Photos by Ralph Freso
While most students find Shakespeare difficult to understand, Jackson Sturlin finds it entertaining.
He recalls his high school teacher passionately explaining to him the meaning, relevance and humor of Shakespearean English, which opened Sturlin’s eyes to how writing and storytelling can be captivating.
The experience led him to a lifetime of storytelling in production, broadcasting and TV directing that earned him two Emmy Awards. Now, he is Grand Canyon University’s Esports production manager.
“I have always loved writing,” Sturlin said. “I liked being able to write the narrative, and being in production is an extension of that. Falling in love with the behind-the-camera work meant I could storyboard it out.
“I could videotape content how I imagined it, bring it back, edit, really control the narrative the whole way through. Being able to convey an entire piece from start to end, I think the best way to do that for me was behind the camera.”
When the Arizona native had to choose a program to study at the University of Montana, journalism with an emphasis in television was an easy choice.
If it included screens, cameras and videotaping capabilities, Sturlin was hooked. But just taking classes was not enough. He hungered for hands-on experience.
An internship with ABC 15 as a college senior was the perfect opportunity to get a foot in the door, and before he knew it, years passed and Sturlin had become the senior director involved in all nighttime newscasts.
From cameras, teleprompters and info graphics to audio engineering and technical directing, his skillset rapidly evolved.
“It gave me the opportunity to touch and learn everything because we were a nonunion shop. My personal goal was to learn a new position every year.”
Like a snowball effect, opportunities continued to roll for Sturlin.
From San Diego’s XETV and Union-Tribune newspaper to ESPN, ABC15 Arizona, and even starting his own production company, Electrum Production, Sturlin has had his hands in major television and broadcast productions that have reached national crowds. Some of those broadcasts include the 2022 NFL Draft Party, Arizona Cardinals Countdown from 2014-2024, 16 annual Phoenix Children’s Telethons, APS Electric Light Parade, Fiesta Bowl Parade from 2014-2015 and more.
Frequent late nights, high stress and tireless hard work led to a Pacific Southwest Emmy Award for Best Newscast Director in 2008 and a second Emmy Award for Best San Diego Evening Newscast in 2009.
But it was feedback from his community that brought the most confirmation that he was creating impactful work.
“We used to joke that we are not doing brain surgery on TV, people's lives aren’t on the line because of what we do. But there was an instance when we were doing wildfire coverage, the massive 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire in Arizona.
“We were doing a news report, and afterward, someone whose hearing was impaired emailed us and said if it wasn’t for watching our newscast, they would’ve burned up. They had no idea the fire was reaching them, and they barely got out in time. Things like that make the biggest impact and make it worthwhile.”
After company layoffs, Sturlin was moved to start another company, Deep West, alongside a friend. They focused on reselling fine art.
But he could only stay away from production work for so long.
“I saw the opportunity with GCU Esports on LinkedIn and was reading through the criteria and thought, ‘Wait a minute, I match all these.’ I went online and watched some of their streams. I thought it was great. It’s high energy, it’s fun, it’s sports and video gaming, so it just checked off all the boxes for me.”
Added Jay DeShong, director of esports operations, “Jackson brings a depth of live-television experiences that exceeds the years I’ve been on earth, which says everything about how special it is to have him join our team.”
In his role under the College of Arts and Media, Sturlin has elevated the online presence for the esports and broadcasting programs. His vital goal is to create an educational experience for students and equip them for the future, Sturlin said.
Under his direction, the programs have launched successful and upbeat weekly livestreams, shows and productions out of the broadcasting lab and control room, built by one of the college’s greats, Andy Zulla.
Simultaneously, he has become an influential mentor. While he occupies the director’s chair, he ensures the rest of the roles are filled by students for each show, providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
“Jackson’s skillset filled a void we desperately needed ,and he’s been an incredible addition to our CAM team,” said Michelle Fortin, broadcasting professor. “His position isn’t a teaching one, but he naturally has that gift. Students migrate to him for advice and additional training. His patient and calm demeanor bring an approachability to those who may be nervous about such a high-stress environment.”
GCU News staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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