Rusty Nelson (1957)

Nelson

Rusty Nelson was born in Abington just outside Philadelphia and graduated with honors and a BS degree in Business Management from University of Dayton's School of Business. Following college, Senator and Astronaut John Glenn personally recommended him to the Air Force's elite flight school. He was quickly hand picked to a select group flying the U-2 spy plane whose missions were briefed to the President, CIA and DEA. During this time he capitalized on his selection to Graduate School by graduating in the top five of his class. Upon leaving the military with honors, Nelson became the CEO of a light manufacturing company; Cedar Mountain Inc. Mr. Nelson sold his portion of the business to accomplish another life long goal of becoming a director. Taking the same professionalism and dedication with him, Rusty started an intensive self-educating endeavor to learn the art of filmmaking. Realizing the importance of understanding various professions in the filmmaking process, Rusty started taking acting lessons to work with actors from the inside out. To better understand the mechanics of production management, he worked as a PA, Grip, Gaffer, Stand-in, camera operator, Director of Photography, Editor and Producer to enhance his abilities. He also directed various short films, TV shows and commercials. The shorts were not made for festivals but rather as a training tool. Even so, they all made it into various festivals. Virus³, his last short was nominated for a Slate Award and Best Short. In addition, the Lee Strasberg Institute selected Rusty to premiere the project. Rusty's training is not limited to the mechanics of production. He took the next step in this endeavor and moved from Sacramento to LA with the goal of directing a TV show. On the fifth month he was asked to direct his first TV show for FOX Sports Net.