Mile High Films

Concept

Race to the Clouds with Robb Holland is a three-episode documentary series I directed for MAVTV and RACER TV, capturing the intensity, culture, and danger of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The creative goal was to bring a “Drive to Survive” sensibility to one of America’s most iconic and least understood races. We set out to follow Denver driver Robb Holland as he attempted to break the ten-minute barrier—a benchmark achieved by only a select few in the hill climb’s 100-plus-year history. To tell that story, the series blends character-driven documentary filmmaking with the raw spectacle of high-altitude motorsport.

Execution

We covered months of preparation, from early testing and mechanical development to dawn practices high on the mountain. Production required two parallel approaches: a high-end documentary crew capturing vérité drama, and a racing-specific unit outfitted with drones, in-car cameras, FPV systems, and long-lens coverage to film in extreme weather and thin air. I directed both the visual narrative and the interview structure, ensuring the show kept its focus on Robb’s mindset, team culture, and the escalating stakes as race day approached.
Post-production leaned heavily on a cinematic tone—dynamic pacing, atmospheric sound design, and a color palette that blended motorsport grit with the natural majesty of Pikes Peak. Each episode was built around commercial breaks while maintaining narrative momentum, creating a broadcast-ready structure without sacrificing emotional depth.

Results

Race to the Clouds aired nationally on MAVTV and across RACER TV’s digital platforms, giving audiences unprecedented access to one of the world’s most challenging races. The series expanded awareness of both the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and Robb Holland’s historic attempt, while establishing Mile High Films as a leading production partner for high-pressure motorsports storytelling. The project also strengthened our ongoing relationship with RACER and helped position our team for future long-form automotive and action-sports work. For Mile High Films, RTTC stands as a signature example of cinematic nonfiction storytelling—combining narrative clarity, technical precision, and rare behind-the-scenes access to a legendary motorsports event.

Concept

A Dog’s Love Is Like No Other is an emotional, adoption-focused campaign I directed for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. The goal was to create three heartfelt spots that would encourage viewers to adopt shelter pets by showing the quiet, everyday ways animals enrich our lives. Instead of relying on voiceover, we built each piece around visual storytelling—capturing small, intimate interactions that reveal the bond between people and their pets. The creative approach centered on sincerity, warmth, and a sense of shared humanity.

Execution

Working closely with a professional animal talent agency, we cast three trained dogs with distinct personalities and matched them with stories that played to their strengths. Pre-production focused on close communication with the trainer, ensuring each action was both achievable and authentic on camera. I shaped the narrative beats to highlight emotion without sentimentality, using natural light, simple blocking, and gentle camera movement to keep the focus on each dog’s performance.
Because the campaign also featured a child actor in one spot, we relied on clear planning, patient direction, and carefully paced setups to ensure performances felt genuine. The combination of trained dogs, a young performer, and tight schedules demanded a calm, collaborative set environment—one grounded in trust between director, trainer, and crew. In post-production, we leaned into a clean, warm grade and subtle sound design to reinforce the campaign’s message.

Results

The campaign was widely embraced by the client and community, helping drive awareness around adoption and showcasing the emotional impact of shelter pets. A Dog’s Love Is Like No Other went on to win a Heartland Emmy, further establishing Mile High Films as a leader in compassionate, story-driven PSA work. The project strengthened our ongoing partnerships with animal welfare organizations and demonstrated the power of cinematic, performance-based storytelling in the nonprofit space. For Mile High Films, the campaign remains one of our most meaningful examples of creating emotional resonance through simple, human moments.

Concept

Historic Old Town Scottsdale is a tourism campaign I directed to showcase the character, culture, and visual identity of one of Arizona’s most iconic districts. The creative goal was to capture the neighborhood’s blend of Western heritage and modern vibrancy, inviting viewers to experience Old Town as a place where history, art, food, and community intersect. We set out to build a cinematic portrait that would appeal to both residents and visitors by highlighting the textures, colors, and personalities that define the area.

Execution

We filmed throughout Old Town’s distinct neighborhoods—Arts District, Civic Center, Entertainment District, and the historic corridors that give the area its recognizable charm. I shaped the visual approach around rich natural light, warm color palettes, and fluid camera movement to evoke both authenticity and a sense of discovery. Coverage included storefronts, galleries, restaurants, local artisans, and architectural details that connect Scottsdale’s past to its present.
To give the piece rhythm and emotional warmth, we blended lifestyle moments with more intentional, composed imagery. This included working with local talent to create natural interactions, capturing spontaneous street life, and using carefully timed golden-hour sequences to emphasize the district’s unique atmosphere. In post-production, we refined the pacing to feel inviting and energetic, supported by a clean grade that preserved the Southwest’s distinctive tones.

Results

The campaign was embraced by Scottsdale’s tourism team for its elevated look and strong sense of place. It helped promote the district across digital and visitor-focused platforms, offering an engaging visual introduction to Old Town’s cultural offerings. The project also further solidified Mile High Films’ relationship with regional agencies and visitor bureaus, demonstrating our ability to create polished, destination-focused content that balances authenticity with cinematic appeal. Historic Old Town Scottsdale continues to serve as a showcase piece for our tourism and lifestyle work, highlighting how thoughtful directing and strong visuals can bring a community’s identity to life.

Concept

Symphonic Sketches is a cinematic branding piece I directed for the Scottsdale Philharmonic to celebrate the emotion, craftsmanship, and communal spirit of orchestral performance. The goal was to create a visually driven film that captures what makes live symphonic music so transformative—its blend of discipline, passion, and human connection. Rather than focusing on a single concert, we set out to create a lyrical portrait of the orchestra itself, highlighting the artistry and dedication behind every performance.

Execution

We filmed during rehearsals, backstage preparations, and live performance moments to portray the orchestra in its most authentic environment. I shaped the visual language around fluid camera movement, rich close-ups, and carefully composed wides that reveal both the intimacy and the scale of the ensemble. The cinematography emphasized textures—the glide of a bow, the metallic shimmer of brass, the quiet breath before a conductor’s downbeat.
Lighting was designed to feel warm and dramatic, allowing the musicians’ expressions to carry emotional weight. In parallel, we used slow-motion and selective focus to elevate key moments, giving viewers a fresh perspective on familiar instruments. Post-production centered on rhythm and tone: disciplined cuts that matched the music’s phrasing, a refined color grade with deep contrast, and a sound mix that respected the orchestra’s dynamic range. Every choice was made to convey the elegance and intensity of symphonic performance without overwhelming it.

Results

Symphonic Sketches became a signature promotional piece for the Scottsdale Philharmonic, used across digital platforms and community outreach efforts to broaden the orchestra’s visibility and connect with audiences new and old. The film helped highlight the organization’s professionalism and artistic quality, reinforcing its role as a cultural cornerstone in the region. For Mile High Films, the project demonstrated our ability to bring cinematic storytelling to performing-arts clients—capturing not only the beauty of the music but the humanity of the musicians who create it.

Concept

Leak Alerts is a water-conservation PSA campaign I directed to help homeowners recognize hidden leaks before they become costly emergencies. The goal was to deliver a clear, actionable message that could reach a broad audience across digital and broadcast platforms. We centered the creative approach on quick visual clarity: simple scenarios, clean graphics, and direct, community-focused language that empowers viewers to take preventative action. The campaign needed to be both educational and accessible, offering a concise reminder of how small leaks can lead to significant water loss.

Execution

Our team designed each spot around a mix of live-action coverage and motion-graphics reinforcement. I structured the scenes to demonstrate real-world warning signs—running toilets, dripping fixtures, unexpected water usage spikes—while keeping the visuals bright, uncluttered, and easy to follow. Working with the client’s conservation team, we refined the technical accuracy of each message so the information was trustworthy and immediately useful.
To maintain momentum across short runtimes, we used controlled pacing, precise shot choices, and a restrained animation style that kept the focus on the homeowner’s perspective. Graphics were deliberately minimal to avoid distraction, instead providing clean overlays, callouts, and indicators that supported the narrative. In post-production, we emphasized clarity through color consistency, sharp typography, and sound design that underscored the instructional tone without ever feeling heavy-handed.

Results

The Leak Alerts campaign was widely distributed across municipal websites, social channels, and regional water-conservation platforms, giving homeowners immediate tools to identify potential problems in their own homes. The client praised the spots for their directness, technical accuracy, and ability to communicate essential information in a compact, engaging format. The project reinforced Mile High Films’ reputation for delivering high-quality PSAs that combine community impact with strong technical execution. It also strengthened our ongoing partnerships with regional water agencies, demonstrating how thoughtful filmmaking can support public-service messaging and real-world behavior change.

Concept

Our Fire Family is an Emmy-winning documentary-style campaign I directed to honor the firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and support staff who make up the broader fire-service community. The concept was built around authenticity—capturing the humanity, sacrifice, and everyday resilience of the people who serve. Instead of leaning on staged heroism, we set out to create an intimate portrait of the individuals behind the uniform, highlighting their commitment to each other and to the residents they protect.

Execution

We filmed across multiple stations and training environments, documenting real calls, drills, and quiet in-between moments that reveal who these professionals are when the sirens fade. I approached each setup with a calm, observational style, using natural light, handheld movement, and close-up interviews to preserve emotional honesty. Our conversations focused on vulnerability, teamwork, and the personal stories that shape a life in public service.
To complement the vérité footage, we incorporated cinematic B-roll—sparks in welding bays, gear preparation, early-morning station routines, and night-shift transitions—to give the piece rhythm and visual texture. Post-production emphasized clarity and restraint, pairing clean color grading with a grounded soundscape. The campaign’s tone remained reverent, warm, and unforced, allowing the subjects’ voices to carry the message.

Results

Our Fire Family became a signature project for the department and earned a Heartland Emmy for its human-centered storytelling. The campaign strengthened public appreciation for the fire-service community and provided the client with a powerful recruitment and awareness tool. It also deepened Mile High Films’ long-standing partnerships with public-sector agencies, demonstrating our ability to handle sensitive, high-trust subject matter with respect and creative precision. For our team, Our Fire Family stands as one of our most meaningful works—an example of how documentary filmmaking can elevate everyday heroism through honest, cinematic storytelling.