Currently the wave park industry is experiencing its Gold Rush with projects being announced globally. There is many needs for fresh new media for a wave park project. Media including photo and videos of testing the wave during construction, all the initial media of the venue and staff, and preliminary marketing material for launch of the wave park. My goal is to have John Cocozza Productions considered for the creation of this media including photos and video either as an independent contractor or as part of the wave park staff.
My background in the surfing industry started on the New Jersey shore photographing for local east coast surf magazines. In 1999, I moved to San Diego where I began my apprenticeship with legendary surf photographer and clothing manufacturer Aaron Chang. As of today, I currently produce videos for Aaron Chang Galleries. For 7 years, starting around 2003 I worked directly for Surfshot Media, which produced Surfshot Magazine and ran Surfshot.com, as their staff photographer and advertising sales rep. In addition to Surfshot Media I consistently submitted work out to other industry publications as wells as shooting advertising for industry brands. In late 2021, I launched my own surf media brand called SLAW TV featuring my surfing video archives as well as producing new content consisting of raw footage of swells, highlight sessions, interviews of surfers, product reviews, and more.
In regards to charitable work, since 2003 I have volunteered as the in water photographer for the annual Luau & Legends of Surfing Invitational benefiting Moores Cancer Foundation at UC San Diego. Several years ago I started working with their board of advisors on media production of the event and also creation of marketing pieces for promotions and advertising.
I believe my background in the surf industry spanning over 20 years gives me a good understanding of the surf culture surrounding the potential wave parks and how to work with the athletes of the sport.