our story

The Cast Collective began with one simple goal: to help share people’s stories. In a time where there is so much division in our culture, we need to be able to listen to each other to understand rather than just to respond. Erin wanted to create a space where free thought and speech would be encouraged and celebrated. After moving to Nashville in 2008, she watched this city grow and flourish into a hub for young talent, fresh perspectives, and creative genius. She graduated from Vanderbilt in 2012 and video production became her new home for creative expression. Flash forward, she now has 11 years of experience in production and broadcasting, much of which came from her role as the Director of Video Production and Broadcasting at Vanderbilt Athletics (the first female to ever hold that position). Erin also has years of knowledge and experience in short-form content creation and live television, occupying every role from live camera operation and audio engineering to color commentary and sideline reporting. She has directed, produced, and edited high-quality, long-form content that aired on major networks like SEC Network and ESPN. Her deepest passion lies in long-form documentary-style filmmaking.

Her newest venture, The Cast Collective, started as a video production company and quickly expanded to be much more than that. The space is a creative hub where individuals can get guidance and tools to bring their own ideas to life. The plans for this company extend far beyond 16th Avenue, but we wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise :)

— ERIN DUGAN

MEET THE FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

  • Sean Dugan

    Head of Editing & Production

    Sean graduated from The University of Tennessee with a degree in Marketing and a collateral in Entrepreneurship. He did music-related video production after college before taking on the lead production role for a major comedy podcast. Now full time with The Cast Collective, Sean specializes in podcast production and video editing (and is a master in all things YouTube). Favorite things: Stand up comedy. NBA basketball. Dogs.

  • Corey Williams

    Videography & Post-Production

    Corey is a videographer, photographer, and editor with a true passion for the arts. He is always looking to expand his knowledge and expertise. Corey grew up in a small town in Alabama and moved to Nashville in 2015 with a love for art, adventure, and all things outdoors. When he’s not behind the camera getting the shot or behind a computer adding some flare to a project, Corey can be found with his dog Caesar cuddled up on the couch, exploring the outdoors, listening to music, or working on an art project.

  • Michaela Dolph

    Video Editor

    Michaela is a videographer, photographer, and editor originally from Gainesville, Virginia. She is also a recent graduate from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Emerging Media and Video Production. During her time at Belmont she worked hands-on with podcast producing, concert photography, and all things video production. In her free time you’ll find Michaela watching Gilmore Girls, cuddling with her roommate’s cat, or attending one of her friends' various live music gigs here in Nashville.

  • Sam Sackstein

    Content Manager & Strategist

    Sam is from Fair Lawn, New Jersey! He is a recent Creative & Entertainment Industries graduate from Belmont University and specializes in social media management. He is super passionate about all things pop culture and social media, but when he's not online, you can catch him playing weekly trivia with friends and finding the best chicken tenders in Nashville. He is our subtle, in-house comedian… but he isn’t JUST a personality hire.

  • Toby Friedman

    Audio Engineer & Editor

    Toby is a recent graduate from Belmont University and studied Audio Engineering Technology Major with an Accounting Minor. He is from Asheville, North Carolina. Outside of school, Toby enjoys attending concerts and making music with friends. He is looking forward to working with The Cast Collective on the Stained Glass Series.

interns

  • Catie Grace

    Catie Grace is a Marketing and Management student at Lipscomb University, originally from Lexington, Kentucky. She is passionate about planning and bringing creative visions to life in event spaces! She loves creating flower arrangements and running with her local run club in her free time. She is excited to learn in areas of production planning as well as collaborating with The Cast Collective team!

  • Ifedayo

    Ifedayo is an editor and cinematographer based in Nashville, TN, studying Motion Pictures at Belmont University. He works professionally in a wide range of productions, including short films, music videos, and marketing & event videography and photography. Ifedayo is seeking to continue bringing stories to life while forming genuine connections, and is excited to learn from and contribute to production at The Cast Collective!

  • Dominique

    Dominique is a rising senior at Vanderbilt University studying Human and Organizational Development with a minor in Business. She is originally from Orange County, California, and enjoys traveling (she recently studied abroad in Barcelona last semester), going to the beach, and taking long walks to grab coffee with friends. She is passionate about improving organizational structures in the workplace and building meaningful connections in collaborative environments.

  • Liz

    Liz is a Media Production and German double Major from Chatham, New Jersey! In her time at Belmont, she has made music videos, worked on the Belmont Showcase Series, and created her own docuseries about Female Solo Traveling. She finds joy in hiking, listening to live music, introducing her friends to each other and discovering new artists, which makes Music City the ideal place to be. She looks forward to expanding her production skill set with The Cast Collective!

  • Maddie

    Maddie is a Music Business Major from Blackfoot, Idaho! She is passionate about the creative industries, but particularly event planning. When she's not busy planning, Maddie is probably spending time outdoors or working on her latest craft project. She is excited to be working with the team at The Cast Collective!

  • Luisa

    Luisa is a Media Management student at MTSU. She is fond of live production operations ranging from beauty pageants to film screenings partially due to her credits as a former Miss Alabama Teen America and event coordinator for the documentary: Clemmie G Unfiltered. When she is not studying she is most likely journaling about a new research topic and working as a private nanny. She hopes to further develop her ‘human catch-all’ repute and is so grateful for this opportunity to support and learn from The Cast Collective team.

  • Malini

    Malini is a Human and Organizational Development student at Vanderbilt University, originally from Delaware. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and appreciates the role that aesthetics and design play in shaping how people connect. In her free time, Malini enjoys fashion, playing tennis, and practicing hot yoga. She is excited to learn and collaborate with The Cast Collective team!

  • Mary

    Mary is a Motion Pictures major at Belmont University, originally from Saratoga Springs, New York. She is passionate about films and believes a great film can spark reflection, and even inspire change within people’s lives. Mary hopes to one day create films that do just that. Mary is excited to be a part of The Cast Collective team, learning and contributing as much as she can along the way.