Our Team.
The People of Blacksail, the best crew in the world for all of your marketing, advertising or video production needs.
Sam
Owner / Executive Producer
My name is Sam Schwartz, Owner & CEO of Blacksail Productions. My vision has always been to produce movies and content that make a difference in people’s lives.
My love for filmmaking all started when I was 14 and I picked up my first skateboard. I was so enveloped in the culture that I wanted to capture it in some way, so I picked up my first camera to go along with it. My love for action branched out into the automotive space, and the rest is history.
Wes
DP / Camera Operator
New Jersey raised and New York made. There’s an art to everything and efficient ways to operate. I have a storied past working staff on national television shows.
When I was young I bought my first camera and began filming my friends learn to skateboard. I developed many skills that would benefit me later, such as fast reactions, quick thinking, and being prepared for any scenario. Working quickly and never missing a shot are absolutely essential in filmmaking.
Alec
Director of Photography
I'm Alec Nguyen, born and raised in LA and now residing in NYC. I started off as a photographer 11 years ago for the same reason a lot of others did, capturing moments.
I slowly branched into all other types of photography and cinematography. With time, I’ve focused more on small business campaigns and commercials. My goal is to always bring authentic ideas to the table and make sure my work is always raw, relatable, fun and genuine within the crew.
Nick
Creative Director / Head of Post Production
Hello my name is Nick, and I am an accountant. My journey through the production industry has been quite unexpected. Having spent 5 years and 3 kidneys on a college education,
I learned exactly what I didn’t want to be doing for the rest of my life… accounting. My childhood love for cinema & gaming pushed me to learn the art of storytelling, immersion and cinematic excellence. This passion led me to a wedding studio where I the techniques I learned grew into a style of my own. This eventually lead me to a seat as Blacksail Quartermaster.
Neo
Motion Designer
What started as a study in Fine Arts transitioned to graphic design when I moved to the US. I'm what you might call the Lithuanian Army knife for our clients - serving as a photographer,
cinematographer, editor & graphic designer. I have also worked on docuseries as well as film sets. I thrive in environments that are ambiguous and fast-paced that require teams to deliver a mission through all means of creativity. I am driven by finding beauty in the roughest & most obscure of places and in crafting stories from what might seem like inconsequential moments.
Antonio
Camera Operator
As a young child I've always expressed my creative side. Whether it was playing piano, or making videos of my friends playing soccer. I started photography when I was 15 assisting.
Realizing my passion I would grow into different aspects of photography by shooting sporting events, weddings, and portraits. At 19 I started to photograph cars and develop a reputation for creative edits. I would later graduate to filmography which led me to Blacksail where I am surrounded by talent that make everyday a pleasant work experience.
Zach
Director / Camera Operator
“I’m Zachary Fredette a filmmaker and race car driver through and through. Since high school I’ve honed my filmmaking skills, working on commercials, short films, and everything in-between.
As a Racer driver I’ve developed a keen sense of precision and speed. Whether behind the camera or wheel, I always strive to give my all and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Taylor
Drone Operator
As a Canadian native, I started as an automotive photographer. Fast cars, flashy paint, and the roars of the engines were the only forms of excitement in such a cold and desolate place.
From here I learned event coverage, lighting, client relations, and most importantly GRIT. My love for the cars grew so did my love for production. Creating content became an addiction that I knew I needed to keep feeding. Since I have shot weddings, music videos, ads, and events, joining Blacksail took my love for video to the next level.
Ryan Sniffen
Head of Sound
Ryan Sniffen is an Astoria, Queens based NYC Production Sound Mixer, originally from Westchester County, NY. I’ve had the privilege to work on TV, Film and Documentary Productions all around the country.
From here I learned event coverage, lighting, client relations, and most importantly GRIT. My love for the cars grew so did my love for production. Creating content became an addiction that I knew I needed to keep feeding. Since I have shot weddings, music videos, ads, and events, joining Blacksail took my love for video to the next level.
