Have you always wanted to work in a creative career?
Yes, I have. I love the arts and everything that branches out from it. I’ve been in band, acted onstage, and most importantly I love illustrating and drawing. Drawing is my real passion. It is as natural to me as breathing, and as necessary.
How did you get started with broadcast television?
I originally went to school to try and get into animation, but my skill sets did not take me down that particular path. My professor at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD asked if I would like to work for the university’s TV station, and that opportunity set me on the path that would lead to me working at ESD. In 1998 I moved to the Pacific NW, and in 1999 I got my first professional job at PAX22 in Portland. I then moved on to work at KOIN Local 6 and worked there for almost thirteen years. I love broadcasting.
What do you love about broadcasting?
Broadcasting is one of today’s most accessible formats. Most of the information people get is from streaming, television, or other forms of social media. As someone who is visual and not the most eloquent writer, I appreciate how broadcasting levels the playing field and gets information out to a wide audience.
You mention social media. Are you a fan?
I am a fan of the concept. Everyone can and does contribute creative content all the time. Art seems to be booming on social media, which I love. I don’t love the lack of supervision, rules and guidelines to help keep social media safe and true, however.
What are the most fulfilling and most challenging parts of your work at ESD 112?
The most fulfilling part of my job at ESD 112 is getting student content out into the world. The most challenging part is keeping up with the changing technological environment that comes with any broadcasting career. Technology–any technology–is the hardest part to keep up with.
What inspires you?
Science fiction. It is a commentary on the world, and the really GOOD science fiction gives you more questions than answers.
Okay, let’s get to know Scot a little better! Tell us a bit about yourself.
What hobby would you get into if time and/or money were not an issue?
What are you a superfan of?
What have you done on your bucket list? What’s still left to do?
Started a family. What’s left on the bucket list? Getting my Sci-fi project picked up by a television network or a movie studio.
If you could interview any person, living or non-living, who would it be, and what would you want to ask them?
Right now…..Harrison Ford, because, why not? What would I ask him? “Who is the coolest person you know?”
If you had to get a tattoo, what would it be and why?
If I had to get a tatoo, I think I would get a Star Trek Emblem, because why not?
Last question: What question should we ask you, and what would you answer?
Are you really that much of a nerd? Yes. Yes I am.
