Who is Greg Monson from Jeopardy? How a Filmmaker Turned Complex Science and Fire Department Work Into Compelling Video
Some filmmakers focus on fiction.
Others specialize in advertising.
Greg Monson has built a career translating information and experiences into visual stories across a much wider range of subjects.
One project involved atmospheric chemistry.
Another professional chapter involves firefighters and public safety.
That variety makes the Portland-based Jeopardy! contestant much more than a conventional cameraman.
Contents
- 1 NYU Provided His Technical Foundation
- 2 The Sundance Channel Introduced Him to Television Programming
- 3 Post-Production Sharpened His Editing Skills
- 4 Lost Nomad Media Let Him Control the Whole Process
- 5 Pine Trees and Clouds Became a Documentary Subject
- 6 Portland Fire & Rescue Became Another Long-Term Challenge
- 7 Building a Better Studio Became Part of the Job
- 8 Monson’s Career Has Never Stayed in One Lane
NYU Provided His Technical Foundation
Monson studied filmmaking at New York University.
He earned his BFA in 2007.
While studying, he worked as a Teaching Soundstage Assistant.
That meant spending substantial time in real production environments while still completing his degree.
The Sundance Channel Introduced Him to Television Programming
Monson’s final university year included a Programming and Acquisitions internship with Sundance Channel.
The role gave him insight into how television companies select and organize content.
It complemented his production training by exposing him to the business and programming decisions behind what viewers eventually see.
Post-Production Sharpened His Editing Skills
After NYU, Monson worked at Stampede Post Production in Hollywood.
His role as Online Editor placed him near the end of the production process.
The job required precision.
A project that had already gone through development, shooting and creative editing still needed to be properly finished and delivered.
Lost Nomad Media Let Him Control the Whole Process
Monson founded Lost Nomad Media in 2011.
As owner and Head of Production, he was no longer responsible for just one step.
He could oversee projects from development through completion.
The company handled documentaries, web content, educational material and scientific communication.
Pine Trees and Clouds Became a Documentary Subject
One of the most fascinating Lost Nomad projects involved atmospheric research.
Scientists were studying terpenes emitted by pine forests and whether those molecules could contribute to cloud formation.
The science itself is complex.
Monson’s job was to help turn that research into a story understandable to non-specialists.
That is a very different skill from simply filming attractive imagery.
Portland Fire & Rescue Became Another Long-Term Challenge
Monson later applied his production skills to municipal government.
At Portland Fire & Rescue, he produces visual content involving personnel, ceremonies, public activities and operations.
Public-safety communication requires another approach again.
The work may need to be informative, professional, respectful and accessible to a broad audience.
Building a Better Studio Became Part of the Job
Monson helped develop the department’s own video-production capabilities.
A professional cyclorama allowed the studio to use seamless backgrounds and more sophisticated lighting setups.
The improvement effectively gave the fire department a more versatile in-house production environment.
Monson’s Career Has Never Stayed in One Lane
Scientific research.
Hollywood editing.
Municipal communications.
Independent documentary work.
They are very different environments, but all depend on understanding what matters in a story and how to communicate it visually.
That broad curiosity feels especially appropriate for someone competing on Jeopardy!.
