Welcome investors

Welcome to Coolfield Studios, where empowering creativity is guided by a leadership team with diverse expertise and a shared vision for success. At the helm is CEO Curt Coolidge, a sales world veteran whose strategic insights who will propel our studio to new heights. Benjamin Benefield, our COO, blends over two decades of experience as a producer and composer and technologist, infusing our projects with unparalleled artistic direction. Dan Gabbert, our CCO, brings a wealth of knowledge from the government, education, and health sectors, ensuring our operations are not only innovative but also impactful. Together, these leaders drive Coolfield Studios forward, embodying our commitment to excellence in every endeavor.

Inspired by the explosive growth of the streaming world, envisioned a groundbreaking venture. We observed a shift in the industry, with creatives working remotely, sparking our idea for Coolfield Studios. Our concept: a Midwest-based studio, leveraging lower living costs and wide accessibility, aiming to serve clients globally.

We plan to focus on rising audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and re-recording mixing, alongside the emerging field of virtual production. Recognizing its broad appeal, we aim to cater to advertisers, marketing agencies, and film studios.

Our future vision for Coolfield Studios involves collaboration with industry leaders, creating a hub of expertise. We aspire to build a state-of-the-art multi-media production complex, equipped for advanced mixing, virtual production, live event recording, and XR development, targeting the forefront of tomorrow's technologies.

Meet the Co-Founders

Curt Coolidge is an exemplary figure in the realm of executive leadership, boasting an illustrious career that spans across sales and business development in a variety of sectors. Renowned for his strategic acumen in crafting partnerships, Curt stands out as a master of business networking, adept at weaving together technologies, specialties, and corporations into cohesive, thriving networks. His profound expertise in catalyzing growth and nurturing relationships through adept communication has been a hallmark of his professional journey.

Beyond his business prowess, Curt's artistic endeavors in music—as a producer, vocalist, and instrumentalist—reveal a dynamic range of talents that enrich his leadership capabilities. This creative edge not only adds depth to his professional persona but also infuses innovation and a unique perspective into his leadership style.

At his core, Curt is a visionary, characterized by his progressive mindset and an innate capacity to forecast market trends and seamlessly adapt to evolving business landscapes. This forward-thinking approach is crucial in steering organizations towards a trajectory of sustained success and innovation. Combining a rare blend of creative ingenuity with strategic insight, Curt Coolidge is uniquely poised to navigate the company through the evolving challenges of the future, fostering a legacy of growth, innovation, and lasting prosperity.

Ben is a visionary leader and an innovative creative director whose exceptional talents span film, music, and technology. With a portfolio that shines brightly, his work as a film composer on "They Wait in the Dark" stands as a testament to his ability to not only excel but to push the boundaries of his craft. Beyond his remarkable compositional skills, Ben's prowess extends into producing and directing, as well as leveraging cutting-edge technology to bring creative visions to life. His early start as a director of his first feature film at the age of 20 set the stage for a career marked by diverse achievements, including producing two full-length musicals, releasing two original albums, and contributing to over a dozen independent artists. His film scoring credits include more than 15 independent movies, underscoring his versatility and dedication to the arts. A graduate in music for media, a certified drone pilot, and the owner of an independent film company, Ben embodies the essence of a multifaceted creative force.

However, Ben's talents are not confined to the creative sphere alone. As the COO of a leading national healthcare company, he has showcased his leadership abilities by steering 5 divisions towards increased profitability, reduced expenditure, and the seamless integration of technology. His executive role involved managing an expansive team of over 160 doctors, overseeing operations in two laboratories, and guiding over 30 operational and technician staff. Ben's extensive experience with contracts and strategic direction, combined with his technical savvy and creative acumen, make him an unparalleled leader for Coolfield Studios as its COO. This role has further solidified his reputation as a versatile professional capable of excelling in multiple industries.

Ben's approach to leadership and creative direction is marked by his visionary outlook, innovative concepts, and a keen eye for design and direction. His comprehensive expertise in musical composition, film directing, editing, music recording, virtual production, sound design, and Foley provides him with a unique perspective that enriches every project he touches. Through his deep understanding and multifaceted skill set, Ben significantly contributes to the growth and success of every department he leads, ensuring his impact is both profound and lasting.

Dan Gabbert stands as a beacon of innovation as a Regional Director at Motorola Solutions North America, carving out a distinguished career in the security technology landscape. His tenure at Anthology (formerly Blackboard) as an Account Executive and Solutions Engineer laid the groundwork for his expertise in developing customer-centric educational solutions, setting new benchmarks in the ed-tech domain. His leadership not only spurs team cohesion but also propels regional sales to unprecedented heights, cementing a formidable market presence.

A proud graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dan earned his stripes in Biological Engineering, a discipline that demands not just precision and analytical prowess but also a systematic knack for tackling complex problems. These attributes have been instrumental in his professional journey, enabling him to craft innovative strategies that meet the intricate challenges of today's educational sector. Dan's unique blend of technical acumen, strategic foresight, and dedication to enhancing educational experiences positions him as a pivotal figure in driving forward the future.

Meet the team OF Award Winning DIRECTORS

  • David Frangioni, an award-winning music businessman & entrepreneur, technologist, producer, engineer, consultant, author and drummer, Founder of Audio One and CEO of Frangioni Media & All Access IDA (Inspire & Develop Artists). Lifelong work creating innovative music technology solutions, designing & building world-class studios, entire digital and related music/video/broadcast production facilities, state-of-the-art home theaters, producing music and developing artists, making prolific deals in various aspects of business, it's all about the pursuit of multi-faceted passions. Along with consulting for IMAX private theaters, David is CEO & Publisher of Modern Drummer Magazine & Modern Drummer Publications, the world's #1 drumming publication and digital brand. David’s philanthropy includes the Little Dreams Foundation with Phil Collins, whereby he served as Board Member & Musical Director until 2016. Currently David is a Board member for Musicians On Call, Irie Foundation and Frangioni Foundation, a non-profit mission helping children in need through faith, music, mentoring and drumming.Description text goes here

  • As the Director of Technology, David Frangioni at Coolfield Studios would oversee the technological infrastructure across various domains such as recording studios, studio design, theaters, and other technology-centric projects. His role would encompass the strategic planning and implementation of cutting-edge audio and visual technologies to enhance creative outputs and operational efficiency. Frangioni would likely be responsible for ensuring that recording studios are equipped with the latest in audio recording and mixing equipment, designing studio spaces that optimize acoustics and functionality, integrating advanced projection and sound systems in theaters, and adopting innovative technologies that push the boundaries of media production. His expertise would guide the selection of hardware and software, manage technical teams, and collaborate with artists, producers, and engineers to fulfill the studio's artistic vision and technical requirements. Furthermore, Frangioni's role could involve staying ahead of industry trends, exploring new technologies, and applying his knowledge to elevate Coolfield Studios' capabilities in delivering high-quality, immersive audiovisual experiences.

  • Dann Saxton is a 2x Emmy award winning documentarian, director, producer, and XR music/entertainment industry veteran. He is an accomplished VR/AR mixed-reality and television producer, and was instrumental in guiding the music industry's adoption of virtual and augmented reality platforms and content. He co-founded Los Angeles based mixed-reality technology and content company, VRLIVE, which executed the world’s first live concert broadcast in full 360 VR. The company developed and powered Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences and platforms featuring music artists such as U2, Coldplay, Radiohead, Demi Lovato, Slash, Justin Bieber, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ellie Goulding, Common, Cage The Elephant, Shawn Mendes and others. The company developed groundbreaking technology and experiences for Super Bowl LI, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, iHeartRadio Music Awards, Indy 500, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Lollapalooza, and developed Universal Music Group's XR platform, VRTGO. VRLIVE co-produced the most talked about commercial from Super Bowl LI. Dann won his first Emmy in 2014 for his work producing with CBS, and another Emmy in 2021 for Digital Innovation with DNE's work with the NBA and TNT. text goes here

  • As the Director of XR Development, Dann Saxton would lead Coolfield Studio's venture into creating Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) products. His role would involve spearheading the strategy, development, and execution of VR and AR experiences, aligning these initiatives with Coolfield Studio's vision and goals. Saxton would oversee a multidisciplinary team, bringing together artists, developers, and designers to innovate and create immersive and engaging content for audiences. He would be responsible for guiding the project lifecycle from concept through to deployment, ensuring that each product not only leverages the latest in XR technology for immersive storytelling and interaction but also meets market demands and user expectations. His expertise would also be crucial in identifying new opportunities within the XR space, staying abreast of industry trends, fostering partnerships, and navigating the technical and creative challenges unique to VR and AR content creation. Saxton's leadership would be key in establishing Coolfield Studio as a frontrunner in the XR domain, by delivering cutting-edge experiences that captivate and engage users.

  • Ty Jones erupted from the womb ready to be a filmmaker. He's been writing since he was 7, but once he started making films, he knew he had discovered the purpose for his volcanic imagination. In 1998, Ty picked up an 8mm camera and shot his first film. Since then, he has studied with the Hollywood Film Institute in Chicago and in Los Angeles with Dov Simmons, who also helped Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino begin their careers. He’s a prolific filmmaker who has produced, directed or has been a director of photography for movies, TV, and Web Series that have gained worldwide attention and have played at some of the top film festivals around the world including Cannes, Tribeca, and SXSW and getting worldwide distribution for many of the films he's been apart of. He has over 50 television show credits with TV shows that have played on HBO, NETFLIX and all the Major 3 networks. His passion for his art has always driven him to find the HEART of the story that he tells. He loves telling stories and guiding other filmmakers to tell theirs. 

    Description text goes here

  • As the Director of Production, Ty Jones would play a pivotal role at Coolfield Studios in steering the creation and production of new independent films, commercials, and documentaries. This role involves overseeing every stage of the production process, from initial concept development and scriptwriting to post-production and distribution. Jones would be responsible for assembling and managing production teams, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the studio's quality standards. He would liaise with directors, producers, and other key stakeholders to align the creative vision with practical execution, addressing challenges that arise during production. His responsibilities would also include scouting and securing locations, overseeing casting, and coordinating with departments like cinematography, sound, and lighting to ensure a cohesive and high-quality final product. Additionally, Jones would play a crucial role in fostering relationships with investors, distributors, and marketing teams to maximize the visibility and impact of Coolfield Studio's projects in the market.

  • Kyle Rochlin has worked on a variety of films and TV shows, and has collaborated with many well-known directors and sound teams. Some of his notable credits include "Joker," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "The Revenant," "Her," "Birdman," "The Shape of Water," "La La Land," and "Moonlight." Throughout his career, Rochlin has been recognized for his work in sound editing and mixing. He has been nominated for several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special for his work on "American Horror Story: Hotel." Foley mixing and editing is the process of creating and adding sound effects to a film or TV show, such as footsteps, clothing rustle, and other sounds that are created in a studio and then synced to the visual footage. This process is essential in creating a rich and immersive audio experience for the audience.

  • As the Director of Post Production Audio, Kyle Rochlin would oversee the team responsible for the creation and integration of foley, sound design, Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR), and re-recording mixing for Coolfield Studios' projects. This role entails managing and guiding the audio post-production process to ensure the highest quality of sound is achieved in alignment with the creative vision of the studio's films, commercials, and documentaries. Rochlin would collaborate closely with directors and editors to understand their auditory needs, coordinating efforts to capture, design, and mix sounds that enhance the narrative and emotional impact of the final product. He would be responsible for the technical and creative oversight of recording sessions, sound editing, and final mixdowns, ensuring that all audio elements—from ambient background noises and dialogue to sound effects and musical scores—are harmoniously integrated. Additionally, Rochlin's leadership would involve scheduling and budget management, optimizing workflow, and maintaining state-of-the-art audio post-production facilities to keep Coolfield Studios at the forefront of audio excellence in the industry.

  • Brandon Paddock is an esteemed American audio engineer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work with prominent artists in the music industry. His accomplishments include producing and engineering multiple RIAA platinum-certified records, as well as receiving nominations and awards for his exceptional work. With a career that spans over a decade, Brandon has become a respected figure in the world of audio production, contributing to numerous chart-topping hits and earning accolades for his innovative techniques and deep understanding of the intricacies of sound. Throughout his career, Brandon has worked with an array of distinguished artists, including Avril Lavigne, The Used, and Black Veil Brides, Gavin Degraw, Daughtry, Panic at the Disco any many more. In addition to his work as an audio engineer and producer, Brandon Paddock's unwavering dedication to his craft and his passion for music have made a lasting impact on the music industry. As he continues to push the boundaries of audio production and engineering, his work will undoubtedly shape the soundscape for years to come.

  • As the Director of Recording Arts and Record Label, Brandon Paddock would be at the helm of overseeing Coolfield Studios' music production, artist development, A&R (Artists and Repertoire), sync licensing, and other music-related endeavors. Paddock's role would involve strategizing and executing the studio's vision for discovering, nurturing, and promoting musical talent, ensuring the development and release of high-quality new songs that resonate with audiences. He would lead the team responsible for scouting and signing promising artists, guiding them through the creative process of songwriting, recording, and production. Paddock's expertise would also extend to managing the intricate process of sync licensing, negotiating rights for the studio's music catalog to be used in films, commercials, and other media, thereby opening additional revenue streams. His responsibilities would encompass collaboration with marketing and distribution teams to maximize the reach and impact of the studio's music releases. Through his leadership, Paddock would aim to build a dynamic and successful record label division within Coolfield Studios, characterized by a diverse roster of artists and a catalog of compelling, commercially viable music.

  • Jon Trozzolo is an entrepreneur based in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the owner of StagePort KC, a production facility that provides space for film, television, and theater productions. Trozzolo has a diverse background in business and entertinament services and has been involved in a variety of ventures throughout his career. He has developed numerous productions in the Kansas City. In recent years, Trozzolo has focused on developing StagePort KC, a state-of-the-art production facility that provides space for film and television productions, as well as theater rehearsals and performances. The facility includes several sound stages, dressing rooms, production offices, and other amenities to support productions of all sizes. Trozzolo is committed to supporting the arts and creative industries in the Kansas City area, and StagePort KC is one of many initiatives he has undertaken to support this mission.

  • As the Director of Virtual Production, Jon Trozzolo would spearhead Coolfield Studios' virtual production division, overseeing the provision of studio and equipment rentals specifically geared towards the unique needs of virtual production projects. His leadership would encompass managing a talented team of 3D architects and modelers proficient in creating Unreal Engine content, crucial for crafting immersive virtual environments and visuals. Trozzolo's role involves not only the strategic development of virtual production capabilities but also ensuring that the studio's infrastructure is at the cutting edge, equipped with the latest in LED volume stages, motion capture systems, and other virtual production technologies. He would work closely with clients—ranging from filmmakers to game developers—to understand their creative and technical requirements, offering tailored solutions that leverage virtual production's potential to bring complex visions to life with unprecedented efficiency and realism. By fostering innovation and excellence in virtual production, Trozzolo would enhance Coolfield Studios' reputation as a premier destination for creators seeking to explore new frontiers in digital storytelling and content creation.

  • Tobie Joeckel comes from the Federal Reserve and is a highly accomplished IT professional with extensive experience in infrastructure design and deployment, and cloud architecture environments. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional results, Tobie has become a leading expert in the design, development, and maintenance of complex compute and cloud-based systems for a wide range of organizations. As a senior IT professional, Tobie is known for his exceptional leadership skills and his ability to build and manage high-performing teams. His dedication to delivering outstanding service to his clients has earned him the trust and respect of colleagues and clients alike. Tobie is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry, and he is always looking for ways to leverage emerging technologies to create innovative solutions that deliver real value to his clients.

  • As the Director of Information Technology, Tobie Joeckel would lead Coolfield Studios' IT department, overseeing a team of network engineers, cloud architects, and security specialists to ensure the studio's technology infrastructure supports its operational and creative endeavors. Joeckel's responsibilities would encompass the development and maintenance of a robust IT framework, focusing on network reliability, cloud storage solutions, and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and intellectual property. By strategizing the deployment of cutting-edge IT solutions, he would facilitate seamless collaboration across departments, enabling efficient data management and accessibility for projects. Additionally, Joeckel would oversee the implementation of disaster recovery plans and compliance with data protection regulations, ensuring the studio's technology resources are secure and resilient against threats. His leadership would be instrumental in fostering an environment where technology empowers creativity and productivity, positioning Coolfield Studios at the forefront of digital innovation in the entertainment industry.

  • Tim Marks is a versatile entrepreneur and leader, currently based in Kansas City, Missouri. With a passion for comedy and entertainment, Tim is the proud owner of The KC Improv Company, a popular venue that showcases the best local and national talent in improvisational and scripted comedy. Tim is a graduate of The Duke University School of Law, and practiced as a litigator for 12 years, representing major corporations as well as small businesses. After gaining valuable experience in employment law, Tim transitioned into the world of human resources and became the recruitment director for a major corporation. During this time, Tim honed his skills in talent acquisition and management, which later served him well in his role as owner of The KC Improv Company. Tim's leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in the growth and success of The KC Improv Company, which expanded to offer team-building and communications training to corporate clients. Under his guidance, his actors and improv instructors have performed and/or taught throughout the Midwest and in 16 states throughout the country. Tim is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all performers and audience members, and is dedicated to promoting diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.

  • As the Director of Operations, Tim Marks would be responsible for the smooth functioning of Coolfield Studios through the oversight of administrative processes, recruitment, employee relations, human resources, and other operational areas. Marks' role would involve streamlining studio operations to enhance efficiency and productivity, ensuring that all departments are well-coordinated and aligned with the studio's strategic objectives. He would lead efforts in hiring and developing talent, maintaining a positive work environment, and implementing policies that support staff welfare and professional growth. Additionally, Marks would oversee the management of budgets, facilities, and resources, ensuring that projects are executed within financial constraints while maintaining high standards of quality. His leadership would also extend to ensuring compliance with legal and industry regulations, safeguarding the studio against operational risks. Through his comprehensive management of the studio's operational backbone, Marks would play a critical role in enabling creative teams to focus on their artistic projects, thereby contributing to the overall success and sustainability of Coolfield Studios.

  • As a senior client executive, Megan is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in managing relationships with high-profile clients and delivering exceptional service. Her expertise lies in the intersection of business and entertainment, and possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in this fast-paced and ever-changing industry. Throughout her career, she has built a strong network of contacts in the entertainment industry, including agents, managers, producers, and executives. Megan is skilled at identifying emerging trends and market opportunities, and has a proven track record of developing successful strategies to capitalize on them. Megan is a natural leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and is known for her ability to build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with clients.

  • As the Director of Experience Advisors, Megan Hoops would lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional service to Coolfield Studios' high-end clientele, including directors, producers, artists, and other studios. Her role would involve acting as a pivotal liaison between the sales and technology departments, ensuring that client needs are seamlessly integrated with the studio's technological capabilities and services. Hoops would oversee personalized consultations and engagements, understanding each client's unique requirements and guiding them through the studio's offerings to enhance their creative projects and collaborations. Her responsibilities would also include developing strategies to maintain and improve client satisfaction, implementing feedback mechanisms, and ensuring that the studio remains responsive to the evolving needs of its prestigious clients. By fostering strong relationships and delivering tailored solutions that leverage Coolfield Studios' technological and creative strengths, Megan Hoops and her team of Experience Advisors would play a crucial role in sustaining the studio's reputation for excellence and innovation in serving top-tier industry professionals.