PW Class of 1982: What do you do now for work?

Scooter Johns: I work at NBCUniversal as a room producer.  I coordinate, supervise, and traffic all the on-air promos for the prime-time TV shows on the NBC network. Before that I did promo work at the Fox network for about 16 years. I also worked on independent films as a post-production supervisor for a few years after settling in LA I’ve had all kinds of jobs.

PW Class of 1982: What has your career path been since graduating from PW?

Scooter: I attended the University of Delaware before transferring to Temple University, where I majored in Radio-TV-Film (now called Klein College) and was the weekend sports intern for Gary Papa at WPVI TV (Channel 6) during my last semester in college. But I was fairly aimless after graduating; I didn’t know what I wanted to do) and spent some years in landscaping. I eventually loaded my truck with camping gear and hit the road. It was time to clear the head, visit friends, family, national parks and see the country. Fast-forward to Los Angeles (running out of money). Initially, I did everything from bartending to being an extra on TV shows, appearing on a game show, working live sound on a play, and working as a production assistant. I eventually found more permanent post-production work.

PW Class of 1982: Are you married? Do you have kids?

Scooter: I am divorced and have one son from that marriage, Brandon, who is 27 years old (pictured above). He’s a great guy.  I am now sharing a house with my partner and best friend of almost 16 years, Ashley (pictured right), who is amazing.

PW Class of 1982: What did you dream of becoming in high school?

Scooter: I did not have a solid grasp of the future in high school.  I was living for the moment and enjoying life. I probably wanted to be a rock star. I would have been the perfect candidate to take a year or two off after high school and travel.  (See landscaping work above.)

PW Class of 1982: What advice would you give to your high school self?

Scooter: Travel.  See the world.  You’ll have your entire life to work.

PW Class of 1982: What advice do you have for others about creating your best life?

Scooter: Do what you love. Be happy. Surround yourself with those of a similar mind.

PW Class of 1982: What would you like to say to all of your classmates today?

Scooter: I am sorry I missed the last reunion!  I could not take the time off.  It looks like everyone had fun, and I’ll try to make the next one. I hope everyone is happy.

For those who don’t know, I suffered a stroke in April of this year and spent more than 5 weeks in the hospital. It was due to dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), abnormal connections between arteries, and veins in the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.  If these bleed, they can cause massive headaches and require surgery. This is where I had the stroke. Unbeknownst to me, I was born with this condition, and many go their entire lives without suffering the consequences. I am home now, doing better, and I hope to fully recover from this kind of stroke’s balance, sight, and swallowing issues. Hopefully, I’ll start working again in September.