Work with Tayo
Film School Admission Support
$450
Advance Your Film & Television Career
Starting at
$450
Land Top Film & Television Interviews
Starting at
$237.50
About
When I was younger, I was that kid who was picking up the camera and shooting things: mainly music videos and documentaries with my friends. That curiosity has grown over the years into a writing and directing career - with short films that have screened at top festivals including Tribeca and Cannes, an episode of hit television (Chicago Fire), a writing deal at a major studio, and presenting Oscars at the Academy Awards. I truly love what I do but I didn't know how it could be a career. Growing up in Silicon Valley to immigrant parents, I didn't know whether a career in the film industry was attainable. I'm happy to say that now - as a DGA member and filmmaker, I am living out my creative dreams fully. Does that mean this road is easy? No. But it aligns with my purpose: which is telling stories that make people feel seen and brings people together.
Tayo’s Film & Television Qualifications
Experience level: Director
Welcome to my profile! With a Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography and Film/Video Production from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, I bring a rich academic background to my coaching. As a DGA member and an Adjunct Professor at USC, I have hands-on experience in both the creative and educational aspects of the film industry. My professional journey includes directing episodes for shows like "Chicago Fire" and working with renowned production companies such as Fulwell73 and The Black List. I've successfully coached five individuals, helping them navigate the competitive landscape of film and television. Whether you're looking to refine your storytelling skills or break into the industry, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's connect and make your cinematic dreams a reality!
Tayo can help with:
Acting Techniques
Audition Preparation
Freelancing
Interview Prep
Networking Strategy
On-set Etiquette
Resume Review
Script Analysis
Skill Building
Why do I coach?
I fell into teaching on accident! I was asked to teach directing at a summer program at Northwestern University. At first, I was skeptical because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy teaching. But after that summer, I knew that I wanted to continue empowering filmmakers and mentor emerging voices. My students remind me of why I love what I do: to tell stories and to share our point of view. Filmmaking is all about combining strong technical and storytelling skills while also honoring who you are as a person and I find it very encouraging and inspiring to support filmmakers find their voices.
Work Experience
Founder
Sapelo Agency
May 2025 - Present
Working with B2B tech companies to tell the story of their products through effective visuals Clients include: Acellent Technologies, Spotlights with Shelly Podcast, Inklo
Adjunct Professor
University of Southern California
January 2024 - Present
Directing Adjunct Faculty for the Grad Production Course 508
Freelance Music Director
Sapelo Productions
February 2023 - Present
- Director - Chicago Fire S11E18 (Released Apr 2023) - Director - Wreckless Strangers Music Video (Released Sept 2023)
Executive Assistant
The Black List
October 2020 - February 2022
• Assisting the CEO/Founder Franklin Leonard and his team with scheduling and maintenance of call logs and office phone line • Providing administrative support during physical shoots (i.e. a feature film directed by Floria Sigismondi in Ireland) • Created and organized the team’s development slate on the platform Airtable so the team can more easily track project and talent submissions • Organizing and maintaining internal communication and information – contacts, scripts, casting sheets,etc – as well as researching projects
Assistant to VP of Production
Fulwell73
July 2019 - February 2020
§ Assisted Executive in Charge of Production Meredith Fox and Fulwell73 production team (James Corden's production company) in administrative and logistical tasks; rolling calls; scheduling, etc. § Provided on-hand production support for the following: Amazon’s KACEY MUSGRAVES CHRISTMAS SHOW and CBS’S GAME ON.
Education
University of Southern California
Master of Fine Arts - MFA, Cinematography and Film/Video Production
2016 - 2019
Admissions Committee Experience
Activities and societies: Vice President of African-American Cinema Society
Stanford University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Science, Technology, & Society | Iberian & Latin-American Cultures
2010 - 2014
Activities and societies: Stanford Talisman, Club Basketball, Black Recruitment and Orientation Committee, Sophomore Class Cabinet
Tayo was also personally admitted to
The American Film Institute
Chapman University
5.0 average review
1 review
Overall rating
No posts yet
When Tayo posts, it will show up here.