John Presley, founder and creative director of VALIDATE, has been immersed in the arts since he began performing on stage at age 10. His early experiences shaped his dedication to collaboration and creativity, which now drive his work as a filmmaker and composer.

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John’s feature-length documentary, Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story, showcases the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the power of art to connect and inspire. At VALIDATE, his commitment to supporting artists and creating joyful experiences defines every project.

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Lauren Frederiksen excels at assembling top-tier teams and ensuring every VALIDATE production meets the highest standards. She is skilled at sourcing the industry’s best crew, fostering strong relationships, and managing logistics with precision and ease.

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Lauren’s attention to detail and dedication to quality are pivotal to every project. A graduate of College of the Ozarks, she refined her skills in roles with the U.S. Senate Press Office and as a national news producer in New York City, experiences that shaped her ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

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Tim Michalak brings unmatched technical expertise to our productions. Throughout his career, Tim has pushed the boundaries of aerial cinematography, delivering breathtaking drone footage with a commitment to quality and safety.

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He has flown drone for many feature films and Netflix shows, including the acclaimed docuseries Cheer. Beyond his drone work, Tim specializes in all aspects of filmmaking and helps bring the best crews together for our clients. Whether soaring to new heights or grounding productions with technical precision, Tim’s passion for visual storytelling is the foundation of his work.

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Karsten Armstrong brings a keen eye for storytelling to his work at VALIDATE. Growing up in rural Minnesota, his journey took a pivotal turn in 2014 when his family moved to Peru for four years of missionary service. This experience shaped his unique worldview and honed his ability to craft meaningful stories.

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At College of the Ozarks, Karsten earned top honors while exploring his interest in history and video production. His technical expertise makes him an integral part of our team, where his contributions continue to elevate every project.

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