Donney Smith
School Director and Director of Finance
Donney Smith has worked in the audio industry for over 14 years. Love and passion for the audio world has led him to become a successful engineer and producer. Donney’s experience working with many students has played an important role in making the F.I.R.S.T. School a
reality. His reputation and name have had a large impact in the industry, such that companies like the Orlando Magic have contracted him to provide services. Donney has also worked with platinum recording artists, such as Lorenzo (Universal Records) and Drew Seely (High School
Musical) for production, mixing and mastering a finished CD.
Alan K. Forbes
Director of Admissions
Alan K. Forbes has worked in the Digital Media industry for over 13 years. Alan is an established and successful producer and engineer within the recording industry, and has also had the opportunity to work with platinum producers and world-renowned studios nationwide. Prior to opening the F.I.R.S.T. School, Alan owned and operated ProPoint Studios, a full service multi-media company. Currently, Alan writes, produces, records and voices commercials for Cox Radio, as well as maintaining his career in Marketing and Advertising within the Digital Media industry.
Earl Hoback
Director of Education
Earl Hoback has worked in the Digital Media industry as an audio engineer, musician, and technician for over 10 years. He has recorded and mixed indie rock groups as well as reinforced them in a live sound environment. In addition, Earl helped fabricate the audio systems for several theme parks, to include the Rip Ride Rocket for Universal Studios Orlando Resort and currently produces front-house sound for the Blue Man Group. At 19, Earl graduated from Full Sail with an AS in Recording Arts. His fascination with new technology drives him to learn and master the industry standard before it ever becomes one.
John Eberts
Admissions Advisor
John (Moshi) Eberts began actively promoting music events and live shows in Miami and providing parties in 1997. The busy event scene in Miami, FL was booming with activity. He also successfully operated a T-Shirt production venture while in Miami. As a graphic designer, Moshi is able to develop promotional flyers for any event. Moshi initiates venue and vender contact and follows the entire project from agreements to tear down. As a talent manager, he has knowledge in booking, set design and stage production. Through past sales training, Moshi develops sponsorship relationships for the organization. His extensive experience allows for smooth and organized functions, no matter the theme or location. His current residence in Orlando FL creates a centralized and convenient location for events all over the state of Florida and South Georgia.
David Lopez
Film and Video Production Instructor
David Lopez graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1995 and started working at Universal Studios, Florida. After completing various small budget independent features, David enlisted into the Air Force where he served as a member of the Combat Camera Unit. During his enlistment, David worked on more then 400 projects for the Department of Defense, Air Force News, Special Operations Command and Central Command. He is also a veteran of Operation Joint Forge, where he served during the conflict in Bosnia and for which he received the Air Force Meritorious Achievement medal. After David left the Air Force, he continued to be an independent producer working on various projects for the corporate sector, government, and entertainment television. David worked for Full Sail as a Course Director, and now is a Film and Video Production Instructor for the F.I.R.S.T. School. David’s goal is to prepare young filmmakers to succeed in the industry.
Johnny Calloway
Film and Video Production Instructor
Johnny Calloway has worked in the Film Industry for over four years and brings experience of filming commercials and music videos to the F.I.R.S.T. School. Since graduating from the Film and Video Production Program at the F.I.R.S.T. School, Johnny launched his own company, Omni Adept Productions. He provides exceptional instruction to F.I.R.S.T School students, and helps them develop fundamental skills needed to succeed in the field of Digital Media.
Richard Ott
Audio Engineering and Music Production Instructor
Richard Ott has worked in the audio industry for over 15 years. Rich has recorded, mixed and produced countless recordings from artists ranging from independent bands to classic rock icons, such as Deep Purple and Jerry Lee Lewis or jazz legends such as Sun Ra and Sam Rivers. He has owned several recording studios and worked for artist development companies serving clients, such as Atlantic Records, EMI, Fox Television and Warner Brothers. Rich’s passion for the art of recording has led him to teach with a desire to pass on knowledge he has gained over the years. Rich holds a Bachelors Degree in Specialized Studies from Ohio University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors.
John LaRosa
Audio Engineering and Music Production Instructor
John LaRosa has worked in the audio industry for over 10 years. John began his career as a voice over editor, which led him to manage an audio department that produced books on tape for publishing companies, such as Harcourt Inc., Holt Rinehart and Winston. He later changed his career path to strictly work in the music industry, engineering for numerous independent and major label artists and producers, such as Plies, B.O.B., OJ da Juice Man, The Runners, and NoID. John graduated from A.R.T.I. in 1999 and is enthusiastic to share knowledge he has gained over the years with students and fellow colleagues.
