With years of experience in public relations and broadcast journalism, I am now exploring a career in feature-length movie and television screenwriting!
As of summer 2023, I have written two feature-length screenplays, Arcadia High and Golden Touch, and have two television shows being drafted.
I recently attended the Savannah Film Festival, Kaua`i Writer’s Conference, and will be attending the Austin Film Festival 2023.
Screenwriter
Since summer 2016, I have acted as the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) head of public relations & spokesman.
This diverse and dynamic job includes: responding to media inquiries, organizing & emceeing events, taking video & photographs of park activities/facilities, monitoring the department’s digital presence, while overseeing and acting as the main contributor to the department’s numerous websites and social media platforms. During this time, I launched and grew organic social media communities with a combined 15,500 active subscribers/followers. Links to DPR’s: Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - YouTube - Nextdoor
Parks & Rec Professional
My most controversial interview… about toilet paper. (watch ‘til the end)
Island-wide water conservation campaign
During my 10-year career at the ABC News affiliate in Honolulu, I was nominated for three and won two Emmy Awards; one as part of a newscast ensemble and the second individually through a video essay. Within that decade of experience, I mastered nearly every position within the newsroom. Details of my journalism experience can be found on my resume page.
Multi Emmy Award-Winning Videojournalist
“Using no way as way. Having no limitation as limitation.”
~ Bruce Lee
Growing up a fan of Bruce Lee, his philosophy, and mastery of the nunchucks -- I eventually picked up a pair of the connected sticks to haphazardly match his moves. I later learned you could light them on fire while filming a video essay about the Hawai`i Fire Artists! Since then I have honed fire dancing skills with other instruments such as the staff and poi balls.
Fire Dancer
Quick clip of fire dancing with nunchucks
Since middle school, I have served my community in various volunteer capacities; accumulating hundreds of volunteer hours, collaborating with dozens of diverse non-profit organizations, and recycling/removing tons of trash across the globe.
I also possess a deep-rooted appreciation for culture & the arts, as I was lucky enough to be exposed to various art forms since a young age (thanks Mom, Dad, & Lauren!). I combined this passion with my Parks and Recreation position to create a streamlined, transparent system that encourages artists to beautify park facilities with site-specific and culturally significant artwork. Fore more information about this process, visit honolulumoca.org/murals
Volunteer & Arts Advocate
Old Stadium Park Mural blessing
I launched my side business, Serota Visual Enterprises (SVE), to provide affordable filming and editing services for a variety of occasions, particularly weddings.
Living in Hawai`i and traveling internationally, I enjoy capturing the numinous scenery and colorful people who make island Earth so magnificent. Below are just a few examples of some of the edited videos from SVE and photos I have taken over the years from around the world. .
Freelance Photographer & Videographer
Michelle & David’s Wedding coverage
