I’m a Los Angeles–based editor, producer, creative director and photographer whose fascination with images, music, and storytelling began early in life.

I immigrated to the United States from Moscow with my family when I was 11. Inspired by the opportunities I saw around me, I turned my love of music into a mobile DJ business at just 12 years old. What began as a kid hauling speakers to local parties and school dances grew into an in-demand company serving clients throughout the New York tri-state area.

I spent 13 years as a DJ, learning how to read an audience, build energy and shape an emotional experience. Those years gave me a strong instinct for rhythm, pacing and timing, which continues to define my work today. DJing ultimately led me to discover my passion for editing, photography and creating visual stories.

Early on, I thought I wanted to become a director. But after spending time on numerous television sets, I noticed that many of the strongest directors understood editing first. That realization made me want to master the craft of editing before stepping more fully into directing. Learning how story, performance, music, pacing and emotion come together in the edit has shaped the way I approach every project—whether I’m behind the camera, leading a creative team or building the final piece.

While studying communications and advertising in college, I landed an internship at RSA Films, Ridley Scott Associates, one of the world’s leading commercial production companies. One of the most memorable parts of that experience was spending more than two weeks directly by Ridley Scott’s side while he scouted locations for American Gangster in New York City. After graduating magna cum laude, I moved to New York City to begin my editorial career, working on music videos, television promos and national commercials. Moving into the city also meant leaving the DJ business behind—mostly because I no longer had anywhere to store all the equipment and couldn’t stay up all night working the night clubs before my days in the edit bay.

In 2010, I moved to Los Angeles to join CBS. Since then, I’ve created work for NBC, ABC, Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video and many other networks and global brands. My experience spans network television, documentary, branded content, television show and film development, comedy, music, fashion, luxury, automotive and live events. I’ve also worked directly with senior network executives to develop, shape and present new television concepts and creative projects.

My work has earned five Clio Awards and three National Daytime Emmy® Awards from six nominations for producing and editing. I’m also the founder and Creative Director of Beyond The Light, a production company creating visual content nationally across entertainment, fashion, luxury, travel and automotive.

Whether I’m editing a documentary, developing a television concept, producing and directing a campaign, capturing compelling imagery or shaping a fast-paced broadcast package, I bring the same instincts I developed behind the DJ booth: rhythm, emotion, momentum and an understanding of how to hold an audience’s attention. I am also an FAA Part-107 Commercial certified drone pilot.

Outside of work, I graduated from the New Jersey Fire Academy and spent several years serving as a volunteer firefighter. I’m also a certified skipper and have sailed large sailboats and catamarans in different parts of the world. I’m married to a talented celebrity fashion stylist, and together we are raising our two boys in Los Angeles.

-Stas