Mike Stephen
Sandy
Summary
Accomplished photojournalist with expertise in creative photography, video editing, and drone operations. Proven ability to deliver compelling stories under tight deadlines including breaking news environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Photojournalist / ENG-DSNG Op / Chief Drone Pilot
KUTV 2 News
Salt Lake City, UT
02.2004 - Current
- Gathered compelling video and audio to inform viewing audience of news events in their communities through informative, compelling and entertaining story telling.
- Worked with reporters and producers to shoot, edit and, at times, present live reports from all across the state of Utah, about events and stories relevant to the residents of Utah.
- Edited on non-linear systems in ENG and SNG trucks. Eventually switched over to Final Cut Pro editing systems, becoming a "Final Cut Ninja". Currently edit on AVID Media Composer.
- Set up ENG trucks for remote, local news coverage. Would also set up the DSNG truck for further remote coverage which the ENG trucks could not be effective. This included tuning in the dish to specific satellites using waveform monitors to identify specific satellite "footprints".
- Acquired the FAA Part 107 certification in order to streamline the KUTV Drone 2 program with both a DJI Inspire 2 and DJI Mini 4 Pro, for use by multiple pilots. This included setting up a user-friendly video management system within Production Managment that enables pilots, editors, photogs, producers to search for and easily find Drone 2 file video for future use.
Photojournalist / SNG Operator
KTVX ABC 4 Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
01.2000 - 02.2004
- Gathered compelling video to support news stories and enhance visual storytelling.
- Worked with reporters to shoot and edit informative stories for news broadcasts.
- Edited on a non-linear system to put said reports together for several broadcasts throughout the evenings.
- Set up and tuned in ENG truck/s for remote live shots, including setting up lights for evening live shots.
- Learned satellite truck operations to provide live coverage across the state of Utah, where ENG trucks could not be effective. This included tuning satellite dish to specific satellites, powering up at specific times in specific sequences, sometimes setting up for and managing multiple live shots for multiple stations across multiple satellite streams.
Photojournalist
WVLT Channel 8- CBS
Knoxville, TN
01.2000 - 12.2000
- Captured compelling video to support news stories and enhance visual storytelling.
- Collaborated with reporters to create informative and engaging reports for news broadcasts.
- Edited on a non-linear system, occasionally using AVID to put reports together for broadcast.
- Set up and tuned in ENG truck for remote live shots; including setting up lights for evening news shows.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Technical Journalism
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO12-1999
Skills
- Creative photography for visual storytelling
- Creative video editing on AVID Media Composer
- Creative live shots with network level lighting, if needed
- Drone photography
- Breaking news coverage, including LiveU set-up, ENG and/or DSNG operations
- Deadline driven
Timeline
Photojournalist / ENG-DSNG Op / Chief Drone Pilot
KUTV 2 News
02.2004 - Current
Photojournalist / SNG Operator
KTVX ABC 4 Utah
01.2000 - 02.2004
Photojournalist
WVLT Channel 8- CBS
01.2000 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Technical Journalism
Colorado State University
Awards
Currently have 3 physical Emmy statues in my trophy case. I would have a few more if I had paid the membership dues. Also have several Emmy nominations throughout my 22+ years at KUTV.