The Team
Emmy-winning storytellers, editors, and visual thinkers rooted in nonfiction film and real-world storytelling.
Aaron Ernst – President
Aaron Ernst is an Emmy-winning filmmaker and creative leader with a background in long form documentary film, hybrid storytelling, and immersive media. He has directed and produced high-impact work for PBS Frontline, Netflix, Vice on HBO, and Court TV—known for his ability to translate complex, high-stakes subjects into cinematic narratives driven by human emotion and journalistic integrity.
As the former Chief Creative Officer at LIT VideoBooks, Aaron helped pioneer a new visual format for nonfiction storytelling, overseeing the production pipeline and helping secure $5M in funding. His creative leadership extends from concept to final frame—assembling exceptional teams, shaping editorial arcs, and delivering stories that not only inform but resonate. At Trapper Creek Media, he brings that same rigor and vision to every project—focusing on truth, character, and visual craft to tell stories that matter.
Adam Uhl – Cinematographer
Adam Uhl is an award-winning cinematographer and producer whose work spans documentary, television, and narrative film. Known for his dynamic compositions and emotionally resonant visuals, Adam brings a rare blend of technical mastery and humanistic sensitivity to every project he touches.
Over the past decade, Adam has built a reputation for visually driven, socially conscious storytelling. His cinematography on the acclaimed feature documentary Mala Mala—a portrait of trans lives in Puerto Rico—earned him the Best Cinematography award at the 2015 Social Impact Media Awards. The film itself went on to win multiple international festival honors and remains a touchstone for LGBTQ+ documentary storytelling.
Adam’s credits include an eclectic mix of celebrated series and films, such as Losers (Netflix), Somebody Feed Phil, Untold, Meltdown: Three Mile Island, Who’s Annie?, and Appropriate Behavior. Whether working on vérité documentary, stylized narrative, or unscripted television, his work stands out for its emotional intelligence, careful composition, and cinematic flair.
Sara Masetti – Senior Producer
Sara Masetti is a seasoned producer and editor whose work spans some of the most recognizable nonfiction series of the past decade. With a background that bridges creative development, editorial finesse, and on-the-ground production, she brings a rare versatility to every project—balancing big-picture storytelling with hands-on execution.
Sara’s credits include high-impact titles for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube Originals, and Court TV, with standout work on series like Coronavirus, Explained, Whose Vote Counts, Eater’s Guide to the World, Glad You Asked, and Growing Up (Disney+). Her producing work has helped bring clarity and heart to some of the most timely, complex, and culturally resonant topics in recent media.
Roman Safiullin – Senior Editor
Roman Safiullin is an Emmy-winning video editor and a master of the cutting room, bringing over a decade of experience and a keen narrative sensibility to Trapper Creek Media. He’s recently cut projects for a remarkable roster of clients, including NBC, Vox, VICE, HBO, The Criterion Collection, and ESPN, among others. Roman possesses a rare talent for transforming raw footage into polished, impactful films that not only look cinematic but also resonate deeply with audiences.
Jared Hedges – Lead Motion Designer
Jared Hedges is a highly accomplished Motion Designer, bringing a dynamic blend of creative vision and strategic execution to Trapper Creek Media. With extensive experience, Jared has led motion design for global campaigns with major brands such as Google, LEGO, Microsoft, McDonald’s, and UPS. He excels at translating complex ideas into visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated content.
Jared’s work brings animated clarity and emotion to diverse narratives across top platforms, including Sesame Street, Comedy Central, and Amazon. His innovative approach is exemplified in projects like “Streaming IRL, Accomplice to Murder,” where he created cinematic animation for a hybrid documentary series, expertly translating intricate concepts into clear, compelling visual narratives.
Simon Ampel – Art Director
Simon Ampel is a seasoned animator, illustrator, storyboard artist, and art director with over 20 years of professional experience in the animation and illustration industry. Raised near Woodstock, New York, Ampel graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan in 2002, where he was mentored by the legendary animator Ralph Baksh. He is known for his expertise in traditional hand-drawn animation, though he now works primarily with digital tools.
Ampel’s career encompasses a wide range of creative roles, including animation direction, storyboarding, character design, project management, and creative direction. He has contributed to commercials, television shows, feature films, music videos, pitches, and comic books, working both independently and with leading studios and agencies.
