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Q&A Blog header with Ralph

Say Hello to NMCO’s Lead Video Specialist Ralph Diaz

NMCO proudly presents Lead Video Specialist, Ralph Diaz. Ralph manages the NMCO video department. When Diaz isn’t leading the NMCO video team or NMCO video productions he’s curating his own artistic endeavors through creative, narrative film noir and portrait photography.

Q: What’s your origin story? When did you first pick up a camera and produce something creative?

Ralph Diaz (RD): I picked up my grandma’s camera when I was around 15 years old. My cousins became my subjects and we made short war movies, creating our own effects like blood squibs and using fireworks for explosions. Later, I got into stop motion animation when I found out that my family’s computer could take single images that could be sewn together. I would make claymation-style animations with action figures and toys. Later, in college I was pursuing animation, and picked up my first personal camera to take pictures of textures for 3d objects, and that re-ignited my interest in cameras and creating with them.

Q: What made you interested in pursuing film and photography as a career?

RD: I’ve always been into creating my own effects, with varied success, both practical and digital. And I think I realized how much you can get away with, the slight of hand–so to speak, of the camera, to make something look good with a bit of work and framing. I think I’m tied to creating things on film and through photography because it’s an avenue to create what you imagine. To produce something out of nothing. To bring to life a small representation of something that is completely made up inside your head.

Q: What inspires you?

RD: I think what inspires me most is how telling a story stimulates your sensory organs, how a story and the senses can also stimulate and influence your own thought and your perception. How you can come up with your own personal inspiration from watching something. And one of the best parts is having your own interpretation. It’s like you’re given input and the output is totally your own.

At NMCO, a lot of times we are given rudimentary instruction from a client and given creative freedom. And, in the end product, the best part is seeing the client’s response when you’ve taken their basic idea and ran with it, making it come to life in even more resolution than they could have imagined.

Q: What is your process for video production at NMCO?

RD: There are many facets to production especially for different projects, but basically, it is: Question, define, refine, script, shoot, adapt, and edit, and then maybe a little more refinement.

Q: How do you think videography and photography will adapt and change in the digital media age?

RD: Digital Media isn’t going away anytime soon. I can only see it becoming richer in terms of immersion, with virtual reality becoming more popular. I can see it becoming a mainstream thing in the future with a more personalized touch I suppose for each individual.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting in the film and photography industry?

RD: Do what you want, find inspiration and make it your own. Try new things, work with what you have. Get creative, and relish in the value of failure, while being humble to your successes.

Q: What’s on your videography/photography bucket list?

RD: I’m really having the itch to create something along the lines of experimental, surreal I suppose, whatever that may be. I really appreciate building set pieces or types of rigs for effects, something that utilizes those things.

Q: What are your favorite NMCO video productions or projects?

RD: My favorite productions are the ones I get to exercise my skills in animation, effects, practical prop building and video. Such as the Renaissance Fair promo, or the True Romantic music video for Ziemba, where I had the chance to build some of the props and create effects that really set that production off.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?

RD: I have been dabbling in 3D modeling and texturing for a bit now, and finally at a place where I feel comfortable incorporating those things into more of my work. So I expect the future holds more compositing and special effects into video.

Q: If you weren’t doing videography what other types of projects would you work on?

RD: Although I do really enjoy digital video and animation, I love to get my hands dirty. I like creating practical things for effects and camera rigs, just building things in general. I suspect I could do a fair bit of carpentry, just like my man Jesus.

NMCO Studio member, Kahlo

Kahlo

Door Greeter & Cookie Eater

Kahlo is our gentle, friendly, office pup! He loves his belly rubbed, sniffing absolutely everything, and hasn’t found a treat he wouldn’t eat! Be sure to say hi, he loves the attention!

NMCO Studio member, Kelsey

Kelsey Gentile

Web Specialist

Once those websites are complete, Kelsey is our web maintenance manager. From regular updates, security checks, and content updates, Kelsey keeps our websites running smoothly, secure, and in tip-top shape.

NMCO Studio member, Annakat

Anna Kat Hollis

Senior Web Developer

Anna Kat is the driving force behind NMCO’s web development endeavors. With a sharp intellect, unwavering efficiency, and a keen eye for goals, she is the go-to expert for crafting everything from sleek landing pages to nationally acclaimed e-commerce sites. Anna Kat not only serves as your trusted web developer guide but also, if you look closely, you’ll notice she’s always impeccably color-coordinated with NMCO’s brand – a true testament to her attention to detail and commitment to the company’s image.

Zac Wittstruck

Animator

If you’re needing quality animation, Zac is your guy! Motion graphics, custom character rigging, and 2D animation are some of Zac’s specialties. Zac always wears a smile and is truly one of the nicest people you’ll meet. When Zac isn’t whipping out great animations, he plays bass guitar for a local jazz band! What a cool cat!

NMCO Studio member, Arron

Aaron Walterscheid

Video Specialist & Cinematographer

Meet Aaron, NMCO’s “Silent Assassin.” Despite his quiet demeanor, Aaron is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to videography, editing, color grading, drone operation, lighting, and crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. His remarkable talent and expertise shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on every project he touches.

NMCO Studio member, Sam

Sam Palm

Video Specialist & Photographer

Meet Sam, our resident photographer extraordinaire, who effortlessly transitions into the roles of Director of Photography, editor, color specialist, and an all-around Jack-of-all-trades. With an innate talent for capturing picture-perfect moments, Sam’s versatility knows no bounds. Beyond the camera, you’ll find him cruising the Southwest, embracing life to the fullest. Oh, and did we mention he boasts a head of truly great hair? 

NMCO Studio member, Ralph

Ralph Diaz

Senior Video Specialist

Don’t confuse Ralph with Academy Award-winning actor Johnny Depp. Although there’s a close resemblance, Ralph is much more talented behind the camera. He’s done it all from VFX to animation, to producing, directing, and editing some of our most memorable productions. It also should come as no surprise that he’s mastered the technical and practical aspects of videography, giving him the nickname, “The Doctor.”

NMCO Studio member, Dana

Dana Apodaca

Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director

Dana’s journey with NMCO has been nothing short of impressive, starting as a design intern and progressing to become a designer who now plays a pivotal role in assisting with art direction. Her dedication keeps our graphics department on track and ensures our processes are efficient and business-ready. Dana’s knack for creating identity systems has resulted in some of our most recognized work. And, if you’re fortunate enough to listen in, she’s consistently voted the best playlist in the studio.

NMCO Studio member

Dawn Franco

Studio Manager

With a background in journalism, file archival and organization, Dawn is our client onboarding extraordinaire. From contract preparation, to project management, account direction, and reporting, Dawn stirs the pot for most productions, making sure it’s served hot and on time.

NMCO Studio Co founder, Lucky

Lucky Gonzalez

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

When you have a wealth of creative content, you need someone like Lucky with 18 years of business experience to guide you on where to put it. He’s our media placement guru, with the expertise and know-how to maximize your impact. Whether it’s digital banner ads or broadcast TV, Lucky can take any budget and transform it into impressions and conversions. He’s dedicated to finding solutions for your unique challenges, making him an invaluable asset to our team.

NMCO Studio member, Tina

Christina Ballew

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Tina, as a co-founder of NMCO, has been on a relentless mission to redefine creative services in the southwest. Building a creative studio from the ground up was a formidable challenge, but her vision and determination have transformed NMCO into a beacon of professionalism and innovation, known for its people-centric approach and out-of-the-box thinking. While she’s taken on nearly every role in the studio, Tina’s next ambition is nothing short of global. She’s poised to take on the world with her creative endeavors.