How Ed Went from Professional Basketball Player to Landing a $75K Video Production Role Without a Degree

Meet Ed, a former professional basketball player who turned his passion for photography and video into a thriving career in the creative industry. His inspiring journey shows how persistence, networking, and continuous learning can help you transition into a full-time creative role—without a formal degree or training.

Ed’s Early Days: From Basketball Court to Amazon

Ed's creative journey began in 2007 when he started editing my own basketball clips. But before he made his mark behind the lens, Ed was a professional basketball player. After his sports career ended, he needed to find a way to support his family and took a job at Amazon. While working his 9-5 job, Ed picked up a camera in 2016 while pursuing photography and video production projects on the side, but he struggled to lock down consistent creative work.

Networking and Meeting Industry Mentors

Everything changed when Ed met Alex Lewis, the founder of our company, and CJ, our video career coach. This serendipitous meeting happened during a freelance video gig filming behind-the-scenes footage for a guest on Anthony O'Neal’s podcast. Little did Ed know, this would be the start of a significant career transformation.

The Big Break: From Freelance Gig to Full-Time Creative

As the company grew, an assistant video director position became available. Ed was given a test run for the role, but the company ultimately chose to go in a different direction. Despite this setback, Alex and CJ saw potential in Ed. They knew he had the talent and drive to succeed in the position.

A year later, the assistant video director role became available once again. This time, Ed was ready to step up. He relied on Alex’s mentorship during the negotiation process, ensuring he was prepared for his first full-time creative role in the video production industry.

Ed Lands a $75K Role Without a Degree

Ed’s hard work and persistence paid off. He successfully landed the assistant video director position, making $75K per year—despite not having a degree or formal video production training. His story proves that talent, determination, and the willingness to learn can take you far in the creative industry.

Skills Gained in Video Production and Podcasting

Since landing his role, Ed has relied on CJ's mentorship to develop industry-specific skills, particularly in podcast production, long-form and short-form video editing. His work has helped Anthony O'Neal’s YouTube channel grow and achieve greater success. Ed's story highlights how hands-on experience and learning on the job can be just as valuable as formal education in the creative field.

Key Takeaways from Ed’s Journey

Ed’s story is an inspiring example of how anyone can transition into a creative career, even without a degree. His persistence, combined with his willingness to learn and network, helped him land a $75K creative role.

Whether you're a former athlete, a self-taught creative, or someone looking to break into video production, Ed's journey shows that it’s possible to succeed in the industry without a formal education.

If you're looking to make a similar career transition, surrounding yourself with mentors and continuously developing your craft are key strategies to keep in mind. With dedication and the right guidance, you can make your creative dreams a reality.