Big Ocean was founded in 1995 by author and filmmaker Kevin Kertscher as Indigo Studios, a documentary company dedicated to creating feature film quality non-fiction programming. In 2012, with an expansion into web video and interactive content, the company became Big Ocean Media Group. Big Ocean is a full service interactive content creator, harnessing the full power of film to share important, beautiful stories – large and small – with audiences everywhere.
Director/Producer, Kevin Kertscher
Kevin Kertscher’s 20 year film and TV career includes work on numerous feature films and documentaries. He has done work for PBS, CBN, the Boston Red Sox, the John F. Kennedy Library, and a number of universities and non-profit organizations. He produced and directed the critically acclaimed PBS documentary, RACE TO THE MOON for the American Experience Series. He was an editor on Ken Burns’ THOMAS JEFFERSON and BASEBALL, and has worked as an assistant director, cameraman, and editor on features, commercials, and music videos. He is the author of the adventure travel book, AFRICA SOLO, a Barnes and Noble "Great New Writers" selection in 1998. Kertscher is a graduate of the University of Virginia and holds masters’ degrees from Regent University and Dartmouth College.
Editor, Jonathan Burnett
Jonathan Burnett received his B.A. in Film and Video Production from the Harding University. He has been an editor at Big Ocean since 2016. He is passionately interested in every phase of production, but especially enjoys transforming raw materials into a beautiful, polished product. He takes a unique approach with each project, whether it be narrative content, motion graphics, animation or technical problem solving. Outside of work he is a renaissance man with many passions, including piano, youth development, script writing and exploring the world. He has grown up in Rhode Island and currently resides in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Digital Media Coordinator, Samantha Ziegra
Samantha Ziegra developed a passion for TV and film production while in high school. She went on to earn a B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Management from Bridgewater State University, where she became a leading member of the Bridgewater Video Film Association. After graduation, she earned certificates in graphic and web design from Bristol Community College where she paved the way for a new academic program, as the first to graduate with an Associates degree in animation and motion graphics. Her field work includes, 10+ years with local cable stations, camera operation during live news telecasts for CBS and FOX affiliates, and PA work on a major motion picture, "Passionada." In 2011 she became the hub of Big Ocean, responsible for keeping every project and everybody on track. Other areas of interest include traveling, camping, and ballroom dancing.
Associate Producer/Production Coordinator, Diana Painter
Diana Painter has worked in marketing and communications for more than 10 years. Diana started her career with a degree in fashion design from FIDM in Los Angeles. She went on to get a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and understanding social networks and decision making. The combination of graphic design and humanity lead Diana to work in community organizing, focusing on outreach, marketing, and communications. She now works help manage production processes and develop content for clients with maximum impact.
