Ian Applegate

Updates

  • Career Focus: I’m advancing my career as a senior video producer, with expertise in documenting large-scale construction projects. The featured video in my summary section is an example of my capability in aerial drone filming, capturing complex environments with precision. Check out the projects section for a complete look at my best contributions to society.
  • More than a Drone Pilot: While drone piloting is a central skill, my role extends to comprehensive filmmaking. Explore this site to see examples of my work and consider how I might support your creative or technical vision.
  • Innovative Web Projects with AI: Recently, I’ve leveraged AI tools like ChatGPT to aid in developing web applications. For instance, I created a music player that features tracks I’ve produced over the years. I also customized this site, building it from the ground up using Bootstrap and JQuery, with AI-assisted coding enhancements for added functionality.
  • Local Storytelling: In a separate project, I’ve been conducting interviews with notable individuals in the New Haven area, capturing their stories and contributions to the community.

Skills

From livestreaming corporate meetings on Teams to assisting with inspections, producing full-length documentaries on major construction and engineering projects, my portfolio reflects a broad and accomplished skill set. Each project showcases my adaptability, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering high-quality results across diverse industries.

FAA Licensed Drone Pilot With Perfect Safety Record

I have partnered with numerous State and Federal agencies to provide drone videography for rail corridor inspections, traffic studies, bridge assessments, and other critical infrastructure projects. With a flawless safety record, I prioritize risk management and operational excellence in all aspects of my work. My role involves careful coordination with the FAA for LAANC approvals and specialized waivers, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while meeting project requirements. Consistently positive client feedback underscores my commitment to safe, efficient operations that align with the rigorous standards of the agencies I serve.

Scoping and Budgeting Experience For High Profile Projects

I have extensive experience in scoping, planning, and budgeting video documentation for high-yield engineering projects across the United States, particularly within the rail and transportation infrastructure sectors. My approach is grounded in strategic planning and efficient resource allocation, ensuring each project is optimized for maximum impact. This focus allows me to support large-scale initiatives with precision and foresight, aligning project goals with both client expectations and industry standards.

Great Communication = Excellent Results

I bring extensive experience in contributing to successful RFPs for multi-million dollar contracts, encompassing high-stakes projects across critical infrastructure, emergency services, inspection, and beyond. With a strong focus on communication and collaboration, I ensure that each project’s goals are strategically aligned with client needs, creating a foundation for reliable, impactful results. My involvement in these projects reflects a commitment to excellence in both planning and execution, driving outcomes that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Skilled Cinematography and Interview Skills

I specialize in delivering high-quality audiovisuals that capture and convey my clients' messages with clarity and professionalism. With a strong foundation in interviewing, I excel at distilling complex ideas into concise, engaging narratives that resonate with target audiences. I approach each interview with careful attention to tone and context, ensuring that the client’s vision is communicated in a way that feels authentic and compelling. My goal is to create audiovisual content that not only looks sharp and polished but also effectively tells a story that aligns with the client’s objectives.

Former Solar Electrical System Designer and Installer

In my twenties, I worked as a licensed solar electrician, installing residential retrofit systems across Connecticut from 2005 to 2010. During this time, I successfully passed inspections on hundreds of projects, with values reaching up to $250,000. My background in construction management directly informs my approach to video production, bringing a focus on precision, compliance, and project oversight.

Under Budget, Ahead of Schedule Commitment

I am committed to delivering work of the highest quality, consistently exceeding expectations in both outcomes and process. Whether it’s adhering to strict schedules, meeting complex project requirements, or optimizing budgets, I bring a results-oriented mindset to each endeavor. I take pride in managing projects with a strong focus on precision and efficiency, ensuring that every aspect—from initial planning to final execution—not only meets but surpasses client standards. This commitment to excellence has been a cornerstone of my work across various disciplines.

References

"Ian, freaking brilliant job. Has this been ok’d by corporate comms yet? Or once we are at “final”? I’m pumped after watching that, super fun and casual, but informative and - everyone is going to want to be your friends, including myself lol."

Jen Carey

Vice President, Northeaast Marketing, WSP USA

This is amazing! You guys did an outstanding job with it. It feels VERY natural and fun. As far as context is concerned, I feel it’s captured, you can hear the pride in Ruju’s voice for a project she worked on and now gets to enjoy on a daily basis. I love this!! Can’t wait to do more of these.

David Weiss, P.E.

New York District Transportation Lead, Senior VP WSP USA

Morning Ian – Check out the press release…recognize the picture that we choose for it? Again, amazing work and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Dante Deannuntius

Senior Manager, Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, AMTRAK

I think it’s the strongest video WSP has ever produced. The messaging, enthusiasm, and cinematography are just on point.

Jeffrey Yates

Assistant VP, Marketing Communications, WSP USA

You did amazing, Ian! Great Work.

Arpit Talati

Regional Business Manager, TX WSP USA

Ian was instrumental in getting the technology to work and just generally helping in keeping everyone calm, happy, and on-track during the set-up for the meeting.

Nathaniel Cabral-Curtis

Senior Consultant, Communications and Public Involvement, WSP USA

Experience

Employment History

Senior Video Producer & Drone Pilot

2016 - 2024

Visualization and Data Intelligence, WSP USA INC

Responsible for producing videos at one of the largest and most successful engineering firms in the world.

Content Creator & Webmaster

2014 - 2016

Yale University and City of New Haven

I managed The Shops at Yale, InfoNewHaven.Com, TownGreenDistrict.Com, and a variety of other public assets related to information and social media for the City of New Haven and Yale University.

Freelance Video Production

2010 - 2014

Self Employed

I produced videos for local businesses, nonprofit, and government including The State of Connecticut Office of the Arts, All Our Kin (a local nonprofit), New Haven Economic Development Corporation, Yale Univerity Corporation, Shift Cycling, Luckey Climbers, The Shoreline Trolley Museum, Neville Wisdom, and many other entities as well as producing music videos and other artistic video compositions.

Solar Electrical System Designer and Installer

2005 - 2010

Sunlight Solar Energy

As a licensed electrician in Connecticut, I managed the design and installation of photovoltaic projects on various residences and businessess throughout the State. I was also involved in the development and modifications to section 690 of the National Electric Code.

Clients and Projects

Social Media Video Production

December 2023

WSP USA Corporate Communications, New York, NY

  • Behind the scenes series of social media videos about our most talented engineers.
  • Took initiative to reach out to senior vice presidents to initiate the project.
  • Received excellent feedback.

Promotional Conference Video

August 2023

WSP USA - Texas

  • Traveled to Dallas for 3 days to shoot interviews and drone footage.
  • Conducted interviews and arranged questions.
  • Edited and produced the video.

Visualization for East End Gateway Tunnel

July 2023

AMTRAK

  • Took photos from specialized locations within Hudson Yards of the new tunnel to cross the Hudson.
  • Photo sent to WSP's design visualization team
  • Materials Utilized in print and public relation materials

Clients


Visit the Projects page for the full stories about each of these past successes.

Amtrak
Federal Highway Administration
New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority
New York State DOT
Maryland State DOT
Connecticut State DOT
CT Rail - Hartford Line
WSP USA INC
Vermont Agency of Transportation
City of New Haven
Yale University
Neville Wisdom Fashion

Contact

Please feel free to contact me via text message, email, or phone call. I do check my voice messages!

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