Check Out Nolan Bona’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nolan Bona

Hi Nolan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for video production and the creative arts began way back in high school. I’m a lifelong Detroit Red Wings fan, and I used my high school video production class to create hockey highlights of Red Wings games that I recorded on old VHS tapes. I absolutely loved cutting together clips, but I chose not to pursue it coming out of high school. It wasn’t till my late 20’s that I chose to switch my career path and finally pursue my love of video production, by enrolling in the Digital Cinema program at DePaul University in Chicago.

Coming out of grad school, I landed my dream internship with the Detroit Red Wings as a web video producer. After the internship ended, it took a bit of time but I finally got a video editor position with the University of Michigan Athletics department with Michigan Sports Television. I created intro videos that played on the videoboards at sporting events, filmed sporting events, and social media content for all of the Michigan teams. After 11 years, I moved on from athletics and now work for U-M’s Social Media department.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There’ve been a lot of bumps in the road to get where I’m at today, but I guess anything that’s worth doing will have growing pains. Changing careers basically was starting over, so going through the educational route later in my life was daunting. There’s also the creative struggle and the bouts of impostor syndrome that creep in. Working with the hectic athletic schedules at a premier Division I school brought challenges to my work-life balance. That said, I wouldn’t change the path that I’ve walked to be where I am now! With each stumble, I’ve learned so much and they’ve all contributed to the successes I’ve earned. The biggest lesson I think that comes from my story is that it’s never too late to start over!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a full-time video producer for U-M, where I film and photograph many of the vibrant parts of campus and the people in the Ann Arbor community. Through my independent work at  Nolan Bona Visuals, I enjoy being a portrait photographer and wedding videographer. 

I think what sets me apart from other people is my work ethic, and my acute attention to detail. I work hard in trying to create an amazing product, so if it takes a few more steps and a few extra hours to get something how I like it, so be it!

The one thing I’m most proud of was having been awarded a Regional Emmy for my work in the Michigan Athletics department, as well as being a 6-time Emmy nominee.

How do you think about luck?
I have had many instances of good luck, having been in great spots capturing moments at the right time and having the lens pointing in the right direction. But I also believe that learning so much over the years I’ve created my own luck through preparation. Being in the right place at the right time comes from intuition and knowledge gained through previous experiences. I pay attention. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nolanbona.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolanb18/