Steven Watson
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Have a strong and diverse background in audio / video production, presentation and customer service. Technical experience areas are audio, video production, system trouble shooting and tech team management. Have done equipment installations, board level maintenance, repair, lighting and staging. Work style is self-starting, mission focused, and forward thinking. Have a customer focused approach to technical support. Look for need areas and fill the gap. Desire to plus whatever and where ever skills are applied. Have worked extensively with event management on various levels of technical production. Have done audio visual sales, event budget management and proposal development. Have worked directly with operations (IT, facilities and security) to perform technical upgrades across the organization. Have a history of working non-profit and for-profit organizations. Highly skilled audio visual professional with solid expertise in managing and optimizing AV systems and equipment. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering high-quality results, with flexible approach to meet changing project needs. Proven ability in troubleshooting, technical support, and coordinating events, complemented by excellent communication and leadership traits. Reliable and adaptable with keen eye for detail and strong commitment to excellence in all tasks.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Audio Visual Manager
United States Institute Of Peace
05.2011 - 06.2021
- Company Overview: USIP provides the analysis, training and tools that prevent and end conflicts, promotes stability and professionalizes the field of peacebuilding
- The facility has 20 conference spaces, one 250 seat auditorium, and a large public multipurpose event space
- Provide Audio Visual presentation support for in house and third party clients
- Technical lead for audio and video production staff
- Webcasting, Video conferencing, and IPTV production (in house broadcast)
- Troubleshoot, and repair various audio visual equipment as needed
- Manage A/V service contracts
- Recommend and install audio visual production and presentation equipment
- Manage a technical team of eight and freelance resources as needed
- Perform ongoing team building and training
- Work hand in hand with operations staff to maintain system integrity and upgrade where needed
- USIP provides the analysis, training and tools that prevent and end conflicts, promotes stability and professionalizes the field of peacebuilding
- The facility has 20 conference spaces, one 250 seat auditorium, and a large public multipurpose event space
- Streamlined AV operations for improved efficiency and client satisfaction through regular team training sessions.
- Prioritized and effectively managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met without compromising quality or client satisfaction.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes for future success.
- Increased overall event satisfaction ratings by providing responsive and timely support for all technical issues during live presentations.
- Managed budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or performance.
- Developed customized AV solutions for various events, resulting in tailored experiences that met clients'' unique needs.
- Tested and calibrated audio and visual equipment to verify proper operation.
- Performed service and system maintenance as directed.
- Created and implemented technical support plans for audio-visual systems.
Assistant Director/ Sales Manager
Swank Audio Visual
09.2007 - 05.2011
- Company Overview: Swank Audio Visual Provides Sound, Light, and Video Production Services for Hotels and Conference Centers
- Provide impeccable Audiovisual production and presentation services for Hotel Clients
- Generate proposals designed around client requirements
- Manage tech staff in the production process to assure that client expectations are exceeded
- Swank Audio Visual Provides Sound, Light, and Video Production Services for Hotels and Conference Centers
Technical Director
Hylton Memorial Chapel
04.2002 - 06.2007
- Company Overview: Hylton Chapel is a 3000 seat facility that hosts concerts, conferences, plays, weddings, and various community meetings
- Work closely with clients, promoters, and event support staff
- Design build and support Audio, Video, and Lighting production
- Hire, manage, and direct stage crew and tech staff
- Receive and fill technical riders for concerts, conferences and dramatic events
- Manage event production budgets
- Design and build staging for various plays, concerts, and conferences
- Hylton Chapel is a 3000 seat facility that hosts concerts, conferences, plays, weddings, and various community meetings
- Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into existing systems or future projects.
- Managed implementation of new technological improvements resulting in increased efficiency.
- Developed innovative solutions to complex technical problems, resulting in improved system performance.
- Increased customer satisfaction, addressing technical issues swiftly and effectively.
- Improved systems with addition of new features and infrastructure.
- Assessed business requirements to create focused solutions.
Sr. Audio Visual Technician
WOODROW WILSON CENTER FOR SCHOLARS
01.2001 - 09.2002
- Company Overview: The Wilson Center is a six (8) room meeting facility, where scholars present information to government leaders
- Assist scholars with presentation materials
- Provide audio visual support for meetings
- Install and maintain AV equipment
- Support video teleconferencing (VTC)
- Production for Wilson Center Radio and Television programming
- The Wilson Center is a six (8) room meeting facility, where scholars present information to government leaders
- Tested and calibrated audio and visual equipment to verify proper operation.
- Maintained detailed records of equipment maintenance, repairs and replacements, ensuring a well-organized inventory system.
- Performed service and system maintenance as directed.
- Contributed to increased client satisfaction by providing timely support during live events as an on-site technician.
- Created and implemented technical support plans for audio-visual systems.
- Managed inventory of audiovisual equipment, maintaining optimal functionality and availability for clients.
Audio Video Director / Associate Pastor
NATIONAL CHURCH OF GOD
05.1995 - 09.2000
- Company Overview: National COG is a large church located in Fort Washington containing a 4000 seat auditorium; (1) 2000 seat auditorium, (5+) conference rooms, School K4 – 12th grade, and Bible college
- Provide day to day audio visual support, train and manage volunteers
- Design lighting and sound set up for drama, and concerts
- Audio and video production and editing for ministry TV and Radio broadcast
- Promote Gospel and CCM concerts
- National COG is a large church located in Fort Washington containing a 4000 seat auditorium; (1) 2000 seat auditorium, (5+) conference rooms, School K4 – 12th grade, and Bible college
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a collaborative work environment and improving overall team performance.
- Increased brand visibility by directing high-quality promotional videos for clients across multiple industries.
- Incorporated diverse camera angles, movements, and shot compositions to achieve unique visual storytelling elements in each project undertaken.
- Balanced multiple project deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards throughout each deliverable.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through effective communication and understanding of their vision, resulting in repeat business.
- Expanded network connections by collaborating with prominent industry professionals on various videography projects.
- Attended industry conferences and workshops regularly to stay current on emerging trends in video production technology and techniques.
- Optimized lighting setups for improved visual quality in a variety of indoor and outdoor shooting environments.
- Enhanced video production quality by implementing innovative filming techniques and equipment.
- Championed creative vision from concept to completion, resulting in a cohesive final product that effectively communicated clients'' intended messaging.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring timely completion of all projects within allocated funds.
- Collaborated with creative teams to develop visually appealing storyboards and shot lists for various projects.
- Oversaw the entire pre-production planning phase including location scouting, casting, and crew selection to ensure smooth project execution.
- Implemented new post-production software tools, optimizing workflow efficiency and reducing project completion timeframes.
- Utilized lighting, camera angles and movement to create visual styles of films.
- Completed pre-production planning such as setting budgets, hiring crew, and cast members and obtaining permits.
- Produced marketing videos to help businesses increase revenue.
Audio/ Video Technician
AEROSPACE CORPORATION
04.1998 - 01.2000
- Company Overview: Aerospace Corp
- Is a contractor that supports aerospace and DOD clients
- Assist Engineers/ Clients with presentation materials
- Provide audiovisual support for classified and unclassified meetings
- Support video teleconferencing (VTC)
- Video production using robotic cameras
- Install, troubleshoot, and maintain multimedia equipment
- Aerospace Corp
- Is a contractor that supports aerospace and DOD clients
Audio/Video Engineer
KENNETH HAGIN MINISTRIES
11.1991 - 05.1995
- Company Overview: Kenneth Hagin Ministries is an international ministry
- It encompasses a Bible College, Church and Affiliate Churches
- Provide audio and video support for church and touring production systems
- Set-up sound and video equipment necessary for all ministry events
- Share tour bus and tractor trailer driving and loading responsibilities
- Kenneth Hagin Ministries is an international ministry
- It encompasses a Bible College, Church and Affiliate Churches
News and Commercial Productions
SCRIPPS-HOWARD KJRH-TV 2
01.1992 - 06.1993
- Company Overview: KJRH-TV2 is a NBC Affiliate station located in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Floor Director, Broadcast Audio, and video production
- Camera and Teleprompter Operator
- Set Lighting and Design
- KJRH-TV2 is a NBC Affiliate station located in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Coordinated live shots and interviews, ensuring smooth on-air execution.
- Managed studio equipment setup and breakdown, resulting in seamless transitions between segments.
- Operated teleprompter efficiently during live broadcasts while maintaining discretion and professionalism.
- Participated actively in post-production reviews to identify areas of improvement for continuous growth as a News Production Assistant.
- Provided technical support during live broadcasts, resolving issues quickly to minimize disruptions.
- Supported field crews during remote shoots, facilitating efficient coverage of events.
- Collaborated with production team to facilitate smooth operations, avoiding disruptions and delays
- Stayed alert, active, and ready to respond to any request at any time using variety of available resources.
- Operated camera, lighting and grip equipment to use during production process.
Technical Engineer and Production Assistant
SYNC SOUND, INC.
09.1986 - 08.1991
- Company Overview: Sync Sound is an audio for video and film post production facility
- Assist Studio and Chief Technical Engineers
- Equipment cabling and installation
- Audio and Video Production
- Equipment trouble shooting, repair, and calibration
- Sync Sound is an audio for video and film post production facility
- Performed preventive maintenance on network system, maintaining uptime.
Education
Audio and Video Production -
Center For The Media Arts
New York, NY10.1985
Video Technology -
Institute For Audio Research
New York, New YorkBachelor of Arts - Theology
National Bible College
Ft. Washington, Maryland06.1998
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Customer support
- Team Building
- Project Management
- Work with non-profit organizations
- Audio Visual system support and production
Freelanceexperience
- Live sound reinforcement, Lighting and Video Production
- Show Management for Live Performance and Corporate Conferences
- Audio Visual Project Management and Consulting
Timeline
Audio Visual Manager
United States Institute Of Peace
05.2011 - 06.2021
Assistant Director/ Sales Manager
Swank Audio Visual
09.2007 - 05.2011
Technical Director
Hylton Memorial Chapel
04.2002 - 06.2007
Sr. Audio Visual Technician
WOODROW WILSON CENTER FOR SCHOLARS
01.2001 - 09.2002
Audio/ Video Technician
AEROSPACE CORPORATION
04.1998 - 01.2000
Audio Video Director / Associate Pastor
NATIONAL CHURCH OF GOD
05.1995 - 09.2000
News and Commercial Productions
SCRIPPS-HOWARD KJRH-TV 2
01.1992 - 06.1993
Audio/Video Engineer
KENNETH HAGIN MINISTRIES
11.1991 - 05.1995
Technical Engineer and Production Assistant
SYNC SOUND, INC.
09.1986 - 08.1991
Audio and Video Production -
Center For The Media Arts
Video Technology -
Institute For Audio Research
Bachelor of Arts - Theology
National Bible College
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