Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Dooghan
Hi Tyler , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my film career at Northwest Nazarene University, where I earned a degree in Mass Communications. During my time there, we focused deeply on storytelling. We were taught that while technology and camera equipment may constantly evolve, the fundamentals of storytelling would always remain essential. After graduating, I began working as a content creator for Dutch Bros Coffee, which was my introduction to the corporate world, balancing creativity with brand identity.
Following that, I joined a small production company in Southern Oregon called Novum Visuals. We were a tight-knit team, and working there meant constantly wearing multiple hats, from cinematography to editing, and learning how to manage various aspects of production. I eventually moved back to my hometown of Bremerton, Washington, for a year, where I immersed myself in sharpening my craft, focusing on improving my skills and technical expertise.
In the fall of 2019, I got a position as a multimedia coordinator with Semester at Sea, an international study abroad program. This role took me on an incredible journey across 14 different countries aboard a ship. During the voyage, I was responsible for producing, shooting, and editing nine distinct projects—all while on board and with tight deadlines. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career to date.
After completing my time with Semester at Sea, I made the move to San Diego to focus on my freelance career. In 2021, I produced my first mini-documentary, *Break the Record, Break the Stigma*, a film featuring three ultra-runners sharing their experiences with mental health challenges. The documentary’s goal was to promote awareness and acceptance of mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. I’m incredibly proud of this project, as it was selected for 12 film festivals globally, winning Best of Show at the Paramount Film Festival and Best Short Documentary Cinematography at the West Sound Film Festival.
Additionally, I served as director of photography for a short documentary titled *All I Can*, directed by my good friend Maxwell Moser. Currently, I continue freelancing and have been working with San Diego Wave FC and San Diego FC, a dream come true for me as a lifelong soccer fan. I’ve accomplished a lot so far, but I truly believe this is just the beginning of my journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been a lot of challenges along the way. One of the biggest is defining my worth as a creative professional. In this industry, particularly as a freelancer, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly trying to validate yourself—not just to potential clients, but to yourself as well. I don’t think people always understand how hard creatives work. There’s often this misconception that we just show up, hold up the camera, and press record, but the reality is so much more complex. There’s planning, storytelling, lighting, editing, color grading, sound design, and so many other technical and creative decisions that go into even the smallest project.
This lack of understanding can feel defeating at times. It can lead to moments where you question why you got into this industry in the first place. The constant pressure to prove your value—both in terms of creativity and compensation—can be exhausting. There’s this ongoing struggle to make sure you’re being paid fairly for your skills and efforts while also keeping your passion alive.
One thing I’ve learned through all of this, though, is how important it is to handle rejection. In this field, it’s inevitable. Whether it’s a client passing on your pitch or a project not turning out the way you envisioned, you’ll face disappointment. And as much as it’s hard not to take that personally, you have to find a way to push forward. It’s crucial to keep your head up and keep moving, even when things feel uncertain.
I’ve come to understand that this career path isn’t just a sprint or even a marathon—it’s an ultra-marathon. It’s about endurance, resilience, and understanding that the journey will have its ups and downs. The key is to keep taking one step at a time, learning from every experience, and remembering why you started in the first place. Passion and persistence will always be your driving forces in this creative life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve worked on nearly every type of video imaginable, from social media content and commercials to corporate videos and mini-documentaries. I often describe myself as a Swiss Army knife in filmmaking, adapting to whatever the project requires. But recently, I’ve felt a pull toward something more specific—long-form storytelling, particularly in sports.
There’s something powerful about the narratives that unfold in the athletic world. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the personal journeys, the resilience, and the sacrifices athletes make to get there. Moving forward, I want to dive deeper into these stories, creating longer, more cinematic documentaries that explore the human side of sports. It’s an exciting direction, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s not a single memory, but more of a tradition. Every weekend, I’d visit my grandmother, Nana, and we’d always stop at Blockbuster on the way. I’d spend time picking out one, two, or sometimes three movies, and the excitement of choosing what world I’d get lost in next was the best part. I loved the whole experience—the freedom to pick whatever I wanted, the anticipation, and then settling in at her house to watch. Those weekends sparked my early love for film and storytelling, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tylerdooghan.com
- Instagram: tylerdooghan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tylerdooghan
