ABOUT
connor young
HOW IT STARTED
From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the art of storytelling through video. I vividly recall Christmas 2007, when I wished for nothing more than a GoPro. The moment I opened that gift and held my first camera, the GoPro Hero 3, I knew I was hooked. I took it everywhere: from the snow-covered slopes of Tahoe to family trips in Hawaii, and even up onto the roof of our house to capture time-lapses of the sky. What started as a hobby soon evolved into something much bigger when an opportunity came knocking.
In October 2016, I stumbled upon an opening for a videographer position at my University. With limited funds but a strong desire to pursue this passion, I applied. I was handed a camera and given one task: create a video showcasing the campus. If it passed, the job was mine. Armed with nothing but countless YouTube tutorials and a desire to learn, I put together a video that secured the position and set my journey in motion.
During my time in that role, I began expanding my horizons—filming weddings, events, and sports. In 2018, I took on a position with the University of Nevada, Reno’s football team. Though my time there was brief, it was the springboard I needed, as a few key clips with the team led me to my next opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders.
working with the raiders
In 2019, I connected with the head of video production for the Raiders, which led to my first interview. After showcasing my work, I was told to stay close to my phone for some potential good news. I couldn’t contain my excitement. Just two days later, I called and offered to help film the final game in Oakland—a moment I’ll never forget. Standing on the field as Charles Woodson addressed the Oakland faithful for the last time was surreal. From there, things moved fast. I was scheduled to film Tom Brady’s visit to the new stadium and help cover the NFL Draft. My career was taking off—until the world paused due to COVID.
Though the pandemic halted production and left me questioning my future, it didn’t stop me. At the end of the year, I received an offer for a full-time position with the Raiders. This was the turning point I’d been waiting for—my chance to prove I was capable of greatness. I’ll never forget walking onto that field for the first time, shaking hands with some of the NFL’s biggest stars, and hearing the roar of the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time. Over the next five years, I earned 10 Emmy awards and experienced the most incredible moments of my career.
As I now venture into the world of freelance, I look back on my journey with gratitude, knowing that these experiences have shaped me into the storyteller I am today. The best is yet to come.
