Origins
Nick Smeloff Jr. started in media production at age 17, driven by a passion for visual storytelling that would define his career. He pursued his craft at Columbia College Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 2006 — laying the academic foundation for a career that would span two decades and counting.
From the very beginning, Nick understood that great storytelling is about more than just pointing a camera. It's about capturing the essence of a moment, a brand, a person — and translating that into something that moves people.
“That Dog'el Hunt.” — Nick Smeloff
Early Career
Between 2006 and 2010, Nick cut his teeth on independent films — working as a sound mixer, recordist, and cinematographer on projects like "The Dirty Bird" (2008), "Lovers" (2006), "Running Home" (2006), and "The Kopper Kettle" (2007). He also directed "Nudi on the Beach" and "Tapestry: Have U Seen the Stars 2Nite?"
In 2008, Nick moved into television production in Houston, Texas, joining KBTU-TV Channel 55 / USFR Media. Over three years, he served as Director, Technical Director, Editor, and Videographer — producing three seasons of "High School Sports Live," episodes of "Sports off Center with Craig Roberts," and one season of "In the Bunkhouse with Red Stegal."
“Yeah, lets capture that.” — Nick Smeloff
The Texas Years
In 2011, Nick joined KBTX-TV in Bryan, Texas, starting as Technical Content Producer before being promoted to Chief Photographer in April 2013. This role sharpened his eye for compelling visual narratives in a fast-paced news environment.
Then came the opportunity that would earn him national recognition: from October 2013 to July 2015, Nick served as Producer & Chief Photographer for "The Texas Bucket List" at McAuliffe Productions. The show aired in 23 markets across Texas, North Carolina, Colorado, and Nevada — and the Perini Ranch Steakhouse episode earned an Emmy nomination.
Achievement Unlocked
🏆 Emmy Nomination — "The Texas Bucket List"
Building the Brand
In July 2015, Nick founded NS Brand Productions — now NSBrand Creative LLC — a boutique production company based in Fort Myers, Florida, focused on helping businesses grow and expand their media presence.
During this period, Nick also continued honing his craft through news photography at Waterman Broadcasting (2016–2017) and brand promotion work for Bruno Total Home Performance (2017–2019), producing social media content for branding and marketing purposes.
“What's that there?” — Nick Smeloff
NSBrand Creative
The current chapter of Nick's career is defined by NSBrand Creative LLC — a full-service production company that has propelled diverse businesses to million-dollar gains through comprehensive advertising, video production, branding, and storytelling.
From December 2020 to September 2023, Nick served as Video and Marketing lead for Plumbing Nerds, producing an extensive body of work including commercials, the 5-episode "Fixtures" series, the 5-episode "Plumbing Autopsy" educational series, and personality-driven social media content.
His commercial for All U Need Pest Control earned a three-time Telly Award, including the prestigious 46th Telly Award Silver Badge. In January 2026, Nick authored and narrated the audiobook "So You Have Been Slapped by the Hand of God: Now What?" — published by NSBrand Creative LLC.
Achievement Unlocked
🏆 46th Telly Award — Silver Badge
Today, Nick continues to help businesses tell their stories through the lens of NSBrand Creative — combining two decades of experience with a relentless passion for visual storytelling.
“Emmy-nominated with over two decades of experience in film and television, NSBrand Creative LLC, has propelled diverse businesses to million-dollar gains.”
