Graduate Shawn Seeger Discusses Working at ESPN

We sat down to speak with Shawn Seeger, a graduate who is now working at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut.

When asked what it is like working at ESPN, Shawn replied,

“It is a great job. I definitely have a lot of fun working here.”

Shawn has a diverse background in the industry, and didn’t begin as a steadicam operator. He elaborated,

“I fell into it. I graduated from The Los Angeles Film School after majoring in sound design and minoring in video editing.”

Shawn’s climb through ESPN had humble beginnings. Shawn knew that his perseverance and passion for the industry would result in him working in the field he wanted to be in.

“I took a security position at first because it was difficult to get into ESPN, and networked my way up from there. I actually started working with TV cameras, and then moved into the audio department. After doing that for a while, I was doing audio and video at the same time. Since then, I have worked as a jib operator, and since then have picked up Steadicam operation.”

Celebrating his 7 years at ESPN, Shawn continued,

“Film is my first love, but I wanted to become part of a great company. Now I have a wife, kids and in-laws, and have the ability to take care of my family.”

We asked Shawn how his experience at The Los Angeles Film School prepared him for a career in the industry. He responded,

“The Los Angeles Film School provided me with the confidence to know what I really wanted to do. The school was great. The 12-month session was great. I was able to do mixing, and that helped me immensely when I began mixing Sports Center and other ESPN programs that we have. The Los Angeles Film School opened up new opportunities for me.”

Shawn has had the opportunity to work with many well-known actors and professional athletes while on the job. He remembered some of his favorite encounters.

“Every week we have celebrities coming in. A few days ago I was able to have a conversation with Kevin Costner. He was incredibly nice and wanted to know about the steadicam rig, and other gear I was using for a shoot. Greg Olson was an incredibly gracious guest as well. I had the opportunity to meet with the Patriots after their Super Bowl win.”

Luckily, Shawn’s career continues to be a diverse and engaging one. He reported,

“I do something different every day.”

The steadicam system is complex, and few are fully certified to use it. Shawn discussed his enjoyment of using the technology,

“I love operating the Steadicam, and would love to do it for another 10 years. I’m also involved in the ESPN program “Leaders of Tomorrow” where we are building managerial skills for further career development.”

Shawn took a moment to talk about the impact that attending The Los Angeles Film School has had on him.

“If I had never gone to that school, I would never have owned a house or had a family right now.”

In closing, Shawn shared advice to future filmmakers.

“Be patient and persistent. I graduated in 2006, and didn’t get my job until 2008. Follow what you love to do. Do not quit.”

Congratulations to you on your many accomplishments, Shawn! We look forward to hearing about what you do next!