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For most people, February is the “fly-over state” of the twelve months. Yet February is the month that saw the birth of legendary film director John Ford and the month when Matthew Brady took the first photograph ever of a president in office, James Polk.
To that list we can now add the first San Diego Media Pros Sync Up of the year.
On Tuesday, February 25th, SDMP returns to AleSmith Brewing to continue our always fashionable midweek-mixers.
In fact, it was at AleSmith where we began our first Mentor Hour! This popular addition to our mixers continues once again, this time featuring three outstanding media professionals: Founder and Executive Producer of Video Approach, Mike Watson; IT and technology guru at Sony PlayStation, Carlos Garcia; and lead editor and cinematographer at National University, Brady Ferdig.
Hearing from one of these gentlemen would be an evening well spent unto itself, but to have all three in attendance? That’s like coming up “three cherries” on a slot machine!
When
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where
AleSmith Brewing
9990 AleSmith Ct
San Diego, CA 92126
Zoe’s Place taco food truck will be there if you’re hungry, and for those so inclined.
Alesmith also features gluten-free cider and hard tea as well as non-alcoholic IPA and a variety of Liquid Death water and teas along with Swell sodas.
Map to AleSmith
Cost
No charge for members or non-members. This event is a No Host bar. Students are welcome, but you must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcohol.
Please register so that we can have a name tag ready for you and let our host know how many people to expect.
Here’s to February becoming your next favorite month!
Our Mentors
Carlos Garcia started his career in TV production at KUSI-TV, where he honed his skills in IT and technology. That journey led him to the video game industry, working for Sony PlayStation, where he delivers tailored IT solutions that fuel creativity through problem-solving and innovative technologies, including the successful online multiplayer launch of MLB The Show 24. His career is distinguished by his passion for leading complex projects, and he’s excited to share insights from this unique path.
Mike Watson is the Executive Producer and Founder of Video Approach, a full-service video production company in San Diego. He's a seven-time Emmy award winner with extensive experience in both television news and commercial production. He started his career with a decade in TV news, covering events ranging from hurricanes on the eastern seaboard to earthquakes on the west coast. He landed at the San Diego CBS affiliate, directing commercials, PSAs, and half-hour programs. Mike transitioned from network television to focus on serving corporate, nonprofit, and government clients which he has done for the last 15 years.
Brady Ferdig is a San Diego native and documentary filmmaker who currently works for National University. He also runs his own production company called Native Ground Media helping brands engage in digital marketing. For a long time, filmmaking and photography were primarily hobbies for him. He would film short pieces on surfboard shapers, skateboarders and occasionally work with teams to produce short films. His first foray into the professional realm was as an editor with a company called Common Thread Collective. He learned a great deal from the other talented editors and entrepreneurs, so much so that when he left he started his own company, Native Ground Media. He’s had the pleasure to work with larger companies like Monster Energy, Leus, The Content Specialists, DewTour, LumeCube, Bemer Group, Abnormal Beer Company and Pure Project Brewing. In turn, those efforts with Native Ground Media led to a job as an editor and cinematographer at National University here in San Diego.
Notice
San Diego Media Pros is an educational non-profit organization and follows all laws and guidelines required for 501c3 organizations.
SDMP meetings are for the professional exchange of educational information only.
Meeting topics and discussions may include technical or creative news, services that apply to the industry, training, national industry conferences, webinars and events, and Southern California film and media events.
Absolutely no political or religious discussions are permitted.
SDMP may discuss fact-based educational information on laws such as AB5 as they pertain to the industry.
Please be advised that any information shared is being offered courtesy of the original source and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
SDMP reserves the right to terminate discussions deemed inappropriate, or that break the group rules.
Personal attacks, racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic, religious, age, and other epithets or defamations will not be tolerated, and will get you banned from the group.
Please be advised that all virtual and live events hosted by San Diego Media Pros may be recorded and distributed for educational and promotional purposes. Your voluntary participation in such events authorizes and acknowledges San Diego Media Pro’s exclusive rights of ownership and use of all recordings.
