
Meet the team.
We are experts in our field with a passion for creativity and a gracious way of conducting business. We utilize our diverse talent and experience to discover, develop, and produce stories–partnering with our clients throughout the entire process.
At Trailblazer Studios®, our recipe for success is simple: experienced professionals + effortless collaboration + cutting-edge equipment + rewarding environment = best industry experience.
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Jeff LanterPresident/COOJeff LanterPresident/COO
Jeff’s innate ability to form a team of elite content creators and provide them with powerful, untold stories stems from two decades of experience as an Executive Producer and Showrunner. His background and unique skills helped launch Trailblazer Studios into unscripted programming. Along with overseeing all of the company’s strategic initiatives, Jeff manages the production department throughout all stages of production focusing on creative collaboration and client relations.
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Ashleigh DiTontoSVP DevelopmentAshleigh DiTontoSVP Development
Ashleigh leads our producers and creatives, developing original programming and digital content. Prior to Trailblazer Studios®, Ashleigh has served as a senior development executive working with various networks to sell, develop, and manage the creative of several series, including So You Think You’d Survive (Weather), Dancing Fools (ABC Family), and Win, Lose or Pawn (CMT). Ashleigh spent five years on the network side at E! and TLC, working on the development team of Cake Boss and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
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Eric JohnsonSVP Sound + EngagementEric JohnsonSVP Sound + Engagement
Eric heads up Sound and Engagement at Trailblazer Studios®. A champ of making connections, Eric’s enthusiasm creates magic for our people and projects. With his “sky-is-the-limit” outlook, Eric has grown Trailblazer Sound® from local shop to industry player and strives to position Trailblazer Studios® and North Carolina as a major production hub for content creators.
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Scott RoySVP Post ProductionScott RoySVP Post Production
With decades of experience as an editor, colorist & finishing artist, Scott now oversees day-to-day operations of Trailblazer Post®. Scott’s proven technical and creative experience allows him to lead, manage and develop a strong, diverse post team ensuring effective technical and creative workflows that ensure project success and client satisfaction.
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Kevin SookCFOKevin SookCFO
At Trailblazer Studios, we’re extremely proud of our award-winning creative work, but we also take great pride in how we operate as a company. As CFO, Kevin ensures that we can be equally proud of the financial management of the studio. Kevin’s experience includes accounting and HR roles at tech companies and a major university and we’re happy to have him as a member of the Trailblazer family.
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Tom WaringCEOTom WaringCEO
Tom subscribes to this simple business philosophy: Have a vision; get talented people; get the best gear; and get out of the way. This belief, along with creating a fun and welcoming environment, has become the foundation of Trailblazer Studios®, and the reason for its success. Before founding Trailblazer Studios®, he was CFO of Lyrick Corporation, the parent company of Barney the Dinosaur and Wishbone on PBS.
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Aaron FylerSound EngineerAaron FylerSound Engineer
A recent intern and rising star at Trailblazer, Aaron infuses his knowledge and skill in audio post-production, ranging from editing and sound design to mixing, to help bring television series and documentary films to completion. He’s always ready for a new challenge and to jump into the art of storytelling through dialogue, sound design and music.
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Abby MannMedia ManagerAbby MannMedia Manager
When she isn’t crafting customized media delivery or responding to IT requests, Abby is researching and developing the best practices for Trailblazer. She is always on the hunt for new, applicable ways to streamline workflow and utilize new technologies to make the lives of clients and fellow co-workers easier.
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Alan Maynard C.S.I.Editor/Colorist/Post-Production ManagerAlan Maynard C.S.I.Editor/Colorist/Post-Production Manager
When Alan sees raw footage it’s in a different way than most. His trained eye looks for ways to combine the essence of the story with the cinematic elements that makes the project feel completed. Through online editing, color correction and creative offline editing, Alan works closely with clients to ensure that their visions are matched by the final product.
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Anita HallbergPost/Sound CoordinatorAnita HallbergPost/Sound Coordinator
Anita is our Post and Sound coordinator. Working across departments she manages and facilitates workflows, asset transfers, and scheduling. She brings the same outgoing and industrious mindset to all her projects that she does when she’s busy climbing nearly all of the US State Highpoints, and we are so happy to have her on our team!
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Ashley FaisonExecutive ProducerAshley FaisonExecutive Producer
Ashley’s ability to manage multiple projects while overseeing producers, and editors stems from years of working in the Television industry. From Post-production Coordinating in NYC on Comedy Central’s Emmy Award Winning Inside Amy Schumer and Broad City to producing on a variety of series and agency related work, her experience and tireless dedication to her craft is why so many clients trust her with their visions.
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Aurelia BelfieldMusic Supervisor/Executive ProducerAurelia BelfieldMusic Supervisor/Executive Producer
Aurelia’s vibrant energy and expansive musical knowledge make her a go-to resource for producers, filmmakers, networks and creative agencies. In addition to music supervision, she is the point person for booking all things audio. She also handles voice over casting, podcast production, and maintains relationships with music composers, publishers and libraries.
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Chris Hall C.S.I.ColoristChris Hall C.S.I.Colorist
A strong believer in visual storytelling, Chris uses details of color and light to enhance and elevate his clients’ vision on the screen. Chis received his M.F.A. in Cinema and TV Production from USC and spent his first decade of work in Hollywood. His portfolio includes more than 50 feature films, such as Act of Valor and Rich Hill; international commercials for brands like Jaguar, Lexus and Mattel; and numerous television series.
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Christine MalliaPost SupervisorChristine MalliaPost Supervisor
Christine operates as a vital link between technical and creative departments, building and maintaining strong relationships with Trailblazer Studios’ largest clients and networks while ensuring no project falls through the cracks – no matter how small. Her passion for visual storytelling stems from her start in the niche world of underwater documentary film.
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Corin WarinnerPost CoordinatorCorin WarinnerPost Coordinator
Now a fixture within the post-production team, Corin comes to Trailblazer with more than a dozen years of experience in production and field coordination on reality programming and feature films. He serves as a liaison between the network and the production and post teams, coordinating long-form television, documentaries and pitch pieces.
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David ElderEditorDavid ElderEditor
David is a multifaceted editor. His experience in the field as a camera operator influences the way he crafts stories, paying close attention to details and story arcs. He enjoys the creative challenge of piecing together broad themes and framing vague ideas into coherent, impactful and emotion-driven sequences.
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David HillSR. SOUND ENGINEER/COMPOSERDavid HillSR. SOUND ENGINEER/COMPOSER
David Hill draws on his musical background to mix and record for television, film, advertising, ADR, and voiceovers. Also a gifted musician and composer, he has lent his talents to several projects, and produced his own albums, garnering him an ever growing fanbase. David got his start recording concerts and installing commercial sound systems in theaters and stadiums; his eclectic experience grants him the ability to take on nearly any kind of audio project with great success.
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Garye CostnerDirector/DPGarye CostnerDirector/DP
After over four decades in the industry, Garye is a wealth of knowledge for all things production. Whether it’s lighting gorgeous portraits, shooting wild animals, making sure you have just the right gear, or anything in between, Garye has it handled, all with a genuine attitude that is befitting of any work environment. If you’re looking for a go-to DP in the field or on set, you can’t go wrong.
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Ian JoseyOnline Assistant EditorIan JoseyOnline Assistant Editor
Boasting a robust portfolio across film, TV, digital and social media, Ian has expert knowledge of the technology that powers the video-production process. He helps deliver finished products to Trailblazer’s clients by working in tandem with the company’s colorists/online editors. Beyond the office, Ian spends his time brushing up on the newest filmmaking tech to stay ahead of the latest trends.
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Jeremy MullisDirector of TechnologyJeremy MullisDirector of Technology
From startups to major corporations, Jeremy has years of experience working with information and technology infrastructure. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Jeremy is our go to person for all things code, hardware, or software, making sure all of our data is as efficient and safe as can be.
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Katie GerdonOnline Editor/ColoristKatie GerdonOnline Editor/Colorist
A Trailblazer vet since 2015, Katie has moved seamlessly through the ranks of online where her penchant for visual storytelling really shines. With a background in photography and graphic design, Katie’s eye for detail, color, and light, serve as incredible assets. Her enthusiasm for the work and knowledge of all things online elevate every project she takes on.
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Kevin ShattuckSystems AdministratorKevin ShattuckSystems Administrator
Kevin elevates the role of “systems administrator” to new heights with his passion for smooth technical workflows that is akin to a director’s passion for storytelling. Kevin helps with technical infrastructure design and engineering, post-production workflow design, media asset management, and remote workflow design with a level of customer service that has producers and editors across the country raving.
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Mindy WhiteheadClient Relations ManagerMindy WhiteheadClient Relations Manager
Mindy is a Trailblazer veteran. Beginning her work with us in 1994 when we were still called Videofonics, before heading south to Georgia for a few years. Not long after, she made her way back up to the City Of Oaks and found herself managing the operations of an orthodontics office until she got the call once again to be a part of the Trailblazer team. You can catch Mindy at the front desk, making sure every day goes smoothly for our clients and staff.
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Shawn Pinner C.S.I.Online Editor, ColoristShawn Pinner C.S.I.Online Editor, Colorist
All the way from the West Coast, Shawn joined the Trailblazer Studios crew in 2014. A Mississippi native, Shawn has a wealth of experience in many artistic fields: music, theatre, independent filmmaking, and screenwriting. He is a gifted online editor/colorist who can really punch up a project and make it shine! For each client, he brings his passion for creating and insight for storytelling, so each project can reach its fullest potential.
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Willie Elias Rivera, CASDir. of Audio Post/Sr. Sound MixerWillie Elias Rivera, CASDir. of Audio Post/Sr. Sound Mixer
Willie has a vast knowledge, stemming from years of experience in the ad agency world, as a DJ, music producer, and as an Emmy-nominated sound mixer/designer. A native of Puerto Rico and a music/sound veteran, Willie will bring his distinctive style, flair and personality to any project and will make sure your vision is flawlessly executed.
We want to hear from you.
Have general questions? Big ideas? Superior skills? We’re interested.
Have a seat. Grab a drink. Let’s catch up.
