Curated and programmed music selections aligned with the station's Adult Contemporary format• Delivered engaging on-air content, leveraging a personable and dynamic announcing style to build listener loyalty• Provided live news, sports, and weather updates, adapting tone to match content appropriately• Conducted regular news calls to regional police agencies, ensuring up-to-date local coverage• Collaborated with staff to disseminate breaking news and timely information• Recorded and edited commercials and public service announcements, including selection of appropriate music and sound effects• Managed technical setup and breakdown of live remote broadcasting equipment, including Marti units, audio mixers, phone lines, and PA systems Show less

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  Regional News Network

  Mar 1995 - Sept 1999

  • Production Expertise: Directed and technically directed nightly productions, showcasing proficiency in overseeing diverse broadcasting tasks. Shows ranged from newscasts to talk shows (e.g., Political, Sports, Teen Lifestyle, Video Review, Health, Crime), all with interactive elements such as viewer call-ins and web interactivity—an experimental approach during the rise of the World Wide Web. Played a strong role in the design of most shows, including experimenting with video presentation techniques, selecting music and innovating ways to enhance viewer interactivity while maintaining a fast pace and bold visual style. • Supervision and Training: Supervised staff during productions, demonstrating leadership in a dynamic news network environment. Additionally, trained new Directors/Technical Directors to ensure a skilled and cohesive team. • Creative Technical Input: Provided valuable creative and technical input to projects, contributing to the overall quality and innovation of video productions. • Voice Over Artistry: Utilized voice-over skills for commercial production, contributing to the overall quality and impact of promotional materials. • On-Location Direction: Directed multiple regional debates, a tall ship festival, and a mock trial, showcasing versatility and adaptability in diverse event coverage. Conducted full site surveys and managed setup and strike for on-site directed shows, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. • Injecting Creativity into Newscasts: Innovatively utilized a jib camera to capture dynamic shots, integrated live AOL chat room interactions and web pages on screen for audience engagement, and employed dynamic digital video effects (DVE effects) for high-impact visuals, enhancing the overall creativity and appeal of newscasts. Show less • Multifaceted Role: Engaged in various responsibilities, including writing, editing for newscasts, coordinating feeds from multiple bureaus, and training interns. • Shooting and Video Expertise: Contributed to news production by shooting ENG video as needed, as well as live camera for special events, showcasing skills in capturing compelling visual content. • Library Management: Managed the video library by inputting information and ensuring organized access to relevant materials for efficient production. • Content Creation: Wrote stories as needed, showcasing versatility in content creation for news segments. • TelePrompTer Operation: Operated TelePrompTer, ensuring smooth and synchronized delivery of scripts during live productions. • Training and Development: Trained interns and new assistant producers/production assistants, providing mentorship and guidance to support their professional development Show less

  • Director / Technical Director

    Oct 1996 - Sept 1999

  • Production Assistant

    Mar 1995 - Oct 1996
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  WFOR / WBFS CBS Corporation

  Sept 1999 - Oct 2008

  Staff Director

  • Leadership and Supervision: Led and supervised a production crew while directing and technical directing fast-paced newscasts and talk shows. • Newscast Management: Directed and technical directed newscasts characterized by high intensity, extensive graphics, multiple live shots, and in-studio guests, ensuring seamless execution under pressure. • Adaptability to Breaking News: Directed news briefs and breaking news segments as needed, demonstrating agility, creativity and composure in rapidly evolving situations. • Training and Development: Trained new directors and technical directors, imparting essential skills and knowledge to ensure a capable and cohesive production team. • Creative Technical Input: Provided creative technical input to enhance the quality and innovation of shows, contributing to engaging and impactful content. • Pre-Production Coordination: Coordinated pre-production activities for newscasts, optimizing readiness and efficiency for on-air presentations. • Camera Shot Blocking and Visual Effects: Blocked camera shots and created high impact digital video effects for in studio monitors to elevate visual storytelling and viewer engagement. • Dynamic Visual Effects: Created engaging digital video effects (DVE moves) to elevate the visual impact of the content. • Control Room Management: Maintained the control room video server clip/event database, ensuring smooth operation and accessibility of essential asset • Editing Proficiency: Edited sales content on Avid Symphony, while focusing on delivering polished and professional results. Show less

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  Precision Equine Videography

  Sept 2005 - Dec 2009

  Owner/ Chief Technical Officer

  • Technical Asset Management: Oversaw the management and procurement of all technical assets, ensuring optimal functionality for video production. • Production Site Surveys: Conducted comprehensive site surveys to facilitate efficient setup and strike of production equipment. • Creative Technical Input: Provided valuable creative and technical input to projects, contributing to the overall quality and innovation of video productions. • Multifaceted Production Roles: Served as Videographer, primary DVD designer, Graphic artist, Social/Streaming Media Manager and Webmaster. • Video Editing/ DVD Authoring Expertise: Utilized Adobe Premiere Pro for seamless and polished video editing, enhancing the visual appeal of the final products. Utilized Adobe Encore for DVD delivery of edited videos. • Voice Over Artistry: Contributed as a voice-over artist, lending a professional and engaging narrative to video productions. • Customer Database Maintenance: Managed an electronic customer database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for effective client communication. Show less

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  Tribune Broadcasting - WSFL-TV

  Feb 2009 - Oct 2009

  Director

  • Multifaceted Production: Simultaneously directed, technical directed, and operated VizRT ContentPilot and video record/playback server for a dynamic and fast-paced morning show. • Leadership and Supervision: Led and supervised a production crew, ensuring seamless coordination for live and taped shows. • Resource Management: Scheduled studio and production resources, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness for both live broadcasts and recorded segments. • Creative Technical Input: Provided valuable creative and technical input to enhance the quality and innovation of the morning show. • Pre-Production Coordination: Coordinated pre-production activities for newscasts and website content, contributing to the overall success of the media projects. • Camera Shot Blocking: Blocked camera shots to enhance visual storytelling and maintain a cohesive and engaging on-screen presentation. • Dynamic Visual Effects: Created dynamic digital video effects (DVE moves) to elevate the visual appeal of the morning show. • Editing Proficiency: Edited content on Final Cut Pro 6, ensuring a polished and professional finish to video productions Show less

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  Gray Television

  Nov 2009 - Jul 2024

  Technical Media Producer / Director / Technical Director

  • Production Leadership: Direct and technically direct engaging talk shows and newscasts using the Ross Overdrive production automation system. • Team Supervision: Supervise a dedicated production crew, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative work environment. • Training and Development: Train new technical producers, ensuring proficiency in utilizing advanced production tools and techniques. • Pre-Production Coordination: Coordinate pre-production activities for shows, websites, and promotional materials to ensure seamless execution. • System Maintenance: Conduct weekly backups and full system reboots for the Ross automation system, maintaining optimal performance. • Resource Management: Coordinate studio time and resources, ensuring sets and production elements are ready before airtime or recording. • Technical Troubleshooting: Identify and address potential equipment issues, liaising with the engineering department for swift resolutions. • Visual Effects: Create compelling digital video effects to enhance the visual appeal of productions. • Shot Blocking: Contribute to the creative process by blocking new camera shots, enhancing the overall visual storytelling. Show less