Our Team

groovy like a movie is staffed by a team of award winning video professionals. Not only are we at the top of our field, we’re also pretty cool people. Click on the names in the Staff Bios list on the right to get to know a little bit about each member of the groovy like a movie family.

Staff Bios

Key Freelance Talent

Brent Altomare

Brent Altomare is a unique individual who combines a strong business background with a fervent desire to be creative. After receiving his B.A. in Directing from Pepperdine University, Brent worked for his father at the San Diego Auto Trader. In the marketing department, Brent performed on a team that helped grow the publication into an advertising powerhouse with 95% market penetration among automotive dealers. When the business was sold in February of 2000, Brent’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to create groovy like a movie.

Storytelling is the key to Brent’s creative philosophy. Whether his team is working on a television commercial, corporate training video, or short film, Brent is constantly asking; “What is the story we’re trying to tell, and how does what you’re doing drive the story forward?”

When not working, Brent enjoys writing at coffee shops, spending time with his wife, eating (oh how he loves eating!), working out (because of all the eating), traveling, and watching television and movies.

Robert Watkins

Robert Watkins came to Groovy via Cleveland, Ohio where he served as a staff producer for seven years. With a degree in Journalism, Robert prides himself on being able to get at the core idea of a client’s communication goals. A strong background in science, technical writing and process training gives him the skills necessary to explain advanced concepts in a simple, clear voice. With skill sets that range from writing and directing to producing and concept creation, Robert is up for any challenge a project can throw his way.

Robert studied Tai Chi and Kung Fu for many years. In addition to the physical skills and confidence these two martial art forms gave him, it also taught him how remain centered and calm under the most trying circumstances. Currently, Robert is exploring the world of Yoga, hoping to apply this discipline’s teachings and energy to interactions in his everyday life.

Kristopher Nicolls

Kristopher’s father was a Naval Aviator stationed in Coronado in 1976. He and his family have lived on that amazing island ever since.  Kristopher got his real start in sales by running the front door of the Hotel del Coronado. In that customer-service oriented organization, his relationship-building and sales skills were honed and tested at every level. While working at “The Del,” Kristopher began Affirmed Medical Services. This successful first aid and safety company taught Kristopher the value of long-term clients and completed his transition from Coronado-surf-kid to professional businessman. However, that surf-kid still comes out to play from time to time!

Prior to joining groovy like a movie, Kristopher’s career included working at Teltrust Communications selling websites before the Internet was a proven business arena. There he had to educate clients on use and implementation of web commerce. He spent several years at LawInfo.com, and finally SignOnSanDiego.com as Senior Sales Consultant and Director of E-commerce.

Now as groovy like a movie’s Director of Business Development, Kristopher continues to grow and learn, and enjoys passing his knowledge on to his clients. He is the Vice President of the Associate Board of Directors at the San Diego Executive’s Association, and also participates in many networking events around the city. When asked what his greatest strength is, Kristopher responded, “Tenacity! I never give up and never say never.”

Kris is a single father of two beautiful teenage daughters. He loves to do just about anything outdoors, including surfing, wake boarding, golf, basketball, bowling, camping, reading, cooking and spending time with the entire Italian familia!

Tracy Nesseth

Tracy Nesseth, originally from San Diego, came to groovy like a movie from the San Diego Padres where she spent 5 years shooting, editing, and operating as part of the live Jumbotron entertainment team.

With dual BA degrees from UC Santa Barbara in Film and Environmental Studies, Tracy learned the value of every stage of the production process. Now with over 6 years of professional editing experience and sports entertainment production, she is ready to help bring your project to life with energy and individuality. She is attentive to her client’s needs and treats each project with care and diligence.

Tracy is a sports fanatic and spends most of her free moments doing something (anything!) fun outside. Softball, snowboarding, mountain biking, and kayaking, top the long list. She also enjoys kicking back and hanging out with her friends, her family, her long-time boyfriend, and her cat Zzyzx. An avid moviegoer, food lover, and traveler, Tracy likes to experience life to the fullest.

Eileen Wallgren

Eileen Wallgren joined the groovy like a movie family in August of 2004. Prior to her tenure with Groovy, Eileen spent many years in high-stress corporate administrative positions in New York City corporate and legal firms. Finally, having had enough of suits and pantyhose, she decided to take the leap out of corporate America and come to roost in the creative and fun environment that is groovy like a movie. She has never looked back!

Deep down, Eileen is an “artsy” soul who spent many years walking the boards of local theater. She has acted in short films and professional theater. You’ll occasionally even see Eileen in some of Groovy’s productions!

When not juggling the demands of her job, Eileen spends time with her husband Vinny, their dog Guido and cat Simon. She loves movies, music, coffee and her Sirius radio.

Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman has been producing and directing since 1993. It is her passion and her first true love. She has created, produced and directed several television shows, including a movie review program called "Take 2,” and a half-hour real estate show, “California Dream Homes.”

Jen graduated in 1994 with a BA in Radio/TV/Film from Oklahoma City University, a small, private liberal arts school in (where else?) Oklahoma City. Her first professional challenge after college was directing Public Service, Children's, and Religious programs for the Fox Affiliate in OKC. There she met her soon-to-be husband, Donnie. Jennifer then spent four years editing car commercials for Tom Park Productions, the leader in on-camera talent in the automotive business.

Jennifer and Donnie were married in May 1996. They moved to San Diego in July 2001 and have never looked back. They both started freelancing for groovy like a movie in 2002 and both believe it is one of the best career moves they have made. With her background in television production, Jennifer has ability to make her clients feel like stars - comfortable, and relaxed while on camera.

In September 2003 Jen gave birth to her first child, Stone. Donnie and Jennifer are proud parents and will show you lots of pictures of Stone if you ask. Sometimes even if you don’t ask.

Bill Heffley

Native San Diegan, Bill Heffley, currently lives in University Heights. Bill is scheduled to finish his BA at San Diego State University in Television, Film, and New Media in December 2006. Bill has worked with groovy like a movie as a camera operator, gaffer, grip and utility for several years. As the newest member of the producing team Bill brings a fantastic creative energy and a gift for storytelling.

Bill’s main passions are film and music. He has experience working as a Director of Photography on many shorts shot on both video and film. Bill’s young career spans 5 years and he is growing every day as a professional.

In his spare time, Bill enjoys collecting records, old movie cameras and projectors, playing the guitar, still photography, and watching movies. Plus he genuinely enjoys working with the fun and hardworking team at Groovy.

Jennifer Hughes

Jennifer Hughes earned her B.A. in Dec. 2000 in Communications with a Minor in Writing at UCSD, Thurgood Marshall College. A native San Diegan (with a 7 year side-trip to Texas), Jennifer has built a strong career in the high-energy world of entertainment and professional sports, producing the monthly television program, “Gulls In Flight” for Channel 4, in-game producer for the San Diego Padres Entertainment department, and as a producer/writer for Channel 4’s “The Downtown Baseball Experience.” She also coordinates all production needs for outside PETCO Park events.

 Jennifer’s best strength is her ability to adapt. Says Jennifer, “In production and especially in live events, you can plan and plan all you want but things are never (never) going to go as you thought so you have to adjust quickly and seamlessly to keep your show/project moving.” She enjoys analyzing a situation and working with her crew to come up with the solution that works for everyone, and most importantly, entertains the audience.  

On the rare occasion when she’s not working, Jennifer enjoys (in no particular order) reading, Tae Bo, playing video games, watching or going to any sporting event, and doing crosswords.

Greg Smith

While studying communications and media management at the University of Arkansas and finally at San Diego State, Greg Smith turned his life long passion for films, television and sports into a career. While earning his degree he discovered the importance of loving what you do. To him, his career is a fulfilling lifestyle, and not just a job. At the end of a long day you will always see a smile on Greg's face because he truly enjoys his work.

Since 2001 Greg has been working as a freelance camera operator in the southern California area. While building a vast amount of experience in many areas, his main body of work lies in the sports field for both broadcast and in-house video. He has shot horse racing, baseball, hockey, freestyle motocross, basketball, and more. His skill set also includes experience in the ENG/EFP environments with the ability to step in as a gaffer and grip.

In 2003 Greg began producing and directing, taking creative control of live sport events, commercials, industrial pieces, television programs, and a variety of other projects.

In Greg’s free time he enjoys being with his friends, playing golf, fishing and listening to Pearl Jam really, really loud.

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Staff Bios

Key Freelance Talent