Direction Division
Florida Whammy Entertainment’s Direction Division is responsible for all the real-time functions and show production and direction processes that occur within FWE. Headed by Jonathan Nielsen, this division is charged with Show Setup, Show Runtime, Prize Management, Contestant Management and Procurement, VTR Setup, Showtime Operations, Celebrity Management, and Engine Programming.
You can meet the people of the Direction Division below, and see what it is they do! Clicking their name will take you to their full biography, which among other things, tell you more about their job title.
Executive Director
Jonathan T. Nielsen
Seasons 1-6
Jonathan T. Nielsen
Executive Director
The Executive Director’s role is to oversee all operations functions immediately before, during and after showtime. Jon oversees the entire Direction Division, delegating and assisting with show functions and showtime operations. Jonathan also is our Lead Programmer and programs most of the shows that FWE uses. Jonathan also is in charge of the majority of at-convention operations.
Senior Director
Erik Watkins
Seasons 1-3, 6
Erik Watkins
Senior Director
The Senior Director is the right hand to the Executive Director, and often is working on preparations for the current show when the Executive Director is worrying about a show that is on immediately after another.
Stage Manager
Casey Sanders
Seasons 4-6
Casey Sanders
Stage Manager
When the previous panel is clear from the room, that’s when Casey steps in. As Stage Manager, he’s the one that coordinates loading in all the technical gear that FWE brings to bear for each show.
Control Director
Ronnie Arcaro
Seasons 4-6
Ronnie Arcaro
Control Director
When it’s showtime, it’s Ronnie that’s giving the stage that final once-over and making sure that convention staff is all good with the FWE team before showtime begins; because once the show begins, Ronnie’s #1 in maintaining show integrity.
Guest Coordinator
Kay Franco
Seasons 4-6
Kay Franco
Guest Coordinator
[ Description coming soon! ]
Audience & Contestant Coordinator
Justin Haimes
Seasons 4-6
Justin Haimes
Audience & Contestant Coordinator
[ Description coming soon! ]
Production Assistant
Nathaniel Farrington
Seasons 3-6
Nathaniel Farrington
Production Assistant
Nate’s been with FWE since the expansion out of the Jacksonville area; helping as needed from show setup to computer operation.
Other Production Assistants include Kay Franco, Lisa Parke, and Owen Kim.
Local Stage Crew
Off-Site
Toby Mosher
Seasons 3-6
Toby Mosher
Off-Site Support
Toby is the man we call when we’re at a convention and need something done that requires internet access. Toby’s job is to figure out Solutions to problems that the Executive team can’t figure out (or doesn’t have the time to). Toby also helps alleviate the workload of the Executive team whenever they are particularly swamped with work before a convention/event.
Gainesville
James Hamlin
Seasons 4-6
James Hamlin
Local Stage Crew (Gainesville)
James joined the team in Season 4 as our Lead Camera Operator; however dedication to his education (now as a student at the Executive Director’s alma mater), he has stepped back to supporting the team locally.
Assistant Programmer & Gainesville Crew
Joshua Horton
Seasons 1-6
Joshua Horton
Local Stage Crew (Gainesville)
Josh has been with the team in programming support since Season 1 when the original custom Press Your Luck was being built; but the team for the Season 5 once Florida Whammy returned to their Alma Mater!
Jacksonville
Serina Wade
Seasons 1-6
Serina Wade
Local Stage Crew (Jacksonville)
Vanna White since day 1 is the best way to describe the third member to join the FWE team; a part of our shows every year.