John and Matt Edde '05 Find Success in Music, Video Innovations John and Matt Edde have more than a decade of experience in video/digital content, ranging from producing feature documentaries to directing music videos for some of the world's top talent. After Memorial, the brothers studied Film and Television Production at the prestigious School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where they graduated in 2009.
One of their earliest successes came while they were still in college, when they were tapped to aide in a groundbreaking new internet-based docu-series for the brotherly trio, Hanson. The Edde brothers collaborated on the critically-acclaimed “Taking the Walk” iTunes podcast chronicling the process, which skyrocketed to become the number one downloaded podcast in its debut week. Through their experience working with Hanson, Matt and John developed a unique ability to produce groundbreaking and innovative content that marries music with video, in a time when the consumer was shifting their look toward online, digital consumption.
The brothers have since landed directing roles on music videos for the likes of Big & Rich, Jon Pardi and Hunter Hayes, as well as documentary and promotional work with acts like Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge and many more.
The brothers have also found success in feature documentaries. While still full-time college students, a documentary they co-produced, “Facing the Fat” was honored at the Chicago United Film Festival in 2009 and the Los Angeles and New York United Film festivals in 2010. On the music side, they have expanded their documentary repertoire to include a follow-up feature documentary with Hanson titled “Re-Made in America: The Making of Anthem” along with a project with three-time ACM Vocal Group of the Year nominees, Randy Rogers Band, and a three-part documentary with ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, Jon Pardi.
In 2015, the Edde brothers struck out into the tech world when they co-founded VideoBomb with fellow entrepreneur and co-founder Chad Marcum. The app, currently available on the Apple App Store is gaining recognition with stars like Hunter Hayes and Hayley Orrantia (ABC’s The Goldberg’s) who have recently shared VideoBombs on social media. They have even appeared on the Today Show to promote the app.
Ellena Woodhams '08 Named to 40 Under 40
SJM Alumna Ellena Woodhams '08 was recently named to the 40 Under 40 Class for 2020 by "Automotive News," a national automotive trade publication.
Woodhams was one of two women named to the list from Fresno. Woodhams is the marketing director and compliance and outreach director at Fresno Acura. She is the daughter of Fresno Acura owner TheeAnna Stevens.
SJM alum Johnny Pecina has found success in digital media and more. Upon graduating from SJM in 2006, Pecina attended Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno where he majored in Mass Communications and Journalism (MCJ). Pecina has worked as a media professional for nearly a decade with experience in broadcast news (KMPH 26), lectured at CSU Fresno's MCJ Department and occasionally works as a freelance videographer for commercials and sports.
Pecina is currently Programming Coordinator at a local nonprofit organization, the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC), and interfaces with the community and nonprofit organizations on a daily basis to assist with digital promotion and outreach.