James Polaczynski

Award-winning video production professional with 20+ years of experience in television news, documentary filmmaking, educational content, and scientific storytelling. Skilled in videography, editing, lighting, and scriptwriting, with a passion for inspiring the next generation of media creators. Proven ability to manage complex projects and mentor students or team members in every phase of production. Eager to bring a collaborative, creative, and hands-on learning experience to a high school broadcasting program.

• Directed and edited NASA’s first in-house feature-length documentary, Of Ashes and Atoms, which earned an Emmy Award nomination and was released worldwide
• Awarded NASA Videographer of the Year – First Place, National Agency Recognition
• Produced two NASA video projects selected as required viewing aboard the International Space Station
• Contributed to high-profile productions with ESPN, Malka Media, Fifth Color Films, and others

Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Creative Suite, iMovie, OBS Studio, Canva, Audacity, Google Workspace
Equipment: DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony), ENG Camcorders, RED, ARRI, Phantom, Gimbals, Tripods, Teleprompters, Field Recorders, LED Lighting, Lavalier/Boom Mics, Audio Mixers
Studio Tools: Green Screen, Lighting Grids, Video Switchers (ATEM Mini), Confidence Monitors, PA Systems, Capture Cards, Multi-Cam Switching
Post-Production: Color Correction, Motion Graphics, Sound Mixing, Voiceover, Titles/Lower Thirds, Chromakey, Media Encoding for Web/Broadcast