Crafting Compelling Narratives: Expert Video Editor and Content Creator with a Proven Track Record in Sports Media and Digital Storytelling.
Philip Hughes is a seasoned content creator and video editor based in Cary, North Carolina, with over two decades of experience in the media and communications industry. With a strong foundation in writing and journalism, Philip began his career as a freelance journalist and managing editor, crafting compelling narratives for various sports media outlets, including SB Nation, The Inquisitr, Fanzone, Yardbarker, Warpath, HAIL, and Stadium Rant. His passion for storytelling and keen eye for detail quickly led him to explore the dynamic world of video editing, where he discovered a new medium to express his creative vision.
Philip’s expertise in video editing was honed through his work at HTTR4LIFE LLC, where he seamlessly transitioned from writing to creating visually captivating content for a diverse audience. As a Marketing Manager at Lakefield Ventures, he leveraged his skills to produce engaging marketing videos, elevating brand awareness and driving customer engagement. His proficiency in editing software, combined with his storytelling prowess, has made him a versatile creator who thrives in fast-paced environments.
In addition to his professional achievements, Philip has built a substantial social media presence, boasting over 157,000+ followers on Facebook and 18,000 subscribers on YouTube. His ability to connect with audiences across multiple platforms showcases his adaptability and innovative approach to content creation.
Philip holds a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Programming from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). With a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling, Philip continues to push the boundaries of media, inspiring audiences with every project.
While Philip has only been producing video content since 2007, he’s been an active content creator for much longer. Much of his success is tied to social media, in particular, Facebook, where he grew his Washington Redskins following enough to catch the eye of the team itself, a partnership that led to joint ventures in trying to keep the team’s name. That partnership grew over time before the team was eventually sold. In addition to his main Facebook account (The Burgundy & Gold), Philip’s social media prowess stretches to other Facebook pages (NFC East page is linked), as well as several YouTube channels (Commanders channel has 18k+ subscribers, NFL channel has 84k+).
While football has been the median that has grown Philip’s social following, he follows all major sports and, for a brief time, blogged about college sports and the NHL as well.
Background: As a younger man raising two young girls Philip worked construction and eventually became a warehouse supervisor before taking a job with a small marketing firm. In 2006, he started making YouTube videos, just blogs at first, but over time, the videos turned into the film sessions he does today. Along the way, he’s been part of several content creation teams, including ongoing employment with Vox Media, past connections with Fox Sports (Yardbarker), and MSN Sports News Networks. In 2011, Philip founded HTTR4LIFE.com, a site that, even in smaller circulation, still has over 10,000 visitors a month.
Philosophy: Philip believes nothing good ever came out of going in half-stepping. The issues he’s faced have been more so because of lack of opportunity. When he creates content, he does so for the hardcore fan who loves the action but doesn’t quite know the game as well and may need direction. He tries to avoid technical terminology in some cases but can give an hour-long lecture on just about any topic.
Projects: Philip didn’t keep complete track of every project he did over the last decade and a half, partly because of the NDA (non-disclosure agreements) he signed and partly because of copyright issues (highlights/content in the earlier years of YouTube). So, there’s not much in terms of pre-pandemic content to show except on Facebook. But since the pandemic, Philip has been keeping better track of things, including his ‘Watchin’ Film With Phil’ series of All-22 Film Review over on YouTube.
Watchin’ Film With Phil:
- This is an in-depth All-22 Film Review/Analysis of Washington Commanders players/prospects in video format, designed to simplify watching the film without a lot of technical talks.
- Short and long-form videos.
- While this series is based around Washington Commanders players/prospects, I’ve started to expand it to college players and other NFL teams.
- Adobe Premiere Pro/Adobe Creative Suite was used in the making of all of these.
- Below is a link to a playlist of 75+ videos from this series. Also, you’ll find the last three episodes.
- Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsEA90jZJh-V6Zx-8ru5lMwh2Xi_kpPqF
NFL Fanzone
- Similar to the project above, we also worked lightly with several NFL teams for two seasons on video production on our other YouTube channel. Simple promotion partnership.
Carolina Mudcats
- Filmed batting practice and games, edited them, and submitted them to the video department. Paid as a contracted video production assistant.
- Also helped with small amounts of social media advice and editing with their group.
Durham Bulls
- It was much the same as above: Filmed batting practice and games, edited them, and submitted them to their video department.
- Both jobs dried up during the pandemic and weren’t reestablished.
HTTR4LIFE.com
The website you’re on currently. While it’s not regularly used as much since Philip shifted over to video and posting directly on Facebook more, it still gets tons of monthly viewers. As you can see, there is a historical presence to it that brings “green content viewership” along with a current vibe.
Vox Media/SB Nation – Hogshaven.com
Philip’s move into online content was boosted by his involvement with Ken Meringold and Kevin Ewolt with Hogshaven.com. Back in those days, SBNation was its own entity before Vox Media bought the company out. Since joining as a simple user, Philip became an editor with the company (Vox for 12 years) before stepping away last year. He still does some content with the company as a paid content creator (‘Watchin’ Film With Phil’ is contracted as a feature series on their site).
DC Area Artist Black Boo/Mambo Sauce
Local area band that contracted us several years ago to do Redskins music. We started back up last season with the videos being uploaded to Twitter/X and their Instagram accounts. Below are a few of those videos.
Social Media:
Facebook – Over 157,000 rabid burgundy and gold fans…Philip built this organically with NO ads. Here’s a link to the videos uploaded on that page…There were several highlight/mix videos back in 2014-2016. https://www.facebook.com/HTTR4LIFE/videos
Primary YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@HTTR4LIFE
2nd YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@NFLFanzone
Twitter/X – https://x.com/PhilipHughesNFL
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ratedredskins/
Threads – https://www.threads.net/@ratedredskins
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/httr4life/
Range of Technical Skills:
Over the years, I’ve acquired a unique set of content creation skills that span several genres, including self-publishing, copywriting, video editing, Podcasting, WordPress designing/editing, and marketing analysis.
Proficient in:
- WordPress and SEO Practices
- Adobe Master Collection, now Creative Cloud (upgraded in the last year)
- Adobe InDesign (eBook designer)
- Photoshop
- Sound and Visual Formatting
Philip Hughes – (919) 561-3716 – [email protected]
Feel free to reach out whenever is convenient for your situation. Currently, Philip is seeking FT/PT employment but is open to contract situations. He would prefer to work remotely.
