Focos
These are the career stories of diverse individuals working in a variety of careers. Watch or read about what inspired them to pursue their career, what they were like growing up, what they love most about their career and more!
Kenny Smith, a D.C. native, is a Writer, Producer, Director living in Los Angeles. With over twenty years in the entertainment business, he’s worked on more than a few shows including Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Game, Marlon, and is currently running ABC’s hit show Black-ish. If you can’t tell from his list of credit, Kenny has an affinity for comedy and is considered to be very funny by everyone, except his own kids.
Who/what influenced or inspired you to become a Writer/Producer/Director?
There were a lot of people who influenced me and things that inspired me along the…
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Raymundo Vizcarra has been the Redondo Union High School (RUHS) band director for four-and-a-half years. Before coming to RUHS, he was Band Director at Westchester High and at Fairfax High School. As band director at RUHS, Vizcarra is responsible for two jazz band classes, three concert band classes, the school’s marching band, pit orchestra, drumline and a number of other smaller ensembles. Under his direction, the Redondo Union marching band has performed in their circuit’s Grand Championships for the last three years, the advanced jazz band class has won festival sweepstakes two…
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MAIP Year: 2014
Title, Company: Visual Designer, Huge
Stephanie Corona is a visual designer based out of Chicago, IL. She recently made the jump to the digital world of design, and currently works with Huge on the McDonald's account. Previously she's gotten to work with on projects for Bayer, SC Johnson, Wrigley, and United Airlines. She has a background in advertising, infographics, presentations, and bookmaking.
Who/what influenced or inspired you to pursue design?
I was extremely lucky to attend a public high school that had a well-developed and well-funded arts…
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Magic A. Moreno, born in 1953, is a music producer, performer and educator. He has his own company, Magic Presence Studios. He became involved with the music industry thanks to his stage mom, who taught him violin at the age of four. He learned quickly, and just two years later performed at a competition at The Hollywood Bowl. At the age of eight he joined the Mitchell Singing Boys choir alongside his brother, Gerard. During his five years with the choir, Moreno traveled across three continents. He learned about several religious philosophies from the group’s leader…
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Intrigued by sound even as a child, James LeBrecht knew from the start what field he belonged to. As a high schooler and a college student, James was greatly interested in theater, and used his talents with audio to become the lead sound designer for several theatrical performances. After college he took his talents another step forward by opening Berkeley Sound Artists where he records, edits, and mixes the audio for television, film, and games.
Tell me your story - where do you come from in the world of Audio?
I grew up back on the east coast, just North of New York city. I…
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MAIP Year: 1991
Title, Company: UX Content Lead, Allstate
Clifton Simmons II has worked as an advertising copywriter for over 25 years, working on many major brands – Chevy, Chrysler, Coke, McDonald's and more. He's created many award-winning campaigns in event, experiential and digital marketing. Clifton has used that experience to transition into UX content strategy, developing mobile applications.
Who/what influenced or inspired you to pursue advertising?
My people of my generation credit Darren Stevens of TV's Bewitched as an influence. For me, it was Tom…
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