TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Haltom dedicated countless hours capturing film and video for Texas High School.
In College Station, Texas, amidst a sea of enthusiastic fans, Jackson Haltom found himself in a moment he couldn’t have envisioned just a few years prior. He witnessed Tyler Toney, co-founder of the popular YouTube group Dude Perfect, successfully execute a field goal kick during ESPN’s live college football show, College GameDay . As the ball sailed through the uprights, the crowd erupted in celebration. Reflecting on the experience, Haltom shared, “My most memorable moment with Dude Perfect has definitely been back at Texas A&M with my best friends. Seeing Ty make that field goal in front of 10,000 students was a truly full-circle moment for me.” This event not only highlighted the group’s deep ties to their alma mater but also underscored the unexpected opportunities that content creation has afforded them.
Haltom said. “I just posted a video the other day that got over 160 million views and it’s very encouraging to see your videos have an impact like that. I’ve slowly gotten used to the crazy environment, and I love it.” Haltom and the Dude Perfect teams work together to ensure their productions run seamlessly and their viewers get the highest quality videos. “We have a team that handles a lot of the business deals, and a lot of times they have requests for videos to be put on social media,” Haltom said. “The Dudes grant us full creative freedom, and they will even help come up with ideas occasionally.” With the constant evolution of social media and technology, it is helpful having people who can tap into new ideas. “Jackson (along with team member Clay Medling) have really helped change the tone of our social presence. By tapping into popular trends, they’ve given our social media a much younger and more current vibe,” said Cotton. “‘The chill guy’ post on [November 25] exemplifies this for me. Nothing fancy, just creative and really struck a positive nerve with our fans.” Haltom’s success in the media field has affected not only his viewer’s perspective of social media, but his family’s as well. “Through Jackson’s professional experiences in the digital world, my perspective on the ‘traditional way’ of getting a job, interviewing, and navigating life is NOT the traditional way anymore!” Hatridge said. “Jackson may not know this, but he’s raising me in this ‘new era.’ I have embraced the idea that I am among many that are watching our kids pave a new way of life in the digital age. The digital world makes things so much easier and opens up endless possibilities.” Moving forward, Haltom is hoping to continue growing his skills and improving with Dude Perfect, and looks forward to whatever opportunities the future may hold. “Over the next few years, I would
For a visual recap of this memorable moment, scan here to view the video.
love to continue to learn and grow in this position, continue to grow closer to God, and hopefully win an Emmy in the near future, if possible,” Haltom said. “I don’t see myself leaving Dude Perfect anytime soon, but a goal of mine is to direct marketing campaigns for Nike or Adidas and eventually directing movies.” Haltom hopes to leave people knowing they can do and create whatever they set their minds to, while emphasizing the fact that content creation can pave the way to a successful career. “I want to inspire people to create whatever they’re passionate about, to be able to share their vision in their own creative ways,” Haltom said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be able to give people advice on how to find success while pursuing a career in creative media.”
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LIFE & STYLE
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