Salvador Pantoja
Video Director & Video Operations Strategist
Building smarter, faster video workflows with AI and cloud technology.
View My WorkAbout 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

DLA Piper Pro Bono – A Commitment to Fighting Hunger
Partnering with the DLA Piper Pro Bono team, I directed, wrote, and edited this film to highlight their vital work in the fight against hunger.

Case Study: Cloud-Based Production Workflow
I spearheaded the migration of our post-production to the cloud, designing and enabling a fully remote and shared workspace that significantly boosted team efficiency and creative capabilities

DLA Piper: The AI Chatroom Series
For this conversational video series, I co-produced and sourced the vendor in partnership with DLA Piper. The series explores the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence on today's business landscape.

DLA Piper: The Impact Series
I co-produced and edited this series in partnership with the DLA Piper Communications team. The videos share powerful stories about the firm's work with their clients and communities.

Asia Society: Weaponizing the Belt and Road
I partnered with the Asia Society Policy Institute to co-write, produce, and edit this explainer on the military and geostrategic dimensions of China's Belt and Road Initiative, based on the findings of their new report.

Asia Society Museum: 'Unknown Tibet' Exhibition Preview
I wrote, animated, and edited this video for the Asia Society Museum to promote their 'Unknown Tibet' exhibition. The piece was featured on the front page of the New York Times website.

Asia Society Museum: 'No Limits' Exhibition Film
I worked with the Asia Society Museum to produce this video about the 'No Limits: Zao Wou-Ki' exhibition.

ASPCA: Coconut, the Viral Puppy
I directed and edited this viral video about Coconut the puppy, which attracted over 1 million YouTube views in four months and was later adapted into a national TV commercial for the ASPCA.

ASPCA: A Second Chance
I produced, directed, co-filmed, and edited this short documentary for the ASPCA. The film chronicles the Bronx Dog Fighting Raid — July 2012, following the rescued dogs from the day of the raid to their journey toward recovery and adoption.

ASPCA: National Fundraising Commercial
I co-produced this national TV commercial for the ASPCA's fight against dog fighting. My concept involved a candid interview with CEO Matt Bershadker, capturing the organization's authentic passion and commitment to ending animal cruelty.

TOLO-TV: U.S. & Afghanistan Documentary Series
I directed a six-person crew for this $18,000 documentary series on social issues in the U.S. and Afghanistan. The series was produced for and aired on Afghanistan's TOLO-TV.
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