Media Monday – Tray Goodman

Today’s Media Monday comes to us from the production trailer.  Tray Goodman has been involved in various media projects as a producer and director in Arizona and across the globe for more than 30 years.   We first met back in the ‘80s when he was directing a show for Phoenix Channel 11 called “Protecting the Public.” I was the host of that show for five years.  We also worked together on some sports programming, as well, including the broadcasts of the annual junior college football Valley of the Sun Bowl and ASU Hockey games.
Among several other projects, Tray directs the weekly Sunday Mass for the Diocese of Phoenix, which is broadcast live on AZTV each Sunday morning and streamed live on Facebook, YouTube and Star Worldwide Network …anywhere in the world.

That’s become even more vital since churches closed their doors for in-sanctuary services a few weeks ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tray, time to share:

I started my career directing live daily newscasts for KMID-TV in Midland, Texas, before moving to do the same at KOLD-TV, in Tucson, Ariz. I then served 20-plus years as production manager/senior director for Phoenix Channel 11, directing thousands of multi-camera, live or live-to-tape productions.

I also spent more than 10 years working as a freelancer with Major League Baseball (Arizona Diamondbacks) and the National Football League (Arizona Cardinals). Through my company, GCM Media, I worked as the director of the “Footprints of Gods” series consisting of 10 feature length excursions into the Levant, the Middle East and other historically significant parts of the world. After crossing paths some 20 years ago, when television was analog and cameras were expensive, I recently joined forces with Jason Heinkel and his company, J2 Media, to produce, promote and distribute television shows and films, bringing decades of production experience together.  Upcoming projects include two comedy television series:   The first, “That’s So Boulder,” is complete with its own merchandise line and features the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the Boulder, Colo., lifestyle.  The second project, “Twyla and Me,” is a creative, funny look at the ins and outs of a family running a vineyard in New Zealand’s robust wine country. There’s no better time to create comedies than right now.  And what better way to get these shows rolling than working with my longtime friend Jason Heinkel.

I’m an enthusiastic student and supporter of the life and work philosophies of Richard Florida (“Rise of the Creative Class”) and Daniel Pink (“Whole New Mind” and “Free Agent Nation”). When not on the road working on various video projects, I spend as much time as possible promoting education in the video industry by sharing knowledge with students at local high schools and universities.

I’ve also written a couple books.  My latest book, “Crushing Your Box,” provides educational speaking services and conducts classes, seminars, and workshops to effect personal change and collaboration with others.