Jon Sutz Resume & Credits
Jon Sutz Resume & Credits
Jon Sutz Resume & Credits
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SAMS PUBLISHING: “BECOMING A COMPUTER ARTIST” In conjunction with internationally-acclaimed computer artist
Chad Little, I researched, (ghost)wrote and designed major components* of this educational book & companion CD-ROM, which
profiles computer graphics' history, technology, key concepts, tools and creative approaches, for beginners. Produced by Tracer
Design; ISBN #0-672-30397-3. *These components include the following (all viewable here):
“The History of Computer Graphics” – A 5,800-word script, presenting the fascinating lineage of key thinkers from
mathematics, science, technology, business and the arts who contributed to advancing computer graphics.
“Fundamentals of Computer Graphics” – A 7,250-word script, detailing in words and visualizations all major aspects
of computer graphics technology, from both functional and efficiency perspectives.
“Copyright Basics” – A 2,100-word text presenting a detailed primer for new computer artists on the laws pertaining
to copyright, intellectual property, work-for-hire, authorship, manipulation, and use of original works.
SULCUS/LODGISTIX-HMS: “TRAINING SUPPORT PACKAGE” LHMS, one of the world’s largest developers of hotel reser-
vationing and management software, sought to become the first in its industry to deliver all training and support materials for its
products via CD-ROM. I wrote the narrative scripts for, designed and directed the production of this 10-lesson multimedia training
program, developed to provide entry-level reservation agents throughout the world with a detailed knowledge of LHMS’ new
“Lanmark” software, via interactive tutorials and simulations. Features include an animated game-show host, “Cool Ray Tube,”
who guides the user through humorous test modules. Produced by Rainbow Multimedia Group. See project profile here.
“The power of our program far surpasses any training product I have ever seen. The comprehensive quality of the
creative consulting, script writing and storyboard design services that Rainbow provided to us was fundamental to creating
training materials that brought our program concepts to life, and made the learning process fun and efficient.
Congratulations on a job well done.” – John Picardi, Chief Operating Officer
AMERICAN PRODUCTIVITY & QUALITY CENTER – WALLACE CO., INC.: "THE ROAD TO THE BALDRIGE” Wallace
Co., Inc., a small supplier of products for the petrochemical industry in Houston, TX, was facing bankruptcy. In consultation with the
American Productivity & Quality Center, Wallace was able to save itself by applying the principles of Total Quality Management.
Wallace then applied itself to the demanding criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is presented each year
by the President of the United States. I had the privilege of writing, designing and directing the production of the 12:05 documentary
video that profiles Wallace’s inspiring journey. Produced by the APQC and Rainbow Multimedia Group. See project profile here.
“After winning the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, we needed to produce a video documenting our journey...
(I) personally have seen many video productions over the last few months - however, none have been able to capture that
unique experience or the 'special moment in time' that is so alive in our video. We have widely distributed our video and it
is the highlight of every presentation. I believe in the quotation, ‘Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Auto-
graph your work with excellence.’ That you do so well!” – Michael Speiss, Executive Vice President (Wallace Co., Inc.)
(2) Analytical Graphics, Visualizations & Litigation Support Media
$100 MILLION LAND-USE DISPUTE: “L’AMBIANCE BEACH” Yale Properties International (YPI), a south Florida devel-
oper of upscale residential communities, retained me to provide public and government relations consulting services regarding
“L'Ambiance Beach,” its proposal for a 143-unit, $100 million condominium complex, on Ft. Lauderdale’s last available beachfront
property. For nearly three years, YPI had been seeking governmental approvals to construct this property. The neighboring
homeowners associations (HOAs), however, launched a fierce, falsehood-ridden public propaganda campaign against the project,
claiming it was in violation of legal provisions, would obstruct their ocean views, and as a result, cause a negative impact to their
property values and lifestyles. I consulted on, designed and produced an extensive series of graphics and visualizations that demon-
strated the HOAs’ charges were untrue. After utilizing this presentation in contentious public hearings, and negotiating certain
concessions, YPI was granted its construction permits, and credited my work with having a major impact in this long-sought victory.
Since then, I have consulted with YPI on an as-needed basis, particularly in regards to litigation research and document prepara-
tion, including a comprehensive written & graphical history of this issue, “The History of the L’Ambiance Beach Controversy.” See
project profile here.
“Jon's unique combination of creative research, analytical writing, graphic design and presentation development skills
were successfully utilized in… achieving the governmental approvals we sought. (His) innovation, attention to detail, and
ability to digest extremely complex/abstract legal provisions, concepts and arguments, and translate them into clear,
impactive visualizations, (was) an integral part of our presentations.” – Morris Richter, President
DEFENSE OF THE “BIG 3” U.S. AUTOMAKERS IN NATIONAL LITIGATION I was retained by McGuireWoods, one of the
world’s largest and most respected law firms, to consult on, design and direct the production of a series of 3D computer-animated
visualizations, to demonstrate certain aspects of braking dynamics in domestic autos, particularly regarding the performance char-
acteristics of asbestos vs. non-asbestos braking systems. The resulting animations were integrated into a much larger multimedia
presentation that was shown to juries nationwide. See project profile here.
“We cannot be happier with the quality of the animation(s) you produced for us. (They will) help tremendously in this
national litigation and I expect juries will relate well, regardless of their geographic location.” – Samuel L. Tarry, Jr.
WRONGFUL DEATH LITIGATION AGAINST FORD MOTOR CO. I was retained by one of central Virginia’s largest law firms,
Michie Hamlett, to consult on, design and produce a series of cross-sectional technical illustrations of a Ford auto’s speed-control
device under different circumstances, which the firm alleges led to a driver’s death when it malfunctioned. The particular challenge
was to create these illustrations in a very short timeframe, as the other litigation media designer the firm had contracted was unable
to perform to its expectations, and there was still quite a bit of research left to do, to define and develop one optimal design approach.
See project profile here.
“You undertook this difficult task and, working under a very tight timeline, produced graphical depictions of the mechani-
cal components that very accurately showed their functions and operating ranges. The federal judge deemed them reliable
and, in a startling courtroom admission, Ford’s own expert acknowledged their accuracy and effectiveness. This is a tribute
to your quick grasp of the specifications and your tireless work in getting the job done.” – Edgar F. Heiskell, III
$800,000 HOUSE EXPLOSION LITIGATION This project related to a fine artist whose home-studio, and an extensive archive
of fine art that she created, were destroyed by an explosion and fire, which she alleges was caused by an improperly-installed pro-
pane system. As there were only a few interior photographs (no exteriors) and no blueprints of her home-studio, the plaintiff’s law
firm (Martin & Raynor, Charlottesville, VA) retained me to develop an extensive array of illustrations and 3D graphics depicting this
facility, miscellaneous supplemental charts and a timeline of events, for use in courtroom presentations and juror notebooks. With
the aid of this 25-page presentation, the firm won pre-trial settlements from all three defendants. See project profile here.
“This was a very difficult project, because of the fact that you did not have the ability to do a site inspection, or even look
at high-quality pictures. Indeed, we gave you very little to work with… (T)he work you did has been extremely effective in
presenting our arguments, in such a way as to take viewers 'inside' our client's home-studio, to 'see' for themselves what we
allege occurred. The 3D graphics… were just spectacular, and worked well for us.” – Jonathan Wren
BLUE RIDGE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: “REGULATORY DECISIONS AND THEIR IMPACT” As “affordability” is
a major point of contention in new housing developments, the BRHBA (Charlottesville, VA) wished to make a presentation to local
Planning & Zoning commissions, to demonstrate how various governmental land-use decisions affect (and often increase) the price
of new housing. The BRHBA retained me to develop a series of graphics that would profile a community that had already been built,
and how decisions/demands regarding “open space,” multi-family vs. single-family units, and other housing variables ultimately
affect each lot’s retail price, as well as other development finance & construction factors. See project profile here.
SOFTWIND LTD.: “THE NEXT GENERATION OF WATER-PUMPING WINDMILLS” SWL was a Scottsdale, AZ-based
renewable-energy technology engineering firm that had developed a new type of water-pumping windmill which possessed
extraordinary performance characteristics. As part of its preparation for a global marketing program and an anticipated patent
conflict, SWL wished to create 3D visualizations and animations that would illustrate the unique components of its windmill, and how
it is assembled and operates. SWL retained me to develop the animation storyboards and design key graphic presentation
materials. See project profile here.
"The animation storyboards and key visualizations you developed were exactly what we needed. We can’t wait to see
them ‘brought to life’ under your direction. Your skills in visualization and analysis are truly remarkable.”
– William Welch, Vice President - Development
(3) Advertising, Marketing & Corporate Communications Media
INTEL: “FREEDOM” When Intel was preparing to launch a new line of cellular and radio modems for portable PCs, it wished to
develop a video to introduce its marketing executives throughout the world to these products and the market for them, in a very
dramatic fashion. I was subcontracted (and later hired) by Tracer Design to write and design this production, which became a
completely computer-generated 07:30 video. The opening sequence features 3D chromium mannequins dragging large cables
through a forest (dramatized “road warriors”); the cables are then severed by Intel's "Excalibur" sword. Other aspects of this video
include: (1) 3D visualizations of how messages are forwarded from tower to tower, and are stored until the user opens his/her
portable computer and logs onto a wireless service, at which time the message is transmitted, (2) market growth visualizations, and
(3) animations showing how the various modems are attached to the portable computer. Total length of the script-storyboard: 46
pages. See complete video and script-storyboard excerpts here.
GAFFNEY HOMES, LLC: “THE AMERICA’S BEST BUILDER AWARD” As Gaffney Homes, a Charlottesville, VA-based
homebuilder approached its 20th anniversary in business, it decided to apply for the ABB award, the most prestigious in its industry.
The two key components of the application are (a) detailed responses to an extensive list of business, marketing, operational and
community involvement questions, and (b) the company’s business plan. Gaffney Homes retained me to provide creative leader-
ship, copy writing, editing, graphic design and general marketing media consulting services on this project over eight months, with
special focus on the firm’s first comprehensive business plan. As noted below, Gaffney won the ABB; see project profile here.
“Jon assured us at the onset that he would assist us in producing a business plan and application that would be
immediately distinguishable from others… (including) design esthetics, copy content and structure that would be attractive,
comprehensive and easy to understand. Needless to say, we were thrilled when the ABB judging committee announced
that Gaffney Homes had won the America’s Best Builder Award. One judge specifically cited the easy to follow layout of
our business plan as being a critical factor in helping to put us over the top.” – Mike Gaffney
JAPAN INDUSTRIAL JOURNAL: “SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS SHOW JAPAN – MAPPING KIOSK” I wrote, designed
and directed the production of this touch-screen kiosk software program, which was developed to enable attendees at this large
international trade show to search for exhibitors by classification, and print out detailed maps of same. Features include a complex
animated introduction/screen saver, with various technologies morphing into each other. See animation storyboard here.
TOUCH TECHNOLOGY: “SHOWTIME EXPRESS MALL KIOSK” Touch Technology, Inc. (TTI) was a Scottsdale, AZ-based
developer of proprietary public-access transaction systems, which sought to develop a prototype point-of-purchase event ticketing
kiosk. In addition to designing TTI’s logo, I was tasked with designing the logo for Showtime Express, and the storyboard for a
multimedia software for the prototype kiosk. The purpose of the demo was to show how users select, via detailed mapping visualiza-
tions, specific seats at sporting and entertainment events, then pay for and receive printed tickets. See project profile here.
PCS HEALTH SYSTEMS (NOW CAREMARK): “NEW PRODUCTS KIOSK” Scottsdale, AZ-based PCS was one of
America's largest health services firms. I wrote, designed and directed the production of this interactive multimedia trade show
kiosk presentation, which showcased PCS’ newest range of pharmacy services and prescription drug discount products.
“The kiosk you developed for our trade show booth looked great! Thanks for all the hard work and long hours to meet our
deadline.” – Andrew Renk, Corporate Communications Manager
OCEAN HYPERBARIC CENTER: “CEREBRAL PALSY AND THE BRAIN-INJURED CHILD” The OHC is a Ft. Lauderdale,
FL-based pioneer of and global leader in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for the treatment of severe neurological
traumas. OHC's founder and Medical Director, Richard Neubauer, M.D., retained me to consult on, design and recreate numerous
key media elements, including its logos (“HBO2,” “Neur02”), and provide copy writing and overall marketing analysis & recom-
mendations. One highlight of my work was writing and directing the production of a video documentary, “Cerebral Palsy and the
Brain-Injured Child,” a 23:45 presentation containing dramatic footage of pediatric patients before, during and after HBOT at OHC.
"Jon has proven to be a multi-talented, exceptionally valuable asset to OHC. The results became apparent soon after our
affiliation began. OHC has received compliments from all over the world regarding the media that Jon reconstructed. Our
business has increased significantly, and we are much better organized.” – Richard Neubauer, M.D.
Sharp Electronics: “Awash” An 00:08 animation for a southeast Asian TV commercial, in which a detergent-free washing
machine is visualized from an underwater perspective. Features animated "bubbles" as they clean a spot off a cloth “fabric.”
See animation at 01:22 in demo reel here.
Japanese Racing Association: “G1 Opening Sequence” A 00:10 title animation, developed for a series of southeast
Asian TV commercials, and large outdoor screen displays, to promote this premier class of horse racing. Features an
“electrified” 3D racetrack morphing into 'G1' logo. See storyboard here.
Kibun (Japan) Chemfia CC: “The Birth Of Marine” A complicated 00:14 animation sequence for a TV commercial, to
promote a new artificial crabmeat product throughout southeast Asia. Features a CG ocean morphing into a water globule,
and then into the product package. Won runner-up prize in a regional CG competition. See storyboard & animation here.
EMCI-Wembley Japan: “Juliana’s Tokyo Live!” A 00:10 opening sequence animation for a new 'American Bandstand'-
style television program (1992), broadcast each Saturday night from a Tokyo dance club throughout southeast Asia. Features
the letters of Juliana’s name “dancing” on a reflective stage, in front of black background, upon which was keyed music-video
imagery of international music superstars, for each week’s episode. See storyboard and animation here.