Steve Stafford is the President of Studio Wings, Inc., a company that he had the vision and entrepreneurial spirit to found in the mid-nineties, skillfully merging his profound understanding of film production with his deep-seated passion for aviation and impressive flight experience.
Steve, a native of Darien, Connecticut, spent his formative years on a sprawling cattle ranch situated in the picturesque surroundings of Helena, Montana. It was during this period of his life that he cultivated a robust work ethic, instilled in him by the demands of ranch life, and nurtured a profound appreciation for the natural world, fostered by the breathtaking beauty of the Montana landscape.
Steve's journey in the world of cinema was preceded by a distinguished tenure in the United States Marine Corps, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, earning not one, but two meritorious citations for his outstanding contributions to the organization.
Steve, a former Marine, embarked on a new journey in the entertainment industry by pursuing a career in acting, securing a three-year contract at Universal Studios. Despite initial success, his attention was soon drawn to the often-overlooked yet crucial role of the camera crew, leading him to explore the world behind the lens.
Within a remarkably brief period of approximately four years and nine months, Steve's professional trajectory had already undergone a significant transformation, as he found himself expertly handling the dual responsibilities of both shooting and directing action sequences for various feature films and television productions.
This impressive array of skills and accomplishments eventually caught the attention of the esteemed advertising agency DDB Needham Worldwide, headquartered in the vibrant city of Chicago, which subsequently extended an offer to Steve, tasking him with directing a multitude of national commercial campaigns that would reach a vast audience.
Simultaneously, Steve embarked on a multifaceted endeavor, wearing the hats of both producer and director for the critically acclaimed independent film, The Color of Evening, which premiered in 1990. This cinematic masterpiece boasted an impressive cast, featuring the esteemed Martin Landau and the renowned Ellen Burstyn, who delivered outstanding performances that left a lasting impression on audiences. As fate would have it, this exceptional film managed to capture the attention of Jeff Sagansky, the then-president of CBS, a testament to Steve's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Steve's professional trajectory took a significant turn as he ventured into the realm of long-form movie productions, partnering with the esteemed CBS network to create a plethora of thought-provoking and engaging MOWs.
Steve's illustrious career has been defined by a relentless pursuit to harmoniously integrate his profound understanding of film production with his abiding passion for aviation, bolstered by his extensive flight experience.
Steve has achieved the esteemed distinction of holding dual Airline Transport Ratings, one in airplanes and the other in helicopters, a testament to his exceptional skill and proficiency in the field. Additionally, he has earned a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science, a notable accomplishment that underscores his commitment to academic excellence and his dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry.
Steve has accumulated an impressive total of over six thousand hours of pilot-in-command time, a testament to his extensive experience and skill behind the controls of various aircraft.
In addition to his work in the film industry, where he has honed his expertise as a pilot and director, Steve remains committed to staying current and proficient in his craft by undertaking missions for a department of the Federal Government.
This dedication to his profession is a reflection of Steve's passion for flying and his unwavering commitment to excellence, which has earned him a reputation as a highly skilled and reliable pilot.
Throughout his career, Steve has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of aircraft, from airplanes to helicopters, and has developed a deep understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
As a result, he is qualified to fly a diverse array of aircraft, making him a versatile and valuable asset to any team or organization.
Despite his many accomplishments and responsibilities, Steve remains humble and grounded, always staying focused on his goals and priorities.
He is a true professional, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to those around him.
Steve's impressive pilot-in-command time is a testament to his exceptional skill and experience, and his ability to stay current and proficient is a reflection of his commitment to excellence.
