A Career at a Crossroads Becomes a Life Lived with Passion

The year was 1984. Amadeus walked away with eight Academy Awards, including one for best picture, MTV was in its infancy, Miami Vice had burst on the scene as a popular new series, and my career was at a crossroads.

I was a pharmacy technician stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Miami, Florida, about to end my enlistment as a Senior Airman, and entertaining second thoughts about my decision to enroll in the College of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University.

As luck would have it, one of my colleagues in the pharmacy was a retired Lt. Colonel. One day I found myself discussing questions about the future with him. The wisdom he shared with me that day changed my life forever.

The Lt. Colonel asked what I liked to do in my spare time. I told him that I enjoyed watching television and going to movies. He mentioned a book he wanted to give me entitled, Making Movies with Super 8 mm. Then he said something I will never forget, “You only have a few chances to completely change directions in your life and follow your dreams.”

As I read through the book the Lt. Colonel gave me, I could feel a spark of interest ignite into a roaring fire of passion for moviemaking. I picked up the Ohio State course catalog, determinedly flipped past the pharmacy courses, and headed straight for the School of Photography and Cinema section. I knew I was on the right path, and I haven’t looked back since.

Fast forward and the year is now 2010. I am so grateful to a retired Lt. Colonel in Florida who took the time to guide my decision making when I was at a crossroads. I’ve enjoyed an amazing journey -- living with passion, giving people a voice, and helping them tell their stories.

Along the way, I’ve enjoyed working with many talented industry people across the country, owned production companies that have been successful on many different levels, traveled to all 50 states, and visited numerous countries overseas.

I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a well-known and diverse client list. I have worked on feature films, documentaries, commercials, reality TV shows, and every type of corporate communication imaginable.

Even though the world of filmmaking has changed since I first read that book 26 years ago, my fascination and passion for the process never will.

A Unique Combination of Education, Skills & Experience
Director / Director of Photography (2004 to Present) | Owner, LeeRaye Films, Columbus, Ohio
Director / Director of Photography (2001 to 2004) | Partner, Ozone Studios, Columbus, Ohio
Film and video project development & post production company
Producer / Director / Director of Photography (1991 to 2001) | Partner, Sabbath.Sells.Pictures, Columbus, Ohio
Full service film and video production company
Senior Director of Photography (1985 to 1991)| Mills James Productions, Columbus, Ohio
Full-service film and video production company
The Ohio State University (1984 to 1986) | Photography and Cinema Department