Beginning his career in 1978, Mr. Watson was first selected as a 'Natural Photographer', trained 'on-the-job and quickly promoted to U.S. Navy cameraman. But it was only after completing an overseas tour of duty, that Airman Watson was formally trained at the historic U.S. Naval Schools of Photography in Pensacola Florida, having already proven his skills in the field.

Within 17 years of Naval photographic service, Mr. Watson was attached to several elite units, Combat Camera; Psychological Ops; Naval Intelligence;

Special Investigations; Public Affairs; and Armed Forces Radio and Television Stations (AFRTS), his designation - 8143 MoPic, film and television production.

Mr. Watson completed academic studies in film production at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale), while working as a News Film Camera Assistant, when quickly promoted to Video

Cameraman at the PBS station - WSIU, to shoot a variety of TV programs and training students, operating the first-generation of analog EFP/video cameras and edit systems.

In his civilian career, Mr. Watson has been employed as an Assistant Cameraman, Studio Mechanic, and Cameraman working a diverse variety of productions sets in various positions; feature films to live international network TV feeds; music videos; documentaries; industrials; informericals; documericals; and commercials. Starting Optic Nerve FilmWorks in 2002.

As a Producer/Director and DP-Operator, Mr. Watson has also written ~ produced ~ directed a sci-fi feature film ("The Lot"); authored scripts; developed and built specialized photographic devices or "GAGS"; created special visual effects using a variety imaging softwares; and makes panoramic and 3D photographic art as a productive hobby.

Awarded the U.S. National Defense ribbon for service during Gulf War; The USN Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award with commendations for "The U.S.S. Constitution" in 1992; Best Documentary awarded at Athens Film Fest for 'The FBI Vs Black America'; three Emmy's - three categories in one season, a 'Hat Trick' for ("Aids: Its Not Over" best local program, "Up N' Running" Best Children Show, "Around Town Saturday Night" Best Local series), with one industrial award ("The Power To Make A Difference").