Read Ridley
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Dynamic entertainment executive and college instructor with a proven track record at enhancing employee satisfaction and student retention. Expert in curriculum development and student mentorship, I secured financing for innovative projects while fostering collaboration and efficiency. Adept in digital media production, I drive results through strategic leadership and effective communication.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CEO
12 Angry Bears, LLC
03.2003 - Current
- Create a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Improve organizational structure by reallocating resources and seizing opportunities for greater efficiency establishing our new production hub in New Orleans, LA.
- Secure financing for critical projects and then oversee the production and delivery of feature length, short form and commercial digital media projects.
- Ensure regulatory compliance by developing robust policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Expertly execute duties of editor, cinematographer, sound recordist, screenwriter, producer, director and gaffer (lighting director) as needed on more than 100 digital and film productions.
- CURRENTLY - Show creator and show runner for the horror audio-drama series JOHN CARPENTER Presents SOMETHING WICKED.
Program Director, Film Crew Technology Dept.
Columbia State Community College
01.2008 - 08.2017
- Designed entire program curriculum and instruction methods for lighting, cinematography, production, grip, editing, sound, and set safety/etiquette courses resulting in a consistent 90%+ retention rate.
- Created an inclusive learning environment that instilled confidence, acceptability and teamwork with students that increased learning outcomes over 60%.
- Established hands-on training and mentoring relationships with major productions (ex. ABC's TV show Nashville) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) - the union that governs all motion picture technicians.
- Developed interdisciplinary teaching methods, syllabi and rubrics for a comprehensive below-the-line professional certificate program that became ranked one of the top 5 in the nation by our 4th year of operations.
- Instructed courses in camera, lighting, editing, sound, set safety/etiquette and the dark art of grip for 27 semesters including adding a 2nd cohort to the program due to demand and success.
- Consistently exceeded key performance indicators by adapting quickly to changes in program and industry needs securing grants to incorporate the highest technology such as the ARRI Alexa camera system becoming the only undergraduate program in the US to provide it for instruction.
Director of Video Content
ReZoom.Com
03.2006 - 08.2007
- Coordinated and supervised production teams traveling monthly throughout the United Stated to produce highly engaging entertainment videos.
- Produced, directed, shot and edited more than 100 videos across the country interviewing and profiling pop culture icons such as Michael O'Keefe (actor) and musical artists Chicago, Poco, Joni Mitchell, The Steve Miller Band, Alice Cooper and and many others.
- Cultivated an inclusive work environment that fostered engagement and increased production needs while reducing costs.
Chief Tech Engineer, Instructor
Watkins Film School
01.1998 - 08.2005
- Designed curricula and instructed students in film/video production courses as well as camera, lighting, grip, sound and editing for Basic (video) and Advanced (film) technology classes.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices, applying newfound knowledge towards continuous process improvement initiatives within the film college.
- Implemented standard industry policies and procedures to better acclimate students entering the professional world.
- Mentored and advised students regarding academic and professional pathways as well as acquisition of professional technology.
- Evaluated supplier performance regularly to ensure consistent quality of products procured from external sources resulting in resource gains of 40% with any additional expeditures.
General Manager of Operations
Production Services of Atlanta - Nashville Office
08.1994 - 10.1998
- Facilitated the operations for one of the largest motion picture equipment suppliers in the Southeastern United States with an operational range from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL.
- Established positive and effective communication between PSA and motion picture production companies, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching and mentoring to provide dependable technicians on major film and video projects throughout the Southeastern United States.
- Oversaw the training and maintenance of 60,000 sq. ft. of motion picture camera, lighting, grip, sound, camera cranes & dollies, helicopter mounts and special effects equipement.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Film And Video Production
MTSU
Murfreesboro, TN05-1993
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Research Analysis
- Student Mentorship
- Cinematography
- Lighting & Grip
- Sound Production
- Post Production (editing)
- Screenwriting
- Teaching Techniques
- Entertainment Production/Directing
- Public Speaking
- Educational Technology
Accomplishments
- Developed an advanced film crew college training program that became nationally ranked.
- Over 10 awards in the 48Hrs Film Challenge Competition in Tennessee and New Orleans including: Best Cinematography, Best Dialogue, Best Special FX, Best in Genre (x3), Audience Award (x3)
- Oversaw complete build outs for new Film Crew Facilities at two colleges.
- 30+ years in the motion picture industry.
- 16+ years teaching in Higher Education.
Certification
- Rail Road Safety for Motion Pictures - IATSE
- Aerial Lifts Certification - IATSE
- Adult & Child CPR/AED - Red Cross
- COVID Compliance Officer - HES
- Psychological First Aid for COVID - Red Cross
- COVID Tracking - Johns Hopkins
Timeline
Program Director, Film Crew Technology Dept.
Columbia State Community College
01.2008 - 08.2017
Director of Video Content
ReZoom.Com
03.2006 - 08.2007
CEO
12 Angry Bears, LLC
03.2003 - Current
Chief Tech Engineer, Instructor
Watkins Film School
01.1998 - 08.2005
General Manager of Operations
Production Services of Atlanta - Nashville Office
08.1994 - 10.1998
Bachelor of Science - Film And Video Production
MTSU