Salvador Pantoja

Video Director & Video Operations Strategist

Building smarter, faster video workflows with AI and cloud technology.

View My Work

About Me

As a hands-on director and operations leader, my passion is shaping a creative vision from concept to completion. I build the systems that let those ideas flourish, combining strategic planning with AI and cloud tech to scale teams and manage complex projects ($10k - $100k+). This approach has driven significant growth—like the 1,400% increase in video output I delivered for a key team. For me, operational excellence creates the space for creative innovation to thrive.

Selected Projects

Experience

Video Production Manager

DLA Piper | New York City – Full-time

05.2022-Present

  • Guided the video team's growth while co-managing projects up to $100k, including sourcing key production partners.
  • Increased output by 1,413% by implementing new systems, standards, and streamlined workflows.
  • Spearheaded migration to the cloud, enabling a fully remote and shared post-production workspace.
  • Pioneered web apps with IT to streamline workflows and enhance team efficiency.

Associate Director of Video Production

Asia Society | New York City – Full-time

06.2016-05.2022

  • Led the global video department, increasing the video audience by over 1,300% and earning a Silver Creator Award from YouTube.
  • Established operational standards across 13 global centers, managing all departmental functions, including staff, budget, and analytics.
  • Automated YouTube upload processes and analytics reporting using the YouTube Data API and Python.

Video Production Manager

ASPCA | New York City – Full-time

07.2012-06.2016

  • Produced, directed, and edited short-format advocacy documentaries, direct response TV commercials, PSAs, and internal communications videos.
  • Co-produced and filmed a nationally televised fundraising commercial that aired over 5,000 times and generated over 4,000 donors.
  • Directed and edited a viral video of Coconut the dog, earning 1M+ YouTube views in under four months.

Production Manager

Global Nomads Group | New York City – Full-time

04.2010-07.2012

  • Managed daily video operations, including writing, producing, shooting, directing, and editing educational video content.
  • Directed a six-person crew on an $18k documentary series about U.S. & Afghan social issues, aired on Afghanistan's TOLO-TV.

Skills

Project Management and Budgeting

  • Asana
  • Freedcamp
  • Spreadsheet automation

Multimedia Software

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • After Effects
  • Photoshop
  • Lightroom
  • Frame.io
  • iZotope RX

Multimedia Production Equipment

  • Canon and Sony cinema cameras
  • Advanced field and studio lighting and sound
  • DJI Drones, GoPros, and gimbals

Social Media and Analytics

  • YouTube Partner Program (Silver Creator Award)
  • Webcasting (Restream, OBS, multiplatform)
  • Google Analytics, Sprinklr, SEO, YouTube Data API

Computer and Web Development

  • HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • WordPress implementation and beginner Python automation
  • Basic IT networking, Raspberry Pi tinkering

AI

  • ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot
  • Veo3, Flow, Runway
  • Elevenlabs
  • Topaz AI

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sociology

City University of New York

New York, NY

Associate of Science in Film and Video Production

Full Sail University

Orlando, FL

Video Storytelling Ninja Certificate

National Press Photographers Association Multimedia Immersion Workshop

Syracuse, NY

Responsive Web Design Certificate

freeCodeCamp

JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Certificate (Pending)

freeCodeCamp

Get In Touch

Feel free to reach out for collaborations or inquiries.

Alternatively, you can contact me directly on LinkedIn