Freelance Videographer

An aspiring film director, David Markus of Beverly Hills, Calif., graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2007 and has interests in film production, editing, script writing and photography. His video, “Backseat Smart Driver,” won the $5000 grand prize in the Drive Smarter Challenge video contest. 

“I became interested in filmmaking senior year of high school after I took a film making class,” Markus says, “and from there I became a film major at University of Southern California.” His creativity shines through in his short video with two buddies getting fuel efficiency tips from a savvy “Smart Driver” perched in the back seat. He notes that full efficiency isn’t a new concept to him. “At an early age, “reveals Markus, “my father gave me tips to drive more efficiently — accelerate slowly, inflate tires — so when I started filming, I already knew most of the tips.

Freelance Script Reader

After graduating from University of Carolina Chapel Hill, Alec Wells moved west to Los Angeles, Calif. where he started a 4 member sketch comedy group that can be seen on Youtube.  His video, “Car Pooling”, received the second-place prize -- the VIP Indy Racing League Package including a ride in a two-seater bio diesel race car with a pro driver.

Wells loves to compete in video contests, especially ones that “he believes in” because he finds it easier to film and send a positive message to his audience.

Freelance Videographer/Photographer and Teachers Assistant

Arturo Morales is a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Film and Media Studies. He has been a part of such short films as Undocumented, Women, Lovers and Chucks: A Love Story. His video “Driving $mart: 3 Easy Tips,” finished 3rd and won him the VIP NASCAR Race Package.

To Morales, his ideas for video were “fairly spontaneous.” His love for film and photography has helped shape his passion for film production.

Marketing Director, Derema Group

Andy Anderson is no stranger to online video contests. He gets a lot of support from his family and says, “It’s a great family thing because my wife and kids get involved with the filming process.”  His video “Smarter GPS” video finished 4th and is the winner of the Transportation Efficiency Package which include a set of four tires for his vehicle.

When he heard about his prize he immediately called his actor. “It’s going to be hard to split the tires, “he chuckles, “but we will figure something out.” A graduate from New York University in 1989, Anderson currently resides in San Diego, Calif.